Need opinion on nightforce

Current Set up
7mm mag
Mark 5 5-25x56
Binos 10x

I'd like to reach 700 yards max on game maybe longer on paper/steel

Looking to get rid of the mark five to get a
Nxs 2.5-10x42
Nx8 2.5-20x50

main question is how is the reticle to see on the nx8 at 2.5 to 4 zoom for thick dark timber, and is the 8 ounces worth it to go to nxs to nx8. I would solely be after the nxs but I tend to use the extra zoom as a spotter once game has been spotted with my binos to get a closer look if it's always out. That itself would elimate a 48 oz spotter and what ever the tripod weighs. Would it be pointless to ditch the mark 5 for 4 ounces even though the 5x isn't ideal for timber?

I went through this thought process last year and ended up with the NX8 4-32X50 FFP. It checks all the boxes as you have indicated in my opinion.

The Mark 5 is a much better scope than the NX8. I'd keep what you have.

I've owned Mark5, NXS, & NX8, and several others. I'd highly recommend the NX8.
I have the 2.5-20 x 50 SFP. Great all around optic for what your looking to do.

I'll take my NX8 over a Leupold (even Mk5) everyday of the week.

Nighttforce scows are awesome. Great optics, but they are heavy. You don't need that on a hunting rifle . I'd run theL4!

I'll take my NX8 over a Leupold (even Mk5) everyday of the week.


Im glad you like it I really like that mag rameh. Perfect for humting rifle.. I've just been hearing mixed reviews on NX8's. And they have been out for very long.!

but, all things NF ar built tough.
Pretty billet proof haven't had one go down yet.

I just got the NXS 2.5-10x32 moa And 4-32 F1 NX8.

I have no experience with the leupold scope you mention. In my opinion either will probably do what you want no problem. Glass is very good on both, these are my only high end scopes so my opinion of glass doesn't mean much. Looking through the 2.5-10 at deer across the field from my house, over 900 yards away. I wouldn't have any problem making a shot with it. I think reticle selection will be the make/break factor with this. The NX8 (FFP) has a good reticle But is very small at 4x-8x But the illumination is excellent. If you are hunting in timber, the scope won't be your excuse for missing the shot. Push the illumination button and shoot.

I really dig that 2.5 x20 mag range and rhen 50mm objective .first thing I said when I saw it was that perfect for a hunting rifle . I may still get ahold of one. Lol

Nihgjtforxe never disappoints .

I can't get into the Night Force reticle for a hunting scope. I prefer a duplex or wind plex. I own 4 VX5HDs because they are lightweight and I've not had any of the issues some claim to have. I'm also not scaling mountains and tossing my rifle on rocks.

I might be missing what the power range has to do with timber. Coming from a guy who hunts open high country and finds game around alpine timber cuts every year.

On paper the mark 5 with a 56mm obj and a 35mm tube is the better scope…as a long range scope…consider the forum we are on.

The mk5's competitor is the Nightforce Atacr. What you're looking to do is pivot and go a complete different direction, optically.

If you are that low (5x or less) in the power range, then I assume you are that close to the timber, and you won't be using the reticles features on a nx8 F1. The only other reason to be that low would be a wider fov.
As someone else said, you can turn on the illumination and essentially use it as a reddot though, especially inside a point blank range or if you know your poa/poi.

The NXS, your stuck with second focal plane, making it..in my opinion, not as good for long range as using the reticle as a form of measuring or implementing your dope becomes constricted.

I'm selling my mark 5's to get more Nightforces.

I got a 5-25x56 for you if you want it.

Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44

While I use a FFP exclusively for the tactical sports, I find the constant reticle sizing of the SFP preferable for hunting regardless of the distance. Time restraints and the multiple targets encountered in competition tip the scales notably to the advantages of the FFP. For hunting, using my preferred 5x25x56 ATACR SFP, I find myself using full power for LR game, and 1/2 power for medium ranges. Reticle corrections are easily managed by factoring. For closer range work at the lower power, the full reticle sizing is preferable for resolution, with fine reticle corrections usually not a factor at the shorter ranges. The balance of optical quality, turret reliability, control ergonomics, and overall durability places the ATACR at the top of my list when it comes to a versatile and reliable hunting scope. Just my viewpoint. Personal preference is a key factor with scope selection.