Nightforce NXS and Benchrest Comparisons

We are often asked what the difference between the Nightforce NXS Rifle Scopes and the Nightforce Benchrest Rifle Scopes are. Here is a response we got from our good friend Nathan Hunt, formerly of Nightforce Optics, on the subject:

“Both models are inspected individually for resolution, tracking accuracy, and point of impact shift after being subjected to a battery of impacts: side impacts from the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o clock positions on the objective bell (this includes the adjustable objective BR models), and forward and reverse impacts to simulate various types of recoil. Although they endure the same quality control checks both scopes were designed from the ground up for different and specific purposes. The NXS is a dedicated design for the tactical marksman and the BR is a dedicated design for the Benchrest shooter.
1. The NXS scope has quarter minute clicks while the Benchrest scope has eighth minute clicks.
- A quarter minute click is a good compromise between precision at distance and not having to count too many clicks to get on target. A quarter Minute Click will yield a click value of roughly 2.5” at 1000 yards. This is great for tactical use but the target shooter may want a finer adjustment to get impacts as close to center as possible.
- The BR Series of scopes has adjustments with eighth minute graduations. This yields a click value of roughly 1.25” at 1000 yards. This allows a shooter to take advantage of all of his rifles practical accuracy
2. The Nightforce NXS scope has a side parallax adjustment and the BR has an AO(Adjustable Objective).
- A side parallax adjustment allows a shooter to eliminate parallax with a minimal amount of movement required. This configuration is safer for military marksmen and faster and more comfortable for competitive shooters engaging targets at varying distances.
- An AO allows less lens elements to be used in the optical design. This provides a scope that is less expensive to produce and has less air to glass surfaces inside that reflect or absorb available light.
3. The NXS has an internal rheostat and the BR has an externally adjustable rheostat for illuminating the reticles.
- The internal rheostat in the NXS is impossible to inadvertently activate at maximum intensity, giving away a soldiers position. It comes adjusted from the factory for low light conditions, but is end user adjustable by turning a small screw under the battery.
- The external rheostat on the BR allows the shooter to choose the level of illumination appropriate to the conditions instantly by turning an adjustment located on the scope’s ocular bell.
4. The NXS has exposed windage and elevation adjustments and the BR has capped windage and elevation adjustments.
- The NXS has exposed turrets for fast adjustments in the field.
- The backlash clearance in a Nightforce Rifle Scope is less than 1/30th the thickness of a human hair, but the use of capped windage and elevation adjustments on the BR series eliminates that entirely.
5. The NXS has a lock-ring adjustable eyepiece and the BR has a fast focus eye piece; for reticle clarity and definition.
- Once adjusted, the diopter adjustment on the NXS is protected by a lock ring preventing it from being out of focus when the operator needs it the most.
- The fast focus eyepiece on the BR allows the competitive marksman to have the sharpest reticle image possible with a quick and easy adjustment.
6. The NXS’s eyepiece rotates with the zoom ring while the BR’s eyepiece is fixed.
- The rotating eyepiece on the NXS allows a shooter to turn the entire ocular bell to obtain the desired magnification. Adjusting a small zoom ring is a fine motor skill and can be difficult under stress. The rotating eyepiece also allows for a scope body that is more rigid.
- The zoom ring on the Nightforce BR allows the use of the fast focus eyepiece and typical “flip up” lens covers. ”
To the best of our knowledge this is the best explanation you will find on the main differences between these two Nightforce Scopes. We hope this information will be helpful to you.

Nightforce Rifle Scopes Overview Part I

In the world of premium rifle scopes it’s hard to stand out, there are  simply too many great scopes on the market, but don’t tell that to the folks at Nightforce Optics. The rifle scopes made by this company are exceptional in so many ways its hard to know where to begin, but here is a listing of some of the features common to all Nightforce Rifle Scopes:

