NF NX8 vs Leupold VX6

[KSB209]

Looking for a scope to mount on my new 308. I have never owned a Nightforce and have been looking at the NX8 4-32 SFP and like the ability to zoom out to 32x. I have also been considering the leupold VX-6 4-24 in SFP as well. My budget is around $2000-$2500 so both of these scopes fit in my price range. I've also considered the March but since there are no dealers around me and I have not been able to look through it I don't think I want to go this route even though the reviews seem to be very positive. So.....what can you tell me about the differences in the NX8 and the VX-6? I need to make a decision in the next few weeks. My eyes like both but I'm leaning towards the NX8 just because of the 32x power. I'm probably never really going to need that much power but having it available is a nice thought. My shooting is going to be sub 500 yards on game (probably 300-400 yards max realistically) so the 24x power of the leupold is plenty. Just looking for some insight for you guys. I have a few Leupold scopes and never had an issue with them and never owned a Nightforce before but I know their reputation is pretty stellar too.

 

[Deleted member 115360]

I do want to point out that a more fair comparison on the leupold side might be the mark V or Mark VI side. I think the mark V glass is on par with my nx8. The mark V and company are a little heavier and built more like the tactical minded scopes built by nightforce. TheVX series from Leupold is lighter and built for dedicated hunting rifles. They aren't designed to handle the kind of abuse the mark series or the nightforce scopes are. They are excellent optics, and the VX6 series glass is a little better optical quality than the NX8 to my eyes, and a fine option if you won't be beating it up pretty bad. The built in level in the vx6 series is amazing. No bad choices there at all. Good luck.

 

[gr8fuldoug]

If your primary use is hunting inside of 500 yards I'd suggest looking at the NF 2.5-20 rather than the 4-32. A wider FOV (2.5x vs 4x) will come in handier for hunting application than the top end power difference. Just my $.02

 

[Gamesniper19]

If your primary use is hunting inside of 500 yards I'd suggest looking at the NF 2.5-20 rather than the 4-32. A wider FOV (2.5x vs 4x) will come in handier for hunting application than the top end power difference. Just my $.02

Support this thought, with a 308, why would you need 32x for anything

 

[Mcarso1]

Nightforce if you don't mind the extra weight.

 

[KSB209]

Thanks for the thoughts. As far as I know the "mark" series are all FFP and I want the SFP because I am familiar with it. This will be on a hunting rifle. I originally was going to go with the nx8 2.5x20 but figured why not get the larger magnification with the 4x32.
I like the VX series because of the weight. Im not too worried about an extra few ounces on the rifle for a better scope. These are all within my budget so I guess I just need to pick one and stick with it

 

[2ndson]

Using the search function, Some valid points are laid out here: https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/glass-nx8-vs-vx6-hd.249800/

 

[Deleted member 115360]

Thanks for the thoughts. As far as I know the "mark" series are all FFP and I want the SFP because I am familiar with it. This will be on a hunting rifle. I originally was going to go with the nx8 2.5x20 but figured why not get the larger magnification with the 4x32.
I like the VX series because of the weight. Im not too worried about an extra few ounces on the rifle for a better scope. These are all within my budget so I guess I just need to pick one and stick with it

Going from sfp to ffp is effortless. The one and only benefit of sfp is that as lower magnifications, on some scopes, for some people, the reticles can be difficult to see. FFP optics give you the advantage of being able to use your reticle subtentions at all magnifications. For most people, there is no drawback, and the wonderful ability to point and shoot at any magnification.

 

[KSB209]

Using the search function, Some valid points are laid out here: https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/glass-nx8-vs-vx6-hd.249800/

Yupp…. Read and contributed to this thread as well. Thanks for the info. Forgot about it.

 

[softtail103]

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44. Glass is brighter than my NX8 2.5-20x50

 

[BrentM]

I use the vx6 in a 3-18x50 and its excellent. For the range you are considering to be your max for most applications the 32 is just way over power. I understand aim small, miss small, but I can easily see bullet marks at 500 and in on normal days. Our range goes to 1000 and I can see impacts on steel without much issue as well but that is the only distance I can see the 32 being desired. Just a thought, both dang fine scopes, you'll be happy either way.

 

[adam32+P]

Sub 500 yards and a .308? I assume you won't be dialing and will be more so doing some sort of "holdover" method? What model rifle?

A Loopy 4.5-14 VX3HD is all you'd really need...

 

[KSB209]

Sub 500 yards and a .308? I assume you won't be dialing and will be more so doing some sort of "holdover" method? What model rifle?

A Loopy 4.5-14 VX3HD is all you'd really need...

It's going to be on a custom from Dallas lane. The rifle wil primarily be my go to hunting rifle but I want to start taking some long range shooting classes too. Someday I want to be like the rest of you and bang steel at 1k yards but I don't have that skill or the equipment to do that right now. The 4x32 nightforce would allow me to reach out at that distance but the 32x would probably never be used in The field. I'm not someone that uses my rifle scope as a spotting scope when chasing critters in the mountains

 

[AC300RUM]

I have had both scopes mentioned and a lot of other stuff in the price range. The VX6HD 4-24 is big, bright and clear, glass is on par or a bit better than the NX8. The NX8's turrets are better, it tracks better, and has better reticle options than the VX6HD. The NX8 gets the durability nod too, and to me that's the most important thing of all. I have broken three Leupolds, two VX6's, all my fault, not Leupold's. I'm hard on stuff, and I expect it to be able to take it at the price point we are talking about. I've never broken a Nightforce regardless of use and abuse. My parts pile is near complete to head off to Mr. Lane for a 300 PRC build and I'm sending an NX8 2.5-20 F2 to top it off. All that being said, if Schmidt and Bender could figure out how to get rid of the barnacle they call an illumination control on the side of the Exos 3-21, I'd be going that direction.