Sightron vs. Nightforce vs. Leupold

[tulku]

OK , so here's the question : If I take an 8-32X 56 Sightron S III , Nightforce BR 8-32X 56 , and a LR Leupold 8.5- 25X 50 out to the Prairie Dog Fields on a nice sunny day , and set all three at 25X , how much difference in Optical Resolution / Sharpness am I going to see ??? ..... a whole lot , some , not much , or none ??? It would also be useful if you rated them in order . TIA .

 

[slymule]

Nightfoce Versus sightron! READ THE RESULTS -

Tulku, the above post is a review that I found on 6mmBR website comparing the Nightforce to the Sightron. Thought you might find it interesting.

I've never owned a Nightforce scope to compare the two, but I do own the Sightron SIII 6-24x50 and many Leupold scopes. Compared to my VXIII 4.5-14x40 LR, the Sightron is clearer and brighter, especially in low light. Most of my scopes are either Nikon or Leupolds, but in my opinion the Sightron has the better glass. As money permits I'll be selling off or trading for more of Sightrons latest models, the SIII versions.

 

[uncleB]

OK , so here's the question : If I take an 8-32X 56 Sightron S III , Nightforce BR 8-32X 56 , and a LR Leupold 8.5- 25X 50 out to the Prairie Dog Fields on a nice sunny day , and set all three at 25X , how much difference in Optical Resolution / Sharpness am I going to see ??? ..... a whole lot , some , not much , or none ??? It would also be useful if you rated them in order . TIA .

I must admit that I have not looked at the exact model of Sightron that is in question, with that said the next Sightron that impresses me will be the first. Unless quality control has been miraculously resurrected from Barska level's.
As far as the Nightforce it is very good but I prefer the NXS over the BR model.
The Leupold 8.5x25x50 LR might give up very little to the Nightforce but at half the price is hard to beat.
UB

 

[tulku]

UncleB , a few years back , I examined a Sightron ( can't even remember the Power Range ) and thought it was awful . The S III is supposed to be an entirely different animal , but I wanted to get a few opinions from actual users before deciding . I have Leupold LRs , but am investigating the others for general knowledge . I have read several accounts where users thought the BR Optics were better than the NSX . I'm not a knob turner so that is not a big consideration for me . Also since 99% of my shooting is in bright sun , low light performance is not important .

 

[Longshot38]

I own a SIII and a Mark 4. When comparing them they don't, the Sightron has better glass hands down! Now that Sightron has revamped the SIII line and given them enough internal adjustment I thinking of moving all of my optics over to Sightron.

 

[tulku]

SlyMule , I read the Report , but did'nt like the testing in low light conditions .......just not my hunting conditions . Would like to just get a few more opinions .

 

[ScottBerish]

I'll give you an opinion. At the 2007 SHOT, I thought Nightforce and Sightron glass were "Best in Show". When you buy a Sightron, you will likely get the same glass I saw at SHOT. When you buy a Nightforce, chances are you will get another, lower grade of glass. Sightron is probably the best value of the three.

Scott

 

[CS T]

Nightforce are outstanding!

Mike @ CSGW

www.csgunworks.com
[email protected]

Here's some testimonials about CS GunWorks
FEEDBACK about CSGUNWORKS on AR15.com
FEEDBACK about CSGUNWORKS on Snipersparadise
FEEDBACK about CSGUNWORKS on the HIDE

 

[Brocksdad]

I'll give you an opinion. At the 2007 SHOT, I thought Nightforce and Sightron glass were "Best in Show". When you buy a Sightron, you will likely get the same glass I saw at SHOT. When you buy a Nightforce, chances are you will get another, lower grade of glass. Sightron is probably the best value of the three.

Scott

I would listen to Scott and look for yourself. I think many that had a poor view of older Sightron's would be amazed. Sightron and Nightforce are very close with the Leupold following. As was stated with the Nightforce, you don't know what glass your going to get. I have sent new Nightforce scopes back asking for a trade and the second scope will be very very bright, crisp and clear. Look with you own eyes and make them honest by sending you there good stuff. Some will accept anything as longs as it says NF on it, I will not.

 

[Ernie]

This is the first time I have heard about NF's being inconsistent.

 

[Brocksdad]

XP, it's been a known for quite a few years that the glass suppliers change continually. US Optiks is another that is very unpredictable. The one thing I commend Leupold on is that even though there glass is almost second rate it is very consistent. That's not a bash to Leupold but, there very consistent. I guess I should state that there is much better glass out there for the money instead of second rate.

This is something I'm sure that Scott from Liberty or Doug from Cameraland could elaborate on. The same goes for Bino's, the glass and coating qualities vary from lot# to variance within a lot#.

The scope Line I have found through personal testing to have very good repetitive glass are.

Vortex
Sightron SIIB and SIII (SI and SII have been spuratic)
Again Leupold, very consistent
Kahles C series
The Conquest Line actually the complete Zeiss Line.
4200's
Swaro P series


Some that hve been all over the map.

US Optiks
Nightforce

Obviously the are others in both categories but that's just a general idea.

Again, call Doug at CameraLand or Scott At Liberty, I', sure there willing to elaborate.

Rob

 

[kweidner]

+1 on the Sightron.... I have 2 6X24X42 and 1 4.5 X 14 SII side focus, They are clearer and brighter than anything in the safes including two Swaros, Leupold, and Burris.

Mine Are SII and I wish they still made the particular models I have. I wish I had the money to outfit all my guns with them.


Ken

 

[Brocksdad]

Ken, take a look at the Vortex Line of scopes if you can get your hands on them. They're also great in the Price vs. Performance category.

Rob

 

[kweidner]

I will do that. Where can I find them?