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Rifle Scopes Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

K

Knobby

Private
Minuteman
May 12, 2012
42
0
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Had just about decided on a Nightforce F1 for my new FNH A3G then...

4:47 into this video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe9vGG1p1GA

Looks like entire eyepiece rotates when changing zoom. I really don't like this because you can use Butler creek flip up scope caps on the eyepiece if the entire eyepiece rotates. I don't want to be stuck having to use bikini covers.

Do any of the higher end scopes have a rotating ring for magnification adjustment instead of the entire eyepiece?
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

Think I just found my answer:

"Is the whole eye piece on the NXS supposed to rotate"

For our NXS 3.5-15x, 5.5-22x, 8-32x, and 12-42x the answer is YES. When the diopter adjustment is locked in place by the lock-ring after you have focused the reticle for your vision correction, the power zoom ring and the eyepiece will move as one unit.

This is a design feature to make for a stronger and more water resistant eyepiece. By having the entire eyepiece move for magnification adjustment, it is much easier to change the adjustment while under stress or in cold and/or wet conditions.

For our NXS 1-4x and 2.5-10x the answer is NO. Due to the compact design of these models, these riflescopes feature a power zoom ring independent of eye piece.

http://nightforceoptics.com/wp_super_faq/11-is-the-whole-eye-piece-on-the-nxs-supposed-to-move/

Well, that sucks...
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

Don't despair, plenty of people use Butler Creek flip ups on their NXSs' including me. I just set the rear flip cap so that I can rotate the ocular without the cap getting in the way of the bolt which generally means I'm good from 15X to about 5X. That's about the lowest I want to go with a FFP reticle in a comp anyway and have it still be useable so it works. Of course I also use the bikini cover from time to time and it has its benefits as well so don't count it out.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Knobby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really don't like this because you can use Butler creek flip up scope caps on the eyepiece if the entire eyepiece rotates. I don't want to be stuck having to use bikini covers.
</div></div>

Let me see if I understand this. You are hinging the decision to buy a $2000 rifle scope on your ability to use $20 scope caps?

I use both Butler Creek caps and Bikini type covers. Neither would be a decision point on an optic.

In reality if you are actually pushing a scope to it's limits the rubber bikini cover that comes with the F1 is the less failure-prone option. It's pretty easy to carry a spare as well.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

Totally agree with Lonewolf on this one, give me the bikini cover any day over the caps. Ever did a timed stage and forget to open one or both of them? (I have) Break them off shooting through and around barriers...Yep I know their popular but more trouble than their worth IMO.

I also like the way the whole eyepiece turns on the NF, I just reach up there and grab anywhere and start cranking, fast and easy. I guess a cattail could be handy with just a mag ring, but have never used one.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

On my 5.5-22 NXS I just take a piece of P-cord (color matched to my OD green stock, of course!) and take it around the bikini cover and tube about 4 or 5 times. Not too fancy, but keeps the cover handy, which is nice to keep the desert dust off the lenses during breaks in firing.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

I cut the front cap off of the bikini cover and toss it in the trash. I zip tie the cord to scope tube so there's plenty of tension to keep the rear cover on. there's nothing to break and the cover hangs conveniently to the side when off the scope.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

If only there was a way to screw on high quality uv filters.
wink.gif
Sort of like on a camera lens.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

nightforce not really having a good solution for flip caps is a bummer, but if your fatigued or wearing gloves, the entire ocular turning is nice.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

I have Butler Creeks on my NXS and its not an issue. Just position the rear cover so that it opens in the 2:00 position at the highest power setting and you won't have any problems.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

+1 to what Jay said... if you don't have a cat tail... sometimes it's just a pita to change magnification.... having the entire thing rotate can actually be a bonus.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

For all of the nice features that Nightforce incorporates into their scopes, it seems like adding a threaded eyepiece and some type of matched flip ups like Leupold wouldn't be that difficult. I realize it wouldn't change the rotation issue, but would be a much nicer set up, in my opinion.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MJY65</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For all of the nice features that Nightforce incorporates into their scopes, it seems like adding a threaded eyepiece and some type of matched flip ups like Leupold wouldn't be that difficult. I realize it wouldn't change the rotation issue, but would be a much nicer set up, in my opinion. </div></div>

+1 on your suggestion. I wish Nightforce would put a 10y parallax system on their next gen scopes as well as upgrade the illume like on their compact scopes.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

I've decided on the Leupold 6.5x-20x50mm M5 34mm. It has a magnification ring instead of the entire eyepiece rotating.

If it hadn't been for this issue I would have gone with the Nightforce but not being able to use caps was a deal breaker for me.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Knobby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've decided on the Leupold 6.5x-20x50mm M5 34mm. It has a magnification ring instead of the entire eyepiece rotating.

If it hadn't been for this issue I would have gone with the Nightforce but not being able to use caps was a deal breaker for me. </div></div>

As someone who has owned both, I think you would find the NF to be a far better built piece of equipment. I bought my leupy a while back though so maybe quality has improved.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

my very simple solution and i think far more reliable than a butler creek. i see tons of the butler creek caps on the ground at our range leading me to believe they break off quite often.

a8980668.jpg


546b9e97.jpg
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

I got tired real quick of breaking those damn butler creek covers, too much money for crap, I switched to the bikini's and while a lot cheaper, totally fool proof and no worries about buying the wwrong size either.
conclusion, buy any scope you want, put bikini's on it and go shoot.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Knobby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've decided on the Leupold 6.5x-20x50mm M5 34mm. It has a magnification ring instead of the entire eyepiece rotating.

