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Rifle Scopes Size Comparison: NF 2.5-10X42 vs mk6 3-18X44

lwrkeysfisher

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 15, 2010
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Gloucester, VA
I understand the differences and pros/cons of each, just curious if anyone has (could take) a photo of them sitting side-by-side.

Thanks,
 
I think I can get that done shortly
I just got the NF in and a buddy has the M6

One thing for sure though is the NF will sit lower on a bolt action because of the 30mm tube and lower height rings available.
 
Hey Chris...that Leupold sure looks a lot like a Nightforce!!! I think the OP is looking for a picture of a 2.5-10x42 next too a leupold mk6 3-18
 
Well that's not as much of a differentiator as I thought it may be. Thanks for the photos Chris.

CCOKER - would be interested in a comparison of the glass and low light performance if you get them both in your hands for a review.

The plan is for it to replace a NF 2.5-10X32 on a precision .308 AR.
 
The MK6 only weighs 3.1oz's more, and the non illuminated TMR is less expensive than the Nightforce.
 
But the illuminated TMR is TWICE as much...decisions, decisions.
 
I like having the illumination available, but never use it on this type of optic. Leupold's illumination adds to the weight as well as the price so it's not an option. I like the illumination, mil-dot reticle, and turrets on the NF. However, the MK6's extra magnification would be nice for smaller targets or when spotting and the FFP would make life a bit easier.

I guess it's nice to have options, and at this point maybe I should just figure out which one to order first...
 
Size Comparison: NF 2.5-10X42 vs mk6 3-18X44

Generalzip, not sure what mil pricing you're looking at but the MK6 TMR is a little cheaper than the NF mil/mil ZS according to the price lists I've been staring at...
 
The NF glass is good but not top Euro good.
To my eyes in extremely low light it is similar to the Trijicon Accupoint 3-9 I have.

Illumination works well and I would run in NV mode for extremely low light hunting conditions.

I need to sync up with my buddy with the MK6
 
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Am I missing something?


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I think what he is saying is you are looking at full retail on the MK6 and the FED/MIL discounted price is significantly less.
 
I think what he is saying is you are looking at full retail on the MK6 and the FED/MIL discounted price is significantly less.

Exactly. I'm comparing full retail to full retail. Comparing a retail nightforce to a discounted mark 6 is apples and oranges in my mind. I'm assuming not everyone on this forum is military. In my opinion the mark 6 is only worth it if you get mil discount pricing. I had to send mine back for service already. Screwed up parallax and horribly mushy turrets. Also the reticle jiggled a little after each shot. Needless to say I'm not impressed. I hope they make it right


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Exactly. I'm comparing full retail to full retail. Comparing a retail nightforce to a discounted mark 6 is apples and oranges in my mind. I'm assuming not everyone on this forum is military. In my opinion the mark 6 is only worth it if you get mil discount pricing. I had to send mine back for service already. Screwed up parallax and horribly mushy turrets. Also the reticle jiggled a little after each shot. Needless to say I'm not impressed. I hope they make it right


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That price from Liberty Optics is and all day everyday for anyone.
 
Size Comparison: NF 2.5-10X42 vs mk6 3-18X44

That price from Liberty Optics is and all day everyday for anyone.

Right. The night force at optics planet is still cheaper than the mark 6 at liberty optics. I'm sure the nightforce could be found for cheaper as well if one were to look around.

Maybe I'm looking at a capped turret or non zero stop model?

Either way, if I were to spend my money again I think I'd go with a premier light tactical.

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Right. The night force at optics planet is still cheaper than the mark 6 at liberty optics. I'm sure the nightforce could be found for cheaper as well if one were to look around.

Maybe I'm looking at a capped turret or non zero stop model?

Either way, if I were to spend my money again I think I'd go with a premier light tactical.

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Yep, an MOA non-zero stop model. When you compare a Mil/Mil scope with ZS its $1940.

Actually comparing these two scopes stops at size and weight, after that its hard to compare a 3-18 FFP to a 2.5-10 SFP.
 
Chris, I too would like to hear why. Do you have any of the Mk6's in with the lower profile, I believe it's the M5C2, turrets?
Sorry I don't have any in with the lower turrets.

Is there a specific reason you prefer the NF Chris?

Why I like the Nightforce: (These are my impressions and yours may differ. Some like blonds, some like redheads.)
I'll start off buy saying that optically I find them to be equal. Clarity, color, contrast, resolution seem the same to me (all are pretty fantastic). No one optical characteristic really stands out over the other.

Feature I really like on the Nightforce and why I am personally drawn to it:
For some reason I'm really digging the green illumination system that Nightforce is offering. I think the best way to describe it is that it is easier on my eyes as it gets dark as opposed to the red. Another thing that pulls me to the nightforce is the reticle offerings. Again a personal thing but I perfer what Nightforce brings to the table in this regard (I've used the MOAR, MIL-R, and LV in the field.) The Nightforce magnification ring I find is more user friendly. Their Power Throw Lever is really nice because I don't have to add a cat tail which adds to the overall size of the eye piece. I hunt with gloves and it can be difficult to grab the mag ring with gloves on. With the PTL, I just use the palm of my hand so it is much easier.

-----With regard to the mag ring, the first time I saw the Leupold I was excited because I thought that they were going to have a system set up similar to the NXS where the eyepiece/mag ring were one piece. That way to change magnification you just grip and rip the entire eye piece. It was disappointing when it was not that way.------

So.... that's about it on why I prefer the Nightforce.

BTW we have some compacts on clearance.
Nightforce Sale and Clearance Items
 
I have been testing the NXS in very low light like 30 - 45 minutes past official susnset and I like the it in NVG compatible green mode at it's lowest and next to lowest settings. It is the only fully lit reticle I have seen that gets dim enough for me. I am runng the MIL -R reticle.


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Sorry I don't have any in with the lower turrets.



Why I like the Nightforce: (These are my impressions and yours may differ. Some like blonds, some like redheads.)
I'll start off buy saying that optically I find them to be equal. Clarity, color, contrast, resolution seem the same to me (all are pretty fantastic). No one optical characteristic really stands out over the other.

Feature I really like on the Nightforce and why I am personally drawn to it:
For some reason I'm really digging the green illumination system that Nightforce is offering. I think the best way to describe it is that it is easier on my eyes as it gets dark as opposed to the red. Another thing that pulls me to the nightforce is the reticle offerings. Again a personal thing but I perfer what Nightforce brings to the table in this regard (I've used the MOAR, MIL-R, and LV in the field.) The Nightforce magnification ring I find is more user friendly. Their Power Throw Lever is really nice because I don't have to add a cat tail which adds to the overall size of the eye piece. I hunt with gloves and it can be difficult to grab the mag ring with gloves on. With the PTL, I just use the palm of my hand so it is much easier.

-----With regard to the mag ring, the first time I saw the Leupold I was excited because I thought that they were going to have a system set up similar to the NXS where the eyepiece/mag ring were one piece. That way to change magnification you just grip and rip the entire eye piece. It was disappointing when it was not that way.------

So.... that's about it on why I prefer the Nightforce.

BTW we have some compacts on clearance.
Nightforce Sale and Clearance Items

Exactly the sentiments I have, save for the illumination. If only the NXS Compact had the mag range and FFP of the Leupold there would be no better scope for this application, or conversely if Leupy offered reticles that work. The price and features are there, but god if the reticle options aren't terrible. The MOAR and MIL-R are great for holds and making very fast accurate corrections, but FFP would be great, and the MOAR just isn't fine enough at 10x to discern targets 1 MOA or less. You can lollipop the target on top of the center island crosshair pillar by dropping elevation by 1 MOA, but then the rapid holds become more complicated and introduce more room for error. Nightforce if you read this: 3-18x MAGNIFICATION AND FIRST FOCAL PLANE PLEASE IN A LIGHT COMPACT PACKAGE!!! The F1 would be perfect if it wasn't a club and cost around or under 2K.
 
These are REALLY useful pictures for anyone looking for a variable power compact scope. I like the simplicity and lower profile of the NF turrets, but I like the larger magnification range and FFP of the Lupy. Both look like excellent scopes though. Thanks Chris!
 
I have a NF 2.5-10x32mm, and I was not impressed at all. Same Made in Japan scope, just like SWFA and Weaver tactical..

Just got a Mark6 for $1582 during the thanksgiving sales at Joes sporting Goods. I really think it only worths 1500...

In the future, I will save up for S&B. Still, Germans make the best scope IMO.
 
Got my mark 6 back from repair. Hope it works. Turrets are still atrocious and mushy and move .1 mil when locked. For what it's worth I think the new march 3-24x52 that comes out in April will blow leupold nf and many others out of the water in terms of glass, size, and function


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Size Comparison: NF 2.5-10X42 vs mk6 3-18X44

Red light is less disruptive of night vision, which may or may not be important to your intended use. Our eyes are more sensitive to green which is likely why you like it.
 
I ordered the MK6 first, as it's one a year through Leupold's mil/le program and I want to keep my options open in 2014. I'm thinking the NF might be nice on the compact bolt gun I've been building in my head.

I have a NF 2.5-10x32 and think it would be about perfect if it had parallax adjustment.