Nightforce & Leupold

[MudRunner2005]

Theres a difference between using Japanese glass and being constructed/assembled in Japan. Last I knew they were Japanese manufactured- not that it means they're of poor quality.

Some of the best cameras and glass are built in Japan. Nightforce, Nikon, SWFA, Vortex RZR, etc... I'm all about made in the USA, but some things are what they are.

 

[BigGrizz]

Some of the best cameras and glass are built in Japan. Nightforce, Nikon, SWFA, Vortex RZR, etc... I'm all about made in the USA, but some things are what they are.

Yeah. I wasn't stating anything to the contrary.

 

[The Oregonian]

Yeah. I wasn't stating anything to the contrary.

My 4-16 F2 ATACR's say 'made in the USA' on them while my 5-25 says 'made in japan'. These are the 30 MOA per rev generation.

 

[MudRunner2005]

Yeah. I wasn't stating anything to the contrary.

No worries, we're all on the same page.

 

[sp6x6]

Shooter what was price difference between the two? I was looking at a 5-25x56 mil atacr and I just didnt want to spend that on my secondary rifle.I am sure I would love the scope and would have gone to the higher 35 mag range

 

[shooters]

Shooter what was price difference between the two? I was looking at a 5-25x56 mil atacr and I just didnt want to spend that on my secondary rifle.I am sure I would love the scope and would have gone to the higher 35 mag range

There was about a $400 difference between them.

 

[5RWill]

Well I just ordered both the ATACR 5-25x56 and the Mark 5HD 5-25x55. I cannot wait to have them both in my hands. It's honestly hard for me to think that any Leupold could be in the ATACR class or category, but I guess I'll find out.

The mark 8 arguably best the 5-25 ATACR. Most would consider it equal to a PMII, it's just overpriced with no decent reticles and decent turrets at best. They're back though other than reticles for the price there is little to not like about the Mark 5. I had it side by side with an ATACR, a recent one at that because it was a Mil-C variant. As far as glass goes i'd give contrast to the ATACR, CA control to the ATACR, but resolution and edge to edge clarity it's a wash. They might as well be equal in that regard. There are other things that lend to the ATACR as well, i liked the turret, parallax, and eyebox better. But judging it solely on optical performance Leupold offers a ton of value for the money. Lowlight performance is also wonderful. Pretty much just like i said for NF so many times (until the Mil-XT was announced) if Leupold can put a proper reticle in that lineup i'm going to have quiet a few of them.

I might come off as pro Leupold but i truthfully love the MK5 series and this is coming from someone who ranks the Mark 6 as the worst high end optic he's ever bought. I to this day hate that optic.

 

[trhall]

NightForce uses Japanese glass but assembled and QC'd in Orofino, Idaho.

 

[Mach 1]

Besides us optics none of the scopes assembled in this country have glass made in the states.
Light optical works makes Nightforce glass last I knew. It's Japanese glass but **** good glass. I don't know that Ziess make any better glass.
The nxs is hard to beat in the reliability department. They are built like a tank.

 

[azcoueshuntr]

Leupold just came with a new line mark 5 HD MOA for 2019 it's supposed to compete better with the Nightforce and at a better price

 

[brentc]

I agree with a lot of the things that have been said about NF being more durable and they have a record of excellent tracking, but they are not immune to problems. I've had manufacturing problems with both the NXS and the ATACR lines.

 

[SentientHunter]

I've owned both Nightforce and Vortex. I trust the build quality of Nightforce over Vortex any day of the week. I don't care about the warranty, I care about what happens when I am on the mountain.

 

[Mach 1]

I agree with a lot of the things that have been said about NF being more durable and they have a record of excellent tracking, but they are not immune to problems. I've had manufacturing problems with both the NXS and the ATACR lines.

Every brand has problems once in a while. I had a Nightforce competition that I recently had problems with. But Nightforce will stand behind their product 100%. That's worth a lot. I'm not saying leupold doesn't I'm just saying I have first hand experience with Nightforce.

 

[woodnut]

I love NF scopes! Yes, even the NSX and the SHO. I do have 2 ATACRs and they are my favorites. If you look at the catalog, you will see the elevation adjustments are a whopping 120 MOA ! That big 34 mm tube is why. Lets a lot of light through too. Zero stops are awesome ! Can get the illuminated reticle model,too. You may equal the ATACR, but I doubt seriously you'll find a scope close to it's price that is any better. Sorry you already got those scopes as I have found some very good prices on "pre-owned" NF scopes on this web site. All have been like new. Maybe you can return??