• Fully Multi Coated Optics – Each and every Nightforce Scope receives their proprietary broadband multi coating lens coating on all air to glass surfaces. This coating is applied so to almost unimaginable tolerance of 1/4 wave deposition or .000005 inches, and it exceeds the toughest Mil Spec abrasion test making this rifle scope lens coating one of the toughest on the market/
• Optical Indexing – Every Nightforce scope is matched and aligned by hand perfectly to its partners. This technique, called optical indexing provides the best possible optical performance and clarity. This process takes time and its expensive to do, but if your interested in building the best scope in the world you do it.  At Nightforce Optics they’ve been doing it that way from the beginning.
• Objective Lens Perfection – The objective lens determines the resolution, light transmission and exit pupil size of every scope. To push optical performance to its limit every Nightforce objective lens assembly utilizes a multi-lens design similar to those found on the worlds finest telescopes. This lens system focuses light rays more precisely for exceptional image clarity and color accuracy.
• Tube Strength – Nightforce scope tubes are machined from solid bar stock 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum alloy. These tubes are not extruded or formed like those found on lesser scopes. They are two to three times thicker than other riflescopes. This means less overall stress, greater thermal stability and a consistant zero even in the most punishing situations. The Nightforce NXS rifle scopes take this performace to the extreame as they are know and the most durable and rugged scopes in existance.

Binocular Harness / Suspenders

When it comes to field convenience the binocular harness, some folks call them suspenders, rein supreme. This handy device allows the weight of the binocular, camera, etc. to be distributed across the back and shoulders and not the neck. When ever our staff ventures out for a field trip these are an essential part of our gear. There are plenty of good models on the market but if the manufacturer offers one we suggest you buy that one, they often contain little design changes that are handy. For instance Swarovski offers one for their Swarovski Binoculars that includes a special retaining strap that works especially well with their models, making the binoculars easy to take on and off.  Steiner Binoculars has one with their propriety “click lock” system that’s really nice.

If you plan on spending the day in the field with your favorite sport optics then the binocular harness accessory is highly recommended.

Swarovski Optik 2009 Shot Show

Swarovski Optik one of the worlds premier sport optics manufacturers introduces several new models to the landmark Z6 Rifle Scope product line. These Swarovski rifle scopes were the first 30mm tube models to feature a 6 X zoom magnification. Chris Wisecarver of OpticsReview.com interviews Dean Capuano of Swarovski Optik who demonstrates the new Z6i rifle scope in the 3-18×50 design. This new scope covers a full array of possible hunting situations from heavy timber to long distance bean fields. The scope is a marvel of design and construction and even at its equally impressive price tag this scope is sure to be a big hit in the high end rifle scope market!

Nikon @ Shot Show

We stopped by our friends at Nikon Sport Optics to review some of their 2009 product introductions. We always look forward to this visit because this company has the reputation of consistently introducing new products that really fit the needs of their customers, and this year was no exception.

We asked Jon LaCorte, Nikon’s Senior Product Manager, to give us a drive by introduction to two of his favorite 2009 items.

• First, on his list was the new binocular the Monarch-X. Built on the ultra successful lightweight frame of the Nikon Monarch this unit fits the hand like a fine sports car. It’s stylish in looks and has the super reflective prisms usually restricted to the markets most expensive binoculars.  The best I can suggest is that this Nikon Binocular is optically about as good as it gets, and with a street price of about $500 its sure to be a big hit.
• The second product reviewed dealt with Nikon’s introduction of the Coyote Special Rifle Scope, a specialty rifle scope built from the ground up with the Coyote hunter in mind. To make the scope as effective as possible Nikon developed its new Predator BDC Reticle. This reticle design is optimized for quick target acquisition on running game. A real plus for those fast moving critters.

Leica’s New Rifle Scopes

The long anticipated return of Leica to the rifle scope market has finally occurred. This premium sport optics leader introduced two models at the 2009 Shot Show. and they are exceptional to say the least. Leica focused on the 42mm size for its initial introduction which has been a long time favorite of sportsmen. If these two premium level rifle scopes are any indication of the future Leica is sure to care out a respectable share of the rifle scope market. These models should be available sometime mid year 2009.

Zeiss Z-Point Red Dot

Carl Zeiss Sport Optics has really turned some heads in the tactical and recreational shooting community with their red dot scope called the  Z-Point. This innovative design was originally designed for the German military and features a body style that’s all about function and reliability, most notably it has no square edges,  no protruding leavers, and no exposed switches. Every thing is simple and smooth, a real advantage when not having your sport optic gear get