Whether beginner or expert, everyone knows that target accuracy is critical when shooting and hunting.
That’s where riflescopes come in!
Nightforce Optics has been a top-of-mind brand with rifle scopes, but the many options can be overwhelming.
In this article, let’s compare and contrast the Nightforce NX8 vs. ATACR scopes to help you know which one to get.
They’re both great, but there’s one that’s BETTER for your needs.
Contents
- Nightforce: Brief Overview
- Nightforce NX8 Overview
- Nightforce ATACR Overview
- Nightforce Optics NX8 vs. ATACR: Comparison of Features
- Should You Get the First or Second Focal Plane?
- NX8 vs. ATACR Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Nightforce Scope is Better? [Recap]
- Best Nightforce Scope: Overall Verdict
- Conclusion
Nightforce: Brief Overview
Nightforce Optics was established in 1992 by Ray Dennis. Since then, they’ve mastered the craft of built optics, mounting systems, and night gears.
After finding that the US market is more interested in hunting rifle scopes, they focused more on that here.
The USSOCOM, special units, professional hunters, and shooters trust Nightforce scopes, proving its quality and reliability compared to other brands in the market.
However, Nightscope is also famous for other sporting optics such as binoculars, rangefinders, and red dot gears in the rest of the world.
It’s exciting to have more Nightforce spotting scopes out in the market, but it also entails more comparison and decision-making – this is what I’m here for!
Nightforce NX8 Overview
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You’d LOVE the Nightforce NX8 rifle scopes if you enjoyed the NXS line series.
It’s one of their NEWEST lines that feature improved features and advanced technology of the NXS.
The “8” comes from the 8x zoom range, making these spotting scopes unique.
It’s a hard-to-find range in the market, so many people were pumped over the Nightforce NX8!
Nightforce NX8 Main Features
It comes in six (6) scope models:
- 1-8×24 mm F1 model: 8.7 in/222 mm overall length; 5.7 in/144 mm mounting length; .500 MOA click value; 3.7 in/95 mm eye relief; FC-MIL and FC-MOA reticle
- 1-8×24 mm F1 capped model: 8.7 in/222 mm overall length; 5.7 in/144 mm mounting length; .2 MRAD click value; 3.7 in/95 mm eye relief; FC-DMx reticle
- 2.5-20×50 mm F1 model: 12.0 in/305 mm overall length; 5.4 in/138 mm mounting length; .250 MOA click value; 3.5 in/88 mm eye relief; MOAR-F1, MIL-XT, MIL-C, and HOROUS TREMOR 3 Illuminated reticle
- 2.5-20×50 mm F2 model: 12.1 in/308 mm overall length; 5.4 in/138 mm mounting length; .250 MOA click value; 3.5 in/88 mm eye relief; MOAR-CF2 and MIL-CF2 reticle
- NX8 4-32×50 mm F1 model: 13.4 in/340 mm overall length; 5.7 in/145 mm mounting length; .250 MOA click value; 3.5 in/88 mm eye relief; MOAR-F1, MIL-XT, MIL-C, and HORUS TREMOR 3 Illuminated reticle
- 4-32×50 mm F2 model: 13.5 in/343 mm overall length; 5.7 in/145 mm mounting length; .250 MOA click value; 3.5 in/88 mm eye relief; MOAR-CF2 and MIL-CF2 reticle
The specs are as follows:
- Body Tube Diameter: 30 mm
- Elevation Feature: ZeroStop or Capped, finger-adjustable
- Power Throw Lever: Standard
- Weight Range: 499 to 811 grams
- More compact, lightweight, shorter
- It works well with smaller rifles like a short barrel 0.300 blackouts or a 5.56 carbine.
- Versatile and portable (both beginners and professionals will appreciate this)
- A bit more affordable (approximately $1750 price point)
- The size leaves more room for other gears and optics.
- Has intelligent MOA reticle
- Not the best for long distances (but it still performs well!)
- The glass optic is good but not as good as the ATACR scopes
- It needs more adjustment for a better depth of field (DOF) focus
Nightforce NX8 Overall Verdict
The Nightforce NX8 perfectly embodies the phrase “small but terrible.”
Although compact, it has a commendable power range and can offer outstanding performance.
It’s not for long-range shooting and hunting because it wasn’t intended for that. The design can keep up with competitive ranges, but better options exist.
Most people who enjoy the Nightforce NX8 prefer carrying lighter weights and using smaller hunting rifles without compromising the precision and performance of upper-end rifle scopes.