Nightforce NX8 vs Swarovski X5i

[Txcowboy50]

I have NF NX8 4X32 2fp CF2D MOAR. The optics are clear, it is tough as nails ( I fell with it/ on it), it returns to zero. The reticle is ok but only useful if you are magnification is set at 32 or 16 power. For hunting I like to keep the magnification lower with a greater field of view.

 

[SAM55]

I just put a NF NX8 4x32 1st FP scope (MOAR reticle) on my 7PRC. It was recommended by the folks that built my rifle. I really like it. No issues with the glass - the glass looks very good to my old eyes. It tracks it well and returns to zero. I took it on it's first hunting trip in October and it worked out great. The gun gets banged around a bit traveling and in the field and the scope handles the bumps and bruises just fine. I like it so well I'm probably going to buy the exact same scope for my .300 PRC. I also used Hawkins rings with the offset bubble level for the first time and they have also worked out really well. I recommend them if you need to buy new rings.

 

[TBuckus]

FWIW I sat out at early dawn and dusk with my NX8 4-32x50 and a buddies VX5 3-15x44. Not apples tp apples but with both set at 15x the clarity was the same to me. I'd give the NF a slight edge on light gathering.
The Swaro's will beat the NF on glass from looking through them in a store.

 

[rbrhea]

The glass quality of the Swaro is excellent. As a fellow AL resident and primary hunter you will likely much prefer greater glass quality. I've dialed mine extensively and have had no issues returning to zero.
I have a Nightforce NXS and the glass quality is so poor compared to my Swaro's, S&B and even Zeiss conquest that I wouldn't use it for hunting anymore. I put it on a long range rig and it works great for dialing and range use. It is extremely solid and I will not argue that point but absolutely not on par for a hunting optic. Yes, I have taken them out side by side late afternoon and ranked them by both clarity and brightness.
One other point is the weight. At 28 oz I believe the X5 is lighter than the NX8.
As primarily a hunter, I will not purchase another Nightforce.
I have 4 Swaro's including the X5i 3-18x50. They all have superb glass but the X5 may be best of all.
If you're near Hoover, you are welcome to come look through all of mine and judge for yourself!

 

[rawsk]

For Alabama whitetails I would get none of the above. If you can get some money back get a VX5. Or stick with the VX6. You did not say what your issues were with Leupold. The nightforce eyebox sucks by comparison. And the money for the Swarovski for 100 yd shot in whitetail woods seems like overkill to me. Of course money may be no object for you, this I do not know. I have the VX6 3-18 x 50 and happy with it.

 

[coueskiller43]

I have an X5i 3.5-18 and a couple NX8's. The glass quality on the X5i is unbeatable but due to the overall size of the scope and the tall turrets I went with the NX8's on the last couple rifles. The Swaro turret is more complicated to set the zero stop. Be sure to watch a video if you end up with one as there are a couple tricks to doing it right.
For your situation I think you would be happier with an X5i 3.5-18. I personally would not get a 5-25 scope for a rig that primarily shoots at 100 yards.

 

[cclt750]

I have 2 of the the Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 F2 MOAR-CF2D. One is on a 6.5prc and the other is on a 7Prc and I highly recommend them.

Forgot to mention Ga deer hunter.

 

[mmacfive]

I just finished reading about an account very similar to yours. After lots of time, money, and frustration it turned out it was his scope...

It was a NF. I think it can happen to any manufacturer.

I far prefer the lighter weight and optical superiority of my VX's to my NF. To the point that I'm considering replacing my NFs with VXs.

 

[slick Nick]

I have never used a Swarovski, However i have 4 NF nhs, nix and attack. I have never had an issue with them and they have seen some abuse. I will continue to use them. Buy once cry once.
Just my opinion. Oh and my wife now owns an NX8 MOAR 4-32 SFP and loves it

 

[Mcranch]

Whatever you decide to buy, trust your eyes FIRST. Ask your LGSC to walk it outside and look at a tree, a rock, the McD's sign - does it look right for your purpose? At the tier you are shopping, you might look at Schmidt Bender PMs, Leica (Amplus 2.5-15) or EOTech (Vudu 3.5-18)? I've owned SB, Leupold, Kahles. And now have EOTech Vudus, incl. a 3.5-18x, and several Leica riflescopes and binos and other odds and ends. The SB PMII 5-25 is the finest optic I have ever shot-owned-dropped-dunked; And NF are silly robust - I have yet to drop-test the EOTech. The Leica glass (TO ME) is the clearest ETE, best color resolution and gives the finest definition/contrast. And the Leicas have taken some hard hits. Some alternatives to skinning your cat. Cheers to whatever you choose.

To add, Leica on some reviews were given top billing in the 2500 range.

 

[tim2446]

I went with Nightforce scopes on all of my hunting rifles - a .50 cal muzzleloader, two .308 rifles, and 7mm-08. I have fallen twice in the past 10 years while going through, uneven terrain. In both instances, there was no damage or loss of zero to the scopes.

Whitetail in bama Swarovski hands down but she's like a good looking woman that ain't loyal . She's going to leave you sooner or later but worth the ride if you can take the pain . I'd lean towards the 20 X NF Instead of the 32 . The 20 will give you a few more dark thirty minutes. If you want those bama whitetail Swarovski will make your closing ratio 30% higher but don't forget the Swarovski binoculars.

 

[Barbourcreek]

Whitetail in bama Swarovski hands down but she's like a good looking woman that ain't loyal . She's going to leave you sooner or later but worth the ride if you can take the pain . I'd lean towards the 20 X NF Instead of the 32 . The 20 will give you a few more dark thirty minutes. If you want those bama whitetail Swarovski will make your closing ratio 30% higher but don't forget the Swarovski binoculars.

Agree I prefer the 2.5-2o also more MoA than the 32

 

[Rocketeer77]

Looking for a new scope for my 6.5 PRC. I am returning a Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x50 that was not functional upon receiving and after a trip for Leupold's warranty service. EuroOptic was kind enough to take it back and give me a credit towards something else on their website.

I have been considering the Nightforce NX8 4-32x50 F2 MOAR-CF2D and the Swarovski X5i 3.5-18x50 or 5-25x56. I'm torn between these scopes and want some opinions from those who have experience with them.

My concerns on the Nightforce are the eye-box and glass clarity. My concerns with the Swarovski are tracking, durability, and the extra tall turret on top. Most of my shots will not require dialing since I primarily hunt whitetail in Alabama, but I want to trust that my scope will handle the task and return to zero when I do need it to. I also have pretty poor vision, so the glass quality and high magnification is important to me.

Why do you require more than 15 power for a hunting rifle? Lots of compromise for that additional power that you won't actually use. Agree that Leopold quality is now questionable rather sad, we have had three problem scopes over the previous two years

 

[mtank]

I've been looking at scopes for awhile now to replace my vx5hd 3x5x56. The nx8 2.5x20x50 was put on my radar by a salesman at eurooptics frowning on my other suggestions. I was looking at the vx6hd 3x18x50, a 4x24x50 ten mile & a Leica amplus 2.5x15x56. After more research and speaking with someone from Christensen arms I started looking at the Steiner h6xi 3x18x50. The person I spoke with said the Steiner & Zeis v6 actually tracked a smidge better than his nightforce & leupold. So I'm between the swaro x5i, the Steiner h6xi & Zeiss v6.