New Nightforce Model 2.5-10x42

**Biggy** · 05-26-13, 15:50

This new 42mm objective lens model with the side parallax adjustment is only 1.5 oz heavier than the 32mm model and it is .100"shorter in overall length. I wonder if the glass quality is the same or has been tweaked any on this new model ? I also wonder if the eye box is less critical than on the 24mm and 32mm objective lens scopes? For me, SFP is just fine out to 600yds, and I actually prefer it.

**rljatl** · 05-26-13, 19:36

Would this be a good optic for a MK12? What would be the optimum optic for this rifle? Thanks.

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**Littlelebowski** · 05-26-13, 19:49

Originally Posted by rljatl

Would this be a good optic for a MK12? What would be the optimum optic for this rifle? Thanks.

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What are you planning to do with it?

**rljatl** · 05-26-13, 20:17

For starters, I will be learning to shoot prone and from a bench at my gun club from 200 to 600 yards. If and when I get good enough, I might enter a match of some kind. Of course, if I get serious I can always upgrade later.

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**ICANHITHIMMAN** · 05-26-13, 20:24

Originally Posted by SomeOtherGuy

1) A relatively compact 2.5-10x42 is likely to be used at short to medium distances, not long range or "sniper" type role.

2) A 10x magnification and a decent 4.4mm exit pupil means that most ranging can, and usually will, be done at maximum magnification. Holdovers can also be done readily at those values, even in moderate light. So the SFP calibrated at 10x works fine for typical uses. 10x is not so high that mirage or shake is a severe issue, and 4.4mm exit pupil is big enough until dusk or even after dusk.

3) Nightforce reticles tend to be fine (see the options). If they are calibrated at 10x at typical NF line thicknesses, then if using a FFP design they will be super tiny below 5x, possibly to the point of being useless. I know that it's possible to make a FFP reticle with heavy outer lines (SWFA seems to be the best at this, although the NF MOAR reticle isn't too bad) and compensate for this some, but there are unavoidable issues of the reticle lines being too thick at high magnification or too thin at low magnification, an issue that gets worse as your zoom range gets larger. Now with a higher magnification, long-range biased scope, used in situations where mirage or necessary exit pupil limits useful magnification to a varying extent, it's worth the trade off to have a reticle that's calibrated at whatever magnification you may end up with. But I think the likely uses of a 2.5-10x aren't going to present those issues.

4) At typical NF scope prices this will be a $1600-1700 scope as SFP, and would probably be $2000-2300 as FFP. I think it's tolerable at the SFP price range but just too pricey at the $2k+ price range. Opinions may vary, of course.

I use both FFP and SFP reticle scopes, and I see pros and cons for each one. On a higher magnification scope intended for long range and/or high precision use I think FFP generally makes more sense, but in this lower magnification range that will probably be used at shorter distances and on a non-precision carbine, I think SFP makes good sense.

I here what your saying but shit man I just cant grasp it

**TheBelly** · 05-27-13, 01:31

1) speaks for itself.

2) A 10x magnification and a decent 4.4mm exit pupil means that most ranging can, and usually will, be done at maximum magnification. Holdovers can also be done readily at those values, even in moderate light. So the SFP calibrated at 10x works fine for typical uses. 10x is not so high that mirage or shake is a severe issue, and 4.4mm exit pupil is big enough until dusk or even after dusk. (Talking about how much light this scope can reasonably gather for a low-light shot, if needed. I can gather enough and be 'bright' enough that you can still see the reticle during hours of limited natural light.)

3) Nightforce reticles tend to be fine (see the options). If they are calibrated at 10x at typical NF line thicknesses, then if using a FFP design they will be super tiny below 5x, possibly to the point of being useless. I know that it's possible to make a FFP reticle with heavy outer lines (SWFA seems to be the best at this, although the NF MOAR reticle isn't too bad) and compensate for this some, but there are unavoidable issues of the reticle lines being too thick at high magnification or too thin at low magnification, an issue that gets worse as your zoom range gets larger. Now with a higher magnification, long-range biased scope, used in situations where mirage or necessary exit pupil limits useful magnification to a varying extent, it's worth the trade off to have a reticle that's calibrated at whatever magnification you may end up with. But I think the likely uses of a 2.5-10x aren't going to present those issues. (FFP reticle get bigger and smaller with the magnification range. A balance needs to be found between a reticle that is fine enough for precision work when at max magnification and a reticle thickness that you can actually see and use at the lowest magnification setting.)

4) Speaks for itself.

Hope that helped.

**davidwilsen** · 05-27-13, 04:11

I had bought Nightforce Model 2.5-10x32. This New Nightforce Model 2.5-10x42 looking nice and might have some other advanced features. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase.

**ra2bach** · 05-27-13, 12:27

Originally Posted by ICANHITHIMMAN

In your mind how does anything in the SFP make since? SFP makes no since at all in my mind, why would anyone want an optic where the vales represented in it change based on the power its set at?

because trying to range at anything below 6 or 8 power is really stupid...