NX-8 2.5-20 vs Mk5 3.6-18/5-25

[C-grunt]

Im looking at purchasing one of these two scopes for my next bolt gun. I have some hands on experience running a Mk5 7-35 on a MRAD and I was very impressed with the glass clarity. Im assuming the 3.6-18 and the 5-25 will also be very good as well. I dont have any experience with the NX-8 but I really like my ATACR. Doing some research it seems the NX-8 isnt as well liked as the other Nightforce scopes, even given the price difference.

Anyone have experience with both and can compare? Or good experience with the NX-8?

[davidjinks]

I have the Nightforce 2.5-20x50, F1, MOAR, sitting on top of my Tikka Tac A1.

Digillum is NOT daylight bright, also there are no NV settings for this scope (I don’t know if that matters to you). The upside to the digillum is that you can change from red to green illumination. The brightness works well for dawn/dusk type settings in a hunting/shooting type scenario.

Glass is clear, no noticeable issues with shadowing. Parallax adjustable. Eye box on max mag isn’t extremely sensitive but it is something you’ll notice if not paying attention to head placement, lower mag it’s pretty forgiving. Eye relief is really nice. I’d estimate my eye to optic is about 3.5”.

The scope tracks well, all adjustments are audible and tactile. The reticle is simple to use without being “busy”.

I like the scope for what I’m using it for; range and hunting. If I were to do it over again, I’d go for the 3.5-15x50, F1, MOAR.


Im looking at purchasing one of these two scopes for my next bolt gun. I have some hands on experience running a Mk5 7-35 on a MRAD and I was very impressed with the glass clarity. Im assuming the 3.6-18 and the 5-25 will also be very good as well. I dont have any experience with the NX-8 but I really like my ATACR. Doing some research it seems the NX-8 isnt as well liked as the other Nightforce scopes, even given the price difference.

Anyone have experience with both and can compare? Or good experience with the NX-8?

[C-grunt]

Thanks for the reply. Ive never used the digillum on my ATACR so that doesnt matter to me.

[SomeOtherGuy]

I had that model NX8 with the tree reticle (Mil-XT). I was happy with everything but the reticle. Eyebox was good, clarity was good, quality and adjustments were standard Nightforce. The tree reticle was too busy and I sold the scope. If it had been the Mil-C I would have kept it.

More criticism of the NX8 I've seen focuses on the 1-8x model. I haven't seen much negative on the higher magnification models.

[gamewarden]

I have a NX8 4-32 and a Mark 5 5-25. I have also had 5-25 and 7-35 F1 ATACR'S. If you get an NX8 get the 4-32 as due to its longer design the parallax isn't as finicky (needs to be adjusted anytime you change range). Other scopes parallax are a lot more flexible. I think the Mark 5 is a very solid scope and I would place it above the NX8 but below the ATACR. Parallax is more forgiving. Glass is very good bit that's subjective. Leupold scopes are generally the lightest in their class. Also 35mm tube will give you more adjustments. Looks like Mark 5 prices have dropped with the release of the PR1 and PR2 reticles. Leupold is announcing them Feb 1st I believe. Good luck.

[PracticalRifleman]

After having had multiple Leupold a fail me in the last few years, but never a NF, I wouldn’t even consider a Leupold.


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[gamewarden]

After having had multiple Leupold a fail me in the last few years, but never a NF, I wouldn’t even consider a Leupold.


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What models did you have failures with? Also, I agree NF makes super rugged scopes. I also like the feel of their turrets the best.

[PracticalRifleman]

What models did you have failures with? Also, I agree NF makes super rugged scopes. I also like the feel of their turrets the best.

Multiple Mark 6 3-18s, a couple VX3s, and Mark 4s.

ETA: the Mark 6 3-18 would be THE perfect feature set and weight if it has been reliable. I still own two of them, but my trust is low. One has been back to Leupold four times. The last time they were quite hateful and gave me the worst customer service I’ve ever had in a $3,000 scope.

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[gamewarden]

Multiple Mark 6 3-18s, a couple VX3s, and Mark 4s.


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Ok, I've heard of the Mark 6 issues. My Mark 6 turrets (pinch) were a little mushy. The Mark 5's are definitely an upgrade, especially the turrets. I have not owned the others.

[PracticalRifleman]

Ok, I've heard of the Mark 6 issues. My Mark 6 turrets (pinch) were a little mushy. The Mark 5's are definitely an upgrade, especially the turrets. I have not owned the others.

Mine has the short turrets, not like the originals. My problems were holding zero and tracking. Not really mushy turrets.


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[gamewarden]

Mine has the short turrets, not like the originals. My problems were holding zero and tracking. Not really mushy turrets.


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10-4, I had the tall M5B2 pinch turrets.

[SomeOtherGuy]

Multiple Mark 6 3-18s, a couple VX3s, and Mark 4s.

ETA: the Mark 6 3-18 would be THE perfect feature set and weight if it has been reliable. I still own two of them, but my trust is low. One has been back to Leupold four times. The last time they were quite hateful and gave me the worst customer service I’ve ever had in a $3,000 scope.

Own zero Leupolds right now. I've had three defective ones. They fixed the Mark 4, but grudgingly and added a shiny new dent to it while getting fixed. Two different VX-Rs had reticles so laughably misshapen they went straight back to the retailer. I've had decent Leupolds as well, but like you have no confidence in their product overall.

I don't love Nightforce, mostly because the clarity and optical performance often seem "meh" for the price, but their quality control and ruggedness are outstanding. You pay for it, and you get it.