If it hadn't been for this issue I would have gone with the Nightforce but not being able to use caps was a deal breaker for me. </div></div>

I own both the F1 and the 34mm Leupold, both are good choices IMO and can't say one is better than the other, (others will disagree I'm sure). But like mentioned above I'm not sure basing that decision on scope covers makes much sense.

Good luck, I'm sure you will enjoy that Leupold.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

Still in shock that anyone would settle for a lesser optic just so they can use cheap flip up scope covers
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: virus51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Still in shock that anyone would settle for a lesser optic </div></div>
I say that to myself everytime I see a NF on a rifle!!!!!!!
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hamstur</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: virus51</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Still in shock that anyone would settle for a lesser optic </div></div>
I say that to myself everytime I see a NF on a rifle!!!!!!! </div></div>
I just looked over at my NF!!!! Why would I do that!!!!

But really, the rotating ocular bell = utter fail. I know your feeling cause no matter what other people say or what ideas they have, I don't like bikini covers. But NF have great resell value & move fast. Buy it, try it. If you don't like it, sell it and buy the Leupold instead cause those seem to be harder to sell.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Knobby</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I really don't like this because you can use Butler creek flip up scope caps on the eyepiece if the entire eyepiece rotates. I don't want to be stuck having to use bikini covers.
</div></div>

Let me see if I understand this. You are hinging the decision to buy a $2000 rifle scope on your ability to use $20 scope caps?

I use both Butler Creek caps and Bikini type covers. Neither would be a decision point on an optic.

In reality if you are actually pushing a scope to it's limits the rubber bikini cover that comes with the F1 is the less failure-prone option. It's pretty easy to carry a spare as well.</div></div>

The way I see it, if Sgt. Rock goes out get a handful of mud on the lens, wipes if off with his bandana, scratches the hell out of the lenses, who cares... After a few months the scope lens are shot, he turns it in and gets a new one on Uncle Sam's dime.

The nicest scope in the world ain't worth jack if the lens are scratched up or covered in mud and the bikini covers been dropped in the mud. Say what you like about Leupolds but at least they do bother to make nice aluminum screw in caps for their scopes.

But the Bikini cover and the wire ties makes me think. Here's what someone needs to come out with. A two piece bikini cover.
The front lens cover has two rings, one larger for the lens, and smaller ring that goes around the tube. Same for the eyepiece. That way the caps can't fall off.

Now this might work well for holding a bikini cover on... Velcro cable ties.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/6-in-Velcro-Cabl...=item4167269c86



 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

The two options I've been playing with for a few days are the velcro strap and the p-cord that Willyz54 mentioned above. Here's quick pictures of both options in case it helps. Just tested a Butler on the ocular and I really did not like the mechanics of it rotating with the bell. If I end up keeping the scope, I will probably get the Tenebraex adapter & cap for the front. Got to play with those on a few PR I had and they are the best caps ever.

NF_CAP_01.jpg


NF_CAP_02.jpg
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

I just got a couple of the caps in from Midway and I will be sending them back and replacing with Butler Creeks. They are definitely a higher quality cap, but they are so bulky that the feature that allows them to fold in doesn't really improve your ability to see more. Besides they are $55 at Midway by the time you buy the cap and NF adapter.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

Butler Creek has a new cap called the "Tactical" series. Much improved design over the plastic hinge. I can twist it to pieces and it wont break.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

Covers are for keeping the rain off in bad conditions or dust off the lens when not using. I use the bikini when not in use also. If I'm shooting most times they are are the the gun bag, I don't want them in my way. And after about the second time jabbing my eyebrow on that damn red lever it ended up in the ditch anyway!
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

Yea, I like the eyeiece control, and quit using butler creek and don't miss them.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

I HATE bikini covers on my F1... but i REALLY HATE butler creeks.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

Interesting thread - it really goes to show you how different people fancy different things.

I (self-centeredly) just assumed everyone hated the way NF's entire ocular spun when changing magnification, just like I hate it.

Also, how are so many folks breaking butler creek caps? I'm not easy on my equipment - I just use it. I have butler creeks on all my optics, and they've always been great, I've never broken one, and they've always done what their supposed to.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

I've broken half a dozen while being gentle with my gear.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

I don't care much for the Butler Creek caps anymore either. I've had them break on me on Nightforce, Leupolds, Bushnells.....it doesn't matter. So I quit buying them.

The more I use the Nightforce, the more I like them. I've come to really like the ability to just grab the whole ocular area and twist to my desired magnification. As time and budget permits, I'm switching all of my scopes over to Nightforce.
 
Re: Nightforce F1 - Entire eyepiece rotates?

I'm the same with Steelhead... initially i hated it, thought it was the dumbest thing ever... now when i use any other scope and change mag... i miss my Nightforce.

It's either that or every scope needs a cat tail... because some are just a PITA to change mag... i.e. SWFA
 
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