Is Nightforce really worth the money comparatively speaking?

[Onyx Z]

I've been shopping around for a new scope for my 18" precision rifle lately. I was dead set on a Vortex PST 2.5-10x32. You couldn't talk me out of it if you tried. Then I talking myself into a Nightforce...

My requirements:
- 2.5-10 or somewhere in that range
- Illuminated reticle
- Parallax
- Uncapped turrets
- Very accurate and consistent adjustments
- Prefer zero-stop but not a deal breaker
- Relatively low-profile/light
- Very durable/shock proof
- Prefer FFP, but it's not a deal breaker if not
- Obviously the NF has better glass, but I care more about the requirements above than the glass since I know both are great

I know both of these scopes fit my requirements and everything I've read about the Vortex is positive and I know it's a great scope. But is the Nightforce really worth nearly twice the price?

[CharlieDeltaJuliet]

I have the ATACR, it is well worth the money. Not only does it have 120 MOA of adjustment (truly over 132 MOA) but it is built like a tank. While I still prefer a Premier, S&B or USO, NightForce has really stepped the glass quality up. I gave under retail (just under $1900 for mine) it is well worth the price or even retail. I will end up buying the B.E.A.S.T. in the next year or so.

[TomD]

Ummm, IMO, NO!

[USMC_Anglico]

Yes, good glass, durable. I'd put it ahead of vortex, on par/ahead of Leupold depending on model. Now S&B is a whole 'nother level....

[Unreconstructed]

Not even close to worth the price tag.
IF the atacr was FFP, that would make it a better option, but there are still better options for less money than NF.
I cant understand why anyone would buy a 5-25x "tactical" scope in 2nd focal plane. NF is in love with SFP. I guess as long as guys pay the $, NF will keep making them.

[steyrman13]

Not even close to worth the price tag.
IF the atacr was FFP, that would make it a better option, but there are still better options for less money than NF.
I cant understand why anyone would buy a 5-25x "tactical" scope in 2nd focal plane. NF is in love with SFP. I guess as long as guys pay the $, NF will keep making them.

It seems they are the "new" leupold with sticking with mostly SFP while Leupold is moving to FFP....maybe 10 years from now they will get on board. I do like the nightforce better than the Vortex though. Same bulletproof warranty, but on the NF you will be LESS likely to have to use the warranty.

[Singlestack Wonder]

FFP is not the end all (do some research on Snipershide.com). For me SFP works well for my intended purposes while FFP would not.

Comparing Nightforce to Vortex is like comparing Daniel Defense or Bravo Company to DPMS and RRA. There is a reason Nightforce costs more.

[markm]

The number one thing for me that makes a Nightforce a good value is the solid, crisp mechanical adjustment.

I've run a lot of almost as good as a Nightforce scopes, and the rock solid turret movement on a Nightforce is it. Better glass and all that stuff is nice. But when the desert floor is boiling like a mofo, you can't see clearly no matter how wonderful your glass is.

Just my 2 cents.

[Koshinn]

Comparing Nightforce to Vortex is like comparing Daniel Defense or Bravo Company to DPMS and RRA. There is a reason Nightforce costs more.

And yet in the 2013 Precision Rifle Series finale 8 used Vortex, but only 2 used Nightforce.

In the top 20, there was only 1 Nightforce user vs 2 Vortex users.

[Singlestack Wonder]

And yet in the 2013 Precision Rifle Series finale 8 used Vortex, but only 2 used Nightforce.

In the top 20, there was only 1 Nightforce user vs 2 Vortex users.

Competitors use dpms, era, stag, and other low tier products in competitions. The product only has to last thru the competition event, not long term hard use.