I received by Nightforce F1 with MD2 reticle. <span style="font-style: italic">This is a very impressive scope. </span> I'm happy I decided to upgrade from my NXS.
Some quick observations that may be of interest to people new to Nightforce and higher end optics: Aesthetically the NXS and F1 are identical. They are twins. Same size, weight, and mechanics. The big difference is the F1 is First Focal Plane and the NXS is Second Focal Plane.
FFP means the reticle remains the same size throughout the magnification range. This gives the advantage of ranging (or measuring) targets at any magnification. With a SFP scope the reticle always remains the same size. This means it is only the correct proportion for ranging targets at one magnification. This is typically the scope's highest magnification.
There is some argument about which type of reticle is better and which fits what tasks better, but I stand with the users that prefer FFP.
The other differences between the two scopes are more subtle. The F1 has more elevation and windage per turn than the NXS. The F1 has 10mils per knob turn. My old NXS only has 5mils. The F1 has clearer markings for the knob directions than the NXS. This was another reason I wanted to upgrade. I really like having “L” and “R” marked on my windage knob. The newer NXS' may also have these markings now (?).
The F1 also comes with NF's Ultra Light medium rings and two large stickers. Stickers are always a welcome bonus. The NXS doesn't come with any extras.
Other than that, they have the same reassuring solid feel of a NF scope. One small difference I did notice is that the eye piece of the F1 turns much smoother than my old NXS.
F1 Top.
F1 Left.
F1 Foreground
F1 Right
The F1's clearer markings are visible: The “Up” text and “Arrow” on the elevation knob. The text is also thicker.
F1 Foreground
The “L” and “R” markings on the F1's windage knob.
F1 Left
The F1 also has elevation lines added to help the user know how many full turns the knob has undergone. My NXS does not have these markings.
So far my only complaint is that the NF manuals that came with the F1 have not been updated. That means there is no diagram for the new MD2 reticle. I emailed NF to see if they have any information.
Some quick observations that may be of interest to people new to Nightforce and higher end optics: Aesthetically the NXS and F1 are identical. They are twins. Same size, weight, and mechanics. The big difference is the F1 is First Focal Plane and the NXS is Second Focal Plane.
FFP means the reticle remains the same size throughout the magnification range. This gives the advantage of ranging (or measuring) targets at any magnification. With a SFP scope the reticle always remains the same size. This means it is only the correct proportion for ranging targets at one magnification. This is typically the scope's highest magnification.
There is some argument about which type of reticle is better and which fits what tasks better, but I stand with the users that prefer FFP.
The other differences between the two scopes are more subtle. The F1 has more elevation and windage per turn than the NXS. The F1 has 10mils per knob turn. My old NXS only has 5mils. The F1 has clearer markings for the knob directions than the NXS. This was another reason I wanted to upgrade. I really like having “L” and “R” marked on my windage knob. The newer NXS' may also have these markings now (?).
The F1 also comes with NF's Ultra Light medium rings and two large stickers. Stickers are always a welcome bonus. The NXS doesn't come with any extras.
Other than that, they have the same reassuring solid feel of a NF scope. One small difference I did notice is that the eye piece of the F1 turns much smoother than my old NXS.
F1 Top.
F1 Left.
F1 Foreground
F1 Right
The F1's clearer markings are visible: The “Up” text and “Arrow” on the elevation knob. The text is also thicker.
F1 Foreground
The “L” and “R” markings on the F1's windage knob.
F1 Left
The F1 also has elevation lines added to help the user know how many full turns the knob has undergone. My NXS does not have these markings.
So far my only complaint is that the NF manuals that came with the F1 have not been updated. That means there is no diagram for the new MD2 reticle. I emailed NF to see if they have any information.
