Nightforce SHV 4-14x50 F1 .1 vs Nightforce NX8 2.5-20x50

[jip40]

Looking for some opinions on the two Nightforces. Curious if the $700 difference is really worth it. The magnification range on the new NX8 makes it really attractive. I'm looking for a new scope to put on a mtn rifle. Currently have a Leupold 6.5-20x 50 that almost forced me to miss out a close shot due to low end being 6.5. Primarily hunt in the East but go out West often.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

What's your nearest shot? Farthest shot?

 

[jip40]

Nearest prob 20-30 yd. for whitetail, furthest 500+.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

The wider FOV for under 50 yards will mean worlds more to you than more power at the top end. The 2.5-20 would probably be a superior option for you as 4x under 50 yards is not suitable

 

[jip40]

Thanks!

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Give a call if you'd like to discuss one

 

[MidGAHunter]

I picked up an NX8 2.5-20x50 from Doug not too long ago (I highly recommend calling him by the way). I called him to discuss the various options i was considering and after a bit of discussion and him asking me some questions i went with the NX8. So far I'm pleased with it. I like the 2.5 power on the low end as the field of view is great in the thick timber i mostly hunt whitetails in. Having 20x on the top end will be nice when i go out West again this year. The eye box issue many have complained about has been a non issue for me but having a rail to give more mounting versatility helps with that IMO.

 

[10ring1]

I have been a Leupold fanatic for many years. I just can't find something to fit my needs for NRL/ PRS. I love the higher end Athlons but I have looked at through a few nightforces and was impressed with image quality. I hope you have to look through a nx8. I like everything about it but would have to look through one before i purchased. What are you guys opinions about the image quality compared to say a higher-end Leupold? How is the edge to edge clarity?

 

[Pronghunter]

I have been a Leupold fanatic for many years. I just can't find something to fit my needs for NRL/ PRS. I love the higher end Athlons but I have looked at through a few nightforces and was impressed with image quality. I hope you have to look through a nx8. I like everything about it but would have to look through one before i purchased. What are you guys opinions about the image quality compared to say a higher-end Leupold? How is the edge to edge clarity?

VX 5HD, VX6HD and Mark 5HD all have same glass. Some will argue or disagree with that but it’s fact. I did the tour. Coating are same as well. The clarity, resolution, CA control, FOV, DOF, and light gathering are exceptional. Little to no distortion either. And I’m a huge NF fan, but in the last 3 years I’ve purchased 7-8 Leupolds like the ones I’ve mentioned and they are superb.

 

[Pronghunter]

Looking for some opinions on the two Nightforces. Curious if the $700 difference is really worth it. The magnification range on the new NX8 makes it really attractive. I'm looking for a new scope to put on a mtn rifle. Currently have a Leupold 6.5-20x 50 that almost forced me to miss out a close shot due to low end being 6.5. Primarily hunt in the East but go out West often.

In my honesty opinion the 2.5-20 is not all that great. In any way. Eye box, parallax, edge distortion and so on are poor. The 4-32 is a much better optic.
With that, the NX8 is 3 times what the SHV is. The SHV is IMO not a quality scope. I’ve seen way too many go back for repairs. The NX8 is built with same QC and and part as NXS and ATACR. A much better optic than the SHV. I would take a PST Gen 2 over the SHV.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I have a couple of FFP scopes (two 3-9 SWFAs and a 3.5-21 Bushnell) and I have looked through a few others, including the 2.5-20 NX8. For me, the usefulness of the reticle at the lower end of the power range decreases as the zoom ratio increases*. I thought the reticle in the NX8 was just too fine for me to use for woods hunting.

*Edit - Before someone takes exception to my observation, I do realize that the reticle on a FFP scope covers the same area on the target regardless of the power setting or zoom ratio.

 

[jip40]

Thanks for all the responses

 

[General RE LEE]

VX5HD 3–15 x 44


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