i recently bought a vortex scope for my tikka t3 300 win mag and love the scope. i was told by some that nightforce actually makes a better scope but know nothing about them. i was curious if anyone out there knows their way around both brands and any information would be greatly appreciated.
Rifle Scopes vortex vs nightforce
- Thread starter drewbreezy
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Re: vortex vs nightforce
Try using the search engine linked to in my sig line below and you will find more information than you could ever possibly want/need on the high quality of the Nightforce optics (you may even find a comparison thread or two where folks are examining NF vs. Vortex).
I'll save you a little trouble if you just want the "short" version by telling you that the Nightforce NXS optics are in a WHOLE DIFFERENT class than the Vortex scopes (perhaps with a debatable exception being the Vortex Razor HD scopes...and with all due respect to Scott and the fine folks at Vortex who make some incredible scopes that are good value for the money).
Try using the search engine linked to in my sig line below and you will find more information than you could ever possibly want/need on the high quality of the Nightforce optics (you may even find a comparison thread or two where folks are examining NF vs. Vortex).
I'll save you a little trouble if you just want the "short" version by telling you that the Nightforce NXS optics are in a WHOLE DIFFERENT class than the Vortex scopes (perhaps with a debatable exception being the Vortex Razor HD scopes...and with all due respect to Scott and the fine folks at Vortex who make some incredible scopes that are good value for the money).
Re: vortex vs nightforce
Welcome to Sniper's Hide.
You know, when all the answers are laid out here, you're still not going to know anything until YOU take the time to compare them objectively.
I have two Vortex products, the Razor HD spotter and a 6-24 FFP PST. I like them both.
But, I have eleven NF scopes. No, I don't work for NF. I just found something that worked for me and stuck with it for the last 10 years.
Welcome to Sniper's Hide.
You know, when all the answers are laid out here, you're still not going to know anything until YOU take the time to compare them objectively.
I have two Vortex products, the Razor HD spotter and a 6-24 FFP PST. I like them both.
But, I have eleven NF scopes. No, I don't work for NF. I just found something that worked for me and stuck with it for the last 10 years.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
To save on the search - check these threads: Night Force NSX vs Vortex Razor, Vortex vs NF vs Leupold and Thinking about a Vortex PST 6-24x .
To provide a corrected "short" version: on this planet people try to compare items within some quality+features+cost ballpark. Comparing apples to apples, there are more votes/voices for Vortex - in the $2K+ range (VortexRazor HD beats NF NSX including F1 with FFP) and $1K range (Vortex PST beats <whatever>).
If you find that Vortex Crossfire costing $99 is in "a DIFFERENT WORLD" from $1.5K-$2.2K Nightforce NSX - well, I've nothing to add.
P.S. My rifles have only Vortex Razor scopes. On others' rifles I shot S&B, Leupold and NF.
P.P.S. @drewberg, what do you care if somebody likes a different scope better? Most likely that somebody has no clue about Vortex, just some hot air. Yes Nightforce scopes are nice, so what? When I was on the market and researched the field, Vortex beat or was on par with NF in all the areas I cared for: reliability, tracking (how repeatable it is, and how close to 0.1mRad one click actually is), reticle design, total adjustment range (how far do you want to reach with it), quality of the optics, customer service, cost. So I bought Razor, and liked it so much that got another one for the new rifle. Still very happy.
To save on the search - check these threads: Night Force NSX vs Vortex Razor, Vortex vs NF vs Leupold and Thinking about a Vortex PST 6-24x .
To provide a corrected "short" version: on this planet people try to compare items within some quality+features+cost ballpark. Comparing apples to apples, there are more votes/voices for Vortex - in the $2K+ range (VortexRazor HD beats NF NSX including F1 with FFP) and $1K range (Vortex PST beats <whatever>).
If you find that Vortex Crossfire costing $99 is in "a DIFFERENT WORLD" from $1.5K-$2.2K Nightforce NSX - well, I've nothing to add.
P.S. My rifles have only Vortex Razor scopes. On others' rifles I shot S&B, Leupold and NF.
P.P.S. @drewberg, what do you care if somebody likes a different scope better? Most likely that somebody has no clue about Vortex, just some hot air. Yes Nightforce scopes are nice, so what? When I was on the market and researched the field, Vortex beat or was on par with NF in all the areas I cared for: reliability, tracking (how repeatable it is, and how close to 0.1mRad one click actually is), reticle design, total adjustment range (how far do you want to reach with it), quality of the optics, customer service, cost. So I bought Razor, and liked it so much that got another one for the new rifle. Still very happy.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
The only thing that Vortex makes that is worth comparing to Nightforce products is their "Razor" line. However, that is their only product line that is intended to be on the same level as a Nightforce. Vortex also produces a number of less expensive scopes and those were never intended to be in the same level as Nightforce products.
So to answer your question, If you bought anything other than a Razor then any Nightforce scope is absolutely superior.
The only thing that Vortex makes that is worth comparing to Nightforce products is their "Razor" line. However, that is their only product line that is intended to be on the same level as a Nightforce. Vortex also produces a number of less expensive scopes and those were never intended to be in the same level as Nightforce products.
So to answer your question, If you bought anything other than a Razor then any Nightforce scope is absolutely superior.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When I was on the market and researched the field, Vortex beat or was on par with NF in all the areas I cared for: reliability, tracking (how repeatable it is, and how close to 0.1mRad one click actually is), reticle design, total adjustment range (how far do you want to reach with it), quality of the optics, customer service, cost. So I bought Razor, and liked it so much that got another one for the new rifle. Still very happy.</div></div>
+1...Razors all the way, you will not be disappointed.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body">When I was on the market and researched the field, Vortex beat or was on par with NF in all the areas I cared for: reliability, tracking (how repeatable it is, and how close to 0.1mRad one click actually is), reticle design, total adjustment range (how far do you want to reach with it), quality of the optics, customer service, cost. So I bought Razor, and liked it so much that got another one for the new rifle. Still very happy.</div></div>
+1...Razors all the way, you will not be disappointed.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
What kind of use is your rifle going to see? That will tell you a lot on whether or not a Nightforce would be worth getting.
If it is just a basic hunting rifle which you will zero and never touch the adjustments again, then a Nightforce really be of no benefit to you over say a Vortex Viper. Optically a Nightforce is not even going to give you a whole lot over the Viper. But if you are turning knobs and need a fancy reticle, ill, extreme repeatability then the Nightforce offers a lot.
What kind of use is your rifle going to see? That will tell you a lot on whether or not a Nightforce would be worth getting.
If it is just a basic hunting rifle which you will zero and never touch the adjustments again, then a Nightforce really be of no benefit to you over say a Vortex Viper. Optically a Nightforce is not even going to give you a whole lot over the Viper. But if you are turning knobs and need a fancy reticle, ill, extreme repeatability then the Nightforce offers a lot.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheOneTwo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of use is your rifle going to see? That will tell you a lot on whether or not a Nightforce would be worth getting.
If it is just a basic hunting rifle which you will zero and never touch the adjustments again, then a Nightforce really be of no benefit to you over say a Vortex Viper. Optically a Nightforce is not even going to give you a whole lot over the Viper. But if you are turning knobs and need a fancy reticle, ill, extreme repeatability then the Nightforce offers a lot. </div></div>
+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheOneTwo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What kind of use is your rifle going to see? That will tell you a lot on whether or not a Nightforce would be worth getting.
If it is just a basic hunting rifle which you will zero and never touch the adjustments again, then a Nightforce really be of no benefit to you over say a Vortex Viper. Optically a Nightforce is not even going to give you a whole lot over the Viper. But if you are turning knobs and need a fancy reticle, ill, extreme repeatability then the Nightforce offers a lot. </div></div>
+1
Re: vortex vs nightforce
If were talking the Vortex Razor, you in NF quality and features leauge. The PST are a great value and the regular Viper is great for someone starting out. I would avoid the Crossfire.
If were talking the Vortex Razor, you in NF quality and features leauge. The PST are a great value and the regular Viper is great for someone starting out. I would avoid the Crossfire.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njlohmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only thing that Vortex makes that is worth comparing to Nightforce products is their "Razor" line. However, that is their only product line that is intended to be on the same level as a Nightforce. Vortex also produces a number of less expensive scopes and those were never intended to be in the same level as Nightforce products.
So to answer your question, If you bought anything other than a Razor then any Nightforce scope is absolutely superior. </div></div>
Out of curiosity, as I don't think I need more scopes and razor fits my needs quite nicely: in what way would e.g., Nightforce NXS (or is it NSX) be "absolutely superior" to say Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP? And in what applications? Does it track "absolutely" better?...
I personally tend to take such as overstatements.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njlohmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only thing that Vortex makes that is worth comparing to Nightforce products is their "Razor" line. However, that is their only product line that is intended to be on the same level as a Nightforce. Vortex also produces a number of less expensive scopes and those were never intended to be in the same level as Nightforce products.
So to answer your question, If you bought anything other than a Razor then any Nightforce scope is absolutely superior. </div></div>
Out of curiosity, as I don't think I need more scopes and razor fits my needs quite nicely: in what way would e.g., Nightforce NXS (or is it NSX) be "absolutely superior" to say Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP? And in what applications? Does it track "absolutely" better?...
I personally tend to take such as overstatements.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njlohmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only thing that Vortex makes that is worth comparing to Nightforce products is their "Razor" line. However, that is their only product line that is intended to be on the same level as a Nightforce. Vortex also produces a number of less expensive scopes and those were never intended to be in the same level as Nightforce products.
So to answer your question, If you bought anything other than a Razor then any Nightforce scope is absolutely superior. </div></div>
Out of curiosity, as I don't think I need more scopes and razor fits my needs quite nicely: in what way would e.g., Nightforce NXS (or is it NSX) be "absolutely superior" to say Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP? And in what applications? Does it track "absolutely" better?...
I personally tend to take such as overstatements.</div></div>
Nightforce will have better glass, reliability and durability when compared to the PST, no questions asked. That said the PST will probably suit 99% of shooters needs, but the wants are a different story. I have a Razor coming in the next week or so, that I bought used here. Really, the PST would have been good enough, but I wanted the best scope I could afford. When I say best, I mean best in my mind. The debate over high end optics will never die. It's like a mathematical equation that has several variables that are constantly changing, the solution will never be the same.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mouse07410</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njlohmann</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only thing that Vortex makes that is worth comparing to Nightforce products is their "Razor" line. However, that is their only product line that is intended to be on the same level as a Nightforce. Vortex also produces a number of less expensive scopes and those were never intended to be in the same level as Nightforce products.
So to answer your question, If you bought anything other than a Razor then any Nightforce scope is absolutely superior. </div></div>
Out of curiosity, as I don't think I need more scopes and razor fits my needs quite nicely: in what way would e.g., Nightforce NXS (or is it NSX) be "absolutely superior" to say Viper PST 6-24x50 FFP? And in what applications? Does it track "absolutely" better?...
I personally tend to take such as overstatements.</div></div>
Nightforce will have better glass, reliability and durability when compared to the PST, no questions asked. That said the PST will probably suit 99% of shooters needs, but the wants are a different story. I have a Razor coming in the next week or so, that I bought used here. Really, the PST would have been good enough, but I wanted the best scope I could afford. When I say best, I mean best in my mind. The debate over high end optics will never die. It's like a mathematical equation that has several variables that are constantly changing, the solution will never be the same.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
I've had both. I suppose that the two models that could be most closely compared (that I have) would be the Nightforce 5.5-22X50 and the Viper PST 6-24X50.
I don't know that I'd say that the Nightforce was the clear cut winner in the glass department. There were times when I thought that the Nightforce looked a little better and there were times when I thought that the PST looked a little better. The bottom line is that both are more than good enough in the glass department.
When you get away from the quality of the glass is when you see the differences between the two. The Nightforce is heavier and more robustly built. The adjustments on the Nightforce are more robust and course. It's easier to quickly dial up or down a certain amount without over shooting. The knobs on the Nightforce are also less likely to get turned accidentally. I prefer the focus ring on the NF because it locks. I also like the way the whole eye piece turns for dialing magnification.
I've had two PSTs since they were released. One has gone back once and the other has been back three times. I've had around six Nightforce scopes over the past few years and never had any problems with any of them. Although the PSTs are a good bang for the buck, I guess I may have just been too rough with them. I got rid of mine in favor of Nightforce, although Nightforce is much more expensive.
Of course, as has been mentioned, this really is an apples to oranges comparison.
I've had both. I suppose that the two models that could be most closely compared (that I have) would be the Nightforce 5.5-22X50 and the Viper PST 6-24X50.
I don't know that I'd say that the Nightforce was the clear cut winner in the glass department. There were times when I thought that the Nightforce looked a little better and there were times when I thought that the PST looked a little better. The bottom line is that both are more than good enough in the glass department.
When you get away from the quality of the glass is when you see the differences between the two. The Nightforce is heavier and more robustly built. The adjustments on the Nightforce are more robust and course. It's easier to quickly dial up or down a certain amount without over shooting. The knobs on the Nightforce are also less likely to get turned accidentally. I prefer the focus ring on the NF because it locks. I also like the way the whole eye piece turns for dialing magnification.
I've had two PSTs since they were released. One has gone back once and the other has been back three times. I've had around six Nightforce scopes over the past few years and never had any problems with any of them. Although the PSTs are a good bang for the buck, I guess I may have just been too rough with them. I got rid of mine in favor of Nightforce, although Nightforce is much more expensive.
Of course, as has been mentioned, this really is an apples to oranges comparison.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
You're all smoking crack, Countersniper is where it's at!
"Vortex vs Nightforce" is way too wide open, narrow the question, else you'll get more shit and no real actionable info.
Scope model and line on both sides would help immensely. Till then, it's all anecdotes "what if"s.
You're all smoking crack, Countersniper is where it's at!
"Vortex vs Nightforce" is way too wide open, narrow the question, else you'll get more shit and no real actionable info.
Scope model and line on both sides would help immensely. Till then, it's all anecdotes "what if"s.
Re: vortex vs nightforce
I have a viper and it is good. A buddy of mine has a PST an it is really good. I shot a night force the other day and......OOOOOOOO baby. I am saving the moma don't know funds as we speak an am buying a 3x15x50 NP R1.
The reality is any of them are fine for most of us unless we can really shoot.....Not just talk like we can..... REALLY SHOOT
Not sure if this helps. Just my 2 cents
I have a viper and it is good. A buddy of mine has a PST an it is really good. I shot a night force the other day and......OOOOOOOO baby. I am saving the moma don't know funds as we speak an am buying a 3x15x50 NP R1.
The reality is any of them are fine for most of us unless we can really shoot.....Not just talk like we can..... REALLY SHOOT
Not sure if this helps. Just my 2 cents
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