Leupold MK4 3.5-10x40 vs. Nightforce 2.5-10x32

[TehLlama]

I've been pretty happy with my Leupold 3-9x36mm with the ITMR reticle, but after getting a 3.5-15x NF, I already know I'll wind up selling the Leupy to fund a 2.5-10x NF.

[Cameron]

I've been pretty happy with my Leupold 3-9x36mm with the ITMR reticle, but after getting a 3.5-15x NF, I already know I'll wind up selling the Leupy to fund a 2.5-10x NF.

Why?

Everyone says it is better but can't really tell me why.

Thanks,
Cameron

[TehLlama]

Adjustment range, MIL/MIL availability, easier to use zoom ring (need to mount a 3GS cattail on my Leupold and see if that changes things), parallax adjustment, and adjustment range are why the NF is more appealing to me.

The ITMR and brightness adjustment are the strongpoints of my Mk4, but I need to try the NF Compact's brighness as well.
The slightly simpler M2 knobs and omitted parallax adjustment (shared with the NF Compacts iirc) makes it a pretty simple scope to get running with, but since I'm going with a NF for my bolt gun the commonality of long range optics is a big draw for me.

I'm honestly not savvy enough on refracting optics in general to really make terribly insightful comments about glass quality, nor have I really gotten to abuse my TS30 clone (though the Mk12's on buddies' rifles held up great), but if I get the opportunity to really stretch the legs on my centurion upper, the adjustment range of the of the NF will convince me to spend some cash and switch.

[Alaskapopo]

Why?

Everyone says it is better but can't really tell me why.

Thanks,
Cameron

Clarity, magnification range and durablity. I have owned about 8 Leupold Scopes over the years but I have had to use the life time warranty on 4 of them. The best warranty is the one you don't have to use. My Nightforce scopes have never failed and are much nicer when it comes to clairty and image sharpness. Also their magnification range is greater. 2.5-10 vs 2.8 to 8. 3.5 to 15 vs 4-12. Etc.
Pat

[Paul_Santiago]

I have been in this exact debate myself and I finally got to look through the Night Force and I like it ALOT! I am saving my pennies for the 2.5 to 10 for my next scope.

Paul

[cst]

I think the arguable drawbacks on the NF is the 32mm obj., lack of adjustable parallax for long range shooting, no MLR reticle available for that model..last I checked. No First focal plane and more expensive with the zero stop turret. Its a great scope for close range stuff...dont think I can use it for 700-1000 yd stuff.

The Leupold...is ok with the new M5 turret and TMR reticle FFP. Clarity is subjective especially when you comepare a smaller objective to a larger one sice brightness will effect your subjective perception of glass quality. Leupold has a parrallax knob too which helps making little bitty groups. THe TMR with FFP will make movers easier to engage mid to closer shots. The new M5 turret is 5 mils per rev. and on a .308 only 2 revs (and some clicks)to 1000yards.

nothing is perfect except for the S&B or even the Premier....but look at the price. THe military M110 uses the 3-10x M2 turret which is real nice too....

Every scope breaks even my S&B. My other NF is great and has been totally reliable. Take it for what its worth..

[Bolt_Overide]

Its really a question of money.

How much do you want to spend, and whats "good enough" for your needs?

[BaileyMoto]

Old post, but I'll bump this as I am torn between these 2 scopes as well. As others have mentioned, here are the advantages/disadvantages of each:

Leupold 3.5-10 m5 (Btw, I can get this for like $1089, ugh)

* TMR reticle
* FFP
* Parallax
* No illumination
* Much cheaper with mil discount
* 65 MOA worth of adjustment (whatever that is in mils)

Nightforce (about $1500 with options):

* Slightly more compact - 32mm objective and 1.5" shorter
* Illumination
* Zero stop
* 100 MOA of adjustment (whatever that is in mils)

Many claim NF is more durable and has slightly better glass. Many of the newer SPR's in the field are sporting the NF 2.5-10x24

Each has their advantages and it's making it a tough choice for me. If the Leupold wasn't so cheap, I'd go with nightforce w/o a 2nd thought. For you, I would suggest whatever suits your wants/needs better. The price and TMR reticle is what I personally like about Leupold. The zerostop and apparent quality/clarity edge is what i like about NF.

I think FFP for a 10x scope isn't really needed and many people (including NF, of course) claim that there is no need for Parallax adjustment with such a scope.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/leupold-...icl-aebad.html

http://www.opticsplanet.net/night-fo...ty-reticl.html


EDIT - on a side note, I recently bought a scope that covers almost all I want/need...but with slightly less 'quality' - The Bushnell 4200 3-12

* mil reticle with .1 mil turrets
* Parallax adjustment
* illumination
* FFP
* Bit more magnification