To start off I have a vortex viper 4-16x50 on a 243, and a viper pst 6-24x50 ffp on a 308. I like both scopes and have had no problems but I have always wondered about nightforce.i would be looking at nxs 3.5-15x50 ffp. I ordered a rra a4 with a 20 barrel. My question is nightforce worth the money I understand it's a big price difference so far my vortex performed flawlessly what's so good about night force
Vortex pst ffp vs night force
- Thread starter Andys08
- Start date
Whole different ballgame....
The Vortex is the upper end of the low end, the Nightforce sits squarely in the middle class of optics. Every single thing about the Nighforce is an improvement over the Vortex....glass, design, quality control, materials...everything.
As far as worth it? Thats a hugely personal issue.
The Vortex is the upper end of the low end, the Nightforce sits squarely in the middle class of optics. Every single thing about the Nighforce is an improvement over the Vortex....glass, design, quality control, materials...everything.
As far as worth it? Thats a hugely personal issue.
I also do not see how this comparison can be made. The NF is the clear winner. I am going towards the new Burris XTR II 5-25X for my next dial cranker. It seems like one dandy of a value. Very nice optics, very solid and precise adjustments, as fa as I can tell. And the zero-stop it handy. I'd look at the XTR II as a better comparison to the NF, for sure.
I like my XTR....but its no Nightforce. It does what I need it to do, and while its a much closer comparison with a NF, its still not in the same league.
Edit; I played with a Nightforce SHV, and I actually like the Burris better...but the SHV is to Nighforce what a Mustang II was to a Cobra Jet.
Edit; I played with a Nightforce SHV, and I actually like the Burris better...but the SHV is to Nighforce what a Mustang II was to a Cobra Jet.
Originally Posted By: liliysdadI like my XTR....but its no Nightforce. It does what I need it to do, and while its a much closer comparison with a NF, its still not in the same league.
Edit; I played with a Nightforce SHV, and I actually like the Burris better...but the SHV is to Nighforce what a Mustang II was to a Cobra Jet.
I'll agree completely with this. I'll just add that the XTR II seems in another league to the PST, IMO..thusly widening the void between PST and NXS.
I feel the XTR II is what the market needed. It a great value at its price point and a viable, less expensive alternative. It fills it's niche nicely.
I like the SHV, fairly well. But The huge Objective and small turrets are a turn-off for me. The reason I am going with an XTR II instead...and the price I am paying for the XTR II is insane.
Edit; I played with a Nightforce SHV, and I actually like the Burris better...but the SHV is to Nighforce what a Mustang II was to a Cobra Jet.
I'll agree completely with this. I'll just add that the XTR II seems in another league to the PST, IMO..thusly widening the void between PST and NXS.
I feel the XTR II is what the market needed. It a great value at its price point and a viable, less expensive alternative. It fills it's niche nicely.
I like the SHV, fairly well. But The huge Objective and small turrets are a turn-off for me. The reason I am going with an XTR II instead...and the price I am paying for the XTR II is insane.
This XTR II replaced a Vortex...and the comparison is just silly. Every single thing about the Burris is better, with the possible exception of reticle choice. For me, thats a non issue, as the G2B works just fine for me.
I got my XTR II 5-25 shipped to my door for under a grand, and after I opened the box, I felt like I stole it.
I got my XTR II 5-25 shipped to my door for under a grand, and after I opened the box, I felt like I stole it.
YoteslayerWA
Well-known member
I was on the same page as you for a long time looking at NF scopes. I always wanted one but always wondered if it was really worth the money. I can say it absolutely is. I have the NXS 3.5-15-50 ZS and I have zero complaints. The only thng that some people may not like is the weight. They are a very heavy scope but heavy is good IMO. It tells me its well constructed out of quality parts, not plastic. Do yourself a favor and buy one. If you end up not liking it their value holds well and you can sell it in the classifieds easy.
Saskcoyote78
New member
The difference between an FFP Vortex and FFP Nightforce is almost $2000 it sure as heck better be a night and day difference.
Ive shot nearly 50 coyotes this winter in temps as cold as -30, dropped my rifle numerous times, banged it off tree limbs, lake ice ect...and my Vortex PST 2.5-10x32 FFP has not let me down. Turrets track 100% of the time and the reticle is perfect for my coyote hunting. Im no fanboy but the PST series are a solid optic and not low end as some would suggest. Vortex warranty trumps all, what other company allows you to warranty a scope you drove your truck over?
But hey you could drop $2500 or more and be "cool " with a Nightforce FFP model....If I had the money Id try one out.
Cheers!!
Ive shot nearly 50 coyotes this winter in temps as cold as -30, dropped my rifle numerous times, banged it off tree limbs, lake ice ect...and my Vortex PST 2.5-10x32 FFP has not let me down. Turrets track 100% of the time and the reticle is perfect for my coyote hunting. Im no fanboy but the PST series are a solid optic and not low end as some would suggest. Vortex warranty trumps all, what other company allows you to warranty a scope you drove your truck over?
But hey you could drop $2500 or more and be "cool " with a Nightforce FFP model....If I had the money Id try one out.
Cheers!!
I am glad the PST is working out for you, but like it or not, the PST line is a very nice budget scope, the upper end of low end. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it just is. Vortex has an incredible marketing division, but in the end, they sacrifice glass and build quality, relying and fancy tactical doodads that sell scopes.
They do have a good warranty, without a doubt. This in and of itself means nothing other than it is cheaper for them to replace their optics than fix them. Leupold has just as good a warranty, they just dont hang their hat on it, and use it as a selling point. Instead, they make a quality optic that rarely needs service, and in the case it does, they handle business.
In all reality, the Nightforce is a mid grade scope, when the likes of Hensoldt, Schidt, and few other European manufacturers are considered. In the scope world, as you climb the ladder, incremental improvements cost exponentially more as you climb the ladder. Every person must choose a point on that ladder where there needs are met.
They do have a good warranty, without a doubt. This in and of itself means nothing other than it is cheaper for them to replace their optics than fix them. Leupold has just as good a warranty, they just dont hang their hat on it, and use it as a selling point. Instead, they make a quality optic that rarely needs service, and in the case it does, they handle business.
In all reality, the Nightforce is a mid grade scope, when the likes of Hensoldt, Schidt, and few other European manufacturers are considered. In the scope world, as you climb the ladder, incremental improvements cost exponentially more as you climb the ladder. Every person must choose a point on that ladder where there needs are met.
Originally Posted By: liliysdad
In all reality, the Nightforce is a mid grade scope, when the likes of Hensoldt, Schidt, and few other European manufacturers are considered. In the scope world, as you climb the ladder, incremental improvements cost exponentially more as you climb the ladder. Every person must choose a point on that ladder where there needs are met.
Well said.
In all reality, the Nightforce is a mid grade scope, when the likes of Hensoldt, Schidt, and few other European manufacturers are considered. In the scope world, as you climb the ladder, incremental improvements cost exponentially more as you climb the ladder. Every person must choose a point on that ladder where there needs are met.
Well said.
Buster Hindend
New member
Originally Posted By: fw707Originally Posted By: liliysdad
In all reality, the Nightforce is a mid grade scope, when the likes of Hensoldt, Schidt, and few other European manufacturers are considered. In the scope world, as you climb the ladder, incremental improvements cost exponentially more as you climb the ladder. Every person must choose a point on that ladder where there needs are met.
Well said.
I think mine is more like a foot stool
In all reality, the Nightforce is a mid grade scope, when the likes of Hensoldt, Schidt, and few other European manufacturers are considered. In the scope world, as you climb the ladder, incremental improvements cost exponentially more as you climb the ladder. Every person must choose a point on that ladder where there needs are met.
Well said.
I think mine is more like a foot stool
Originally Posted By: Buster Hindend
I think mine is more like a foot stool
Dont worry, mine is too. For my needs, I cannot justify spedning what quality glass costs. I can, however, research and find the standouts in the price range applicable to my needs.
In every optic category there are a wide range of options. Some of them are good values, some simply under deliver, and a few are great. Rarely do you get anything thats worth more than it costs, but you often get something worth less.
I have managed to handle, buy, use, and borrow enough scopes over the years to identify those which offer a strong cost to value ration, and these are what I buy.
I think mine is more like a foot stool
Dont worry, mine is too. For my needs, I cannot justify spedning what quality glass costs. I can, however, research and find the standouts in the price range applicable to my needs.
In every optic category there are a wide range of options. Some of them are good values, some simply under deliver, and a few are great. Rarely do you get anything thats worth more than it costs, but you often get something worth less.
I have managed to handle, buy, use, and borrow enough scopes over the years to identify those which offer a strong cost to value ration, and these are what I buy.
Here is the main difference that people fail to realize and accept. A used optic of better quality, is is still a better value than a new optic of lesser quality. (not bad, just lesser)
You can buy a used NF F1 in 3.5-15x50 for around $1700 if you keep your eyes open, especially now that the ATACR FFP has been released. The difference between a FFP Nightforce and a FFP Vortex is no where near $2000 street value unless you know someone who is giving Vortex's away for free...since you can buy a NEW F1 for less than $2k if you pay attention. (I know where one is listed in a forum classified for $1975 still in the plastic)
You can buy a used NXS in your flavor of reticle and zoom for between 900-1400 (and I know where a $900 one is sitting today)
The used market for an optic of superior quality is very high, and the kicker is. If you buy a used one for $1300 today, just to see if you can justify the cost difference. It's still going to be worth $1250 five years later.
If you don't know if it's worth it...ease into the game with a pre-owned optic. I owned 4 different used Nightforce scopes (sold them all for a slight profit) before I bought anything new.
Now, this doesn't just go for Nightforce, because there are a lot of people that simply don't want an optic that big. However, March scopes have the same story. Shop the used market. They are a phenomenal optic for hunters because of their high zoom range and small size.
When you can grab an item that's at the top end of a tier, for low end of the tier price...you're winning every time.
Now, keep in mind that when you get into "Tier X"...you quickly run into a point of diminished return.
You have to be VERY careful what you're trying to buy. Some have the absolute best glass in the industry, and some have glass that belongs in a Tier 2 price point.
Some have 100% reliable mechanics, and some have Tier 3 repeatability.
Tier X is where you have to really do a LOT of research so you don't get hosed thinking you're buying the best.
[*]Tier 3 - $200 - $1200[*]Tier 2 - $1200 - $2500[*]Tier 1 - $2500 - $3800[*]Tier X - The improvements that a $4500 optic has are nearly non-existent compared to a $3500[/list]
You can buy a used NF F1 in 3.5-15x50 for around $1700 if you keep your eyes open, especially now that the ATACR FFP has been released. The difference between a FFP Nightforce and a FFP Vortex is no where near $2000 street value unless you know someone who is giving Vortex's away for free...since you can buy a NEW F1 for less than $2k if you pay attention. (I know where one is listed in a forum classified for $1975 still in the plastic)
You can buy a used NXS in your flavor of reticle and zoom for between 900-1400 (and I know where a $900 one is sitting today)
The used market for an optic of superior quality is very high, and the kicker is. If you buy a used one for $1300 today, just to see if you can justify the cost difference. It's still going to be worth $1250 five years later.
If you don't know if it's worth it...ease into the game with a pre-owned optic. I owned 4 different used Nightforce scopes (sold them all for a slight profit) before I bought anything new.
Now, this doesn't just go for Nightforce, because there are a lot of people that simply don't want an optic that big. However, March scopes have the same story. Shop the used market. They are a phenomenal optic for hunters because of their high zoom range and small size.
When you can grab an item that's at the top end of a tier, for low end of the tier price...you're winning every time.
Now, keep in mind that when you get into "Tier X"...you quickly run into a point of diminished return.
You have to be VERY careful what you're trying to buy. Some have the absolute best glass in the industry, and some have glass that belongs in a Tier 2 price point.
Some have 100% reliable mechanics, and some have Tier 3 repeatability.
Tier X is where you have to really do a LOT of research so you don't get hosed thinking you're buying the best.
[*]Tier 3 - $200 - $1200[*]Tier 2 - $1200 - $2500[*]Tier 1 - $2500 - $3800[*]Tier X - The improvements that a $4500 optic has are nearly non-existent compared to a $3500[/list]
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stickyburrs
New member
im a tier 3 guy and not a brand you mentioned but i got a straight 10x swfa for under 3 and so far i think i got about 5oo $ more scope than i paid for
The SWFA scopes are solid choices, worth every penny what they cost. I don't feel, however, they are worth more than they cost. The glass is decent, the turrets aren't bad, but the scope really shines in the reliability and ruggedness departments. They are stone simple, they work well, and they are priced right.
Originally Posted By: pahntr760I think it is incredibly silly to compare a $200 to a $1200 optic. Shoot, even $600 and $1200 is a senseless comparison.
I agree completely...the point was in agreement that (something like a) PST is on the upper end of the low scale. But people still want to insist that a Centerpoint belongs in the same conversation as a PST.
Both are low end...it just so happens that the PST as at the upper end of the low side, and Centerpoint hangs around the low end of the low side.
With each Tier...you will get less and less improvement from the bottom to the top.
Tier 3 - extreme difference from bottom to top
Tier 2 - moderate difference from bottom to top
Tier 1 - minimal difference from bottom to top
Tier X - debatable difference from bottom to top
I agree completely...the point was in agreement that (something like a) PST is on the upper end of the low scale. But people still want to insist that a Centerpoint belongs in the same conversation as a PST.
Both are low end...it just so happens that the PST as at the upper end of the low side, and Centerpoint hangs around the low end of the low side.
With each Tier...you will get less and less improvement from the bottom to the top.
Tier 3 - extreme difference from bottom to top
Tier 2 - moderate difference from bottom to top
Tier 1 - minimal difference from bottom to top
Tier X - debatable difference from bottom to top
Saskcoyote78
New member
I hunt pretty hard....in severe conditions....had a close call last night, complete dark...blizzard moved in 6 mile hike...thats another story lol I guess Im a poor man hunter Tier 3 class...anyway Ive put my rifle and scope through [beeep] and back so far this winter and its held up. I see absolutely no reason to even bother buying something better. Turrets track like they should, reticle in matched with turrets, very clear glass. Nothing tests a product like -30 snow blowing bone chilling cold.
You never see guys testing scopes in arctic condtions...usually on some warm range where hey bang it a bit on some wood and toss in the grass.
Cheers!!
You never see guys testing scopes in arctic condtions...usually on some warm range where hey bang it a bit on some wood and toss in the grass.
Cheers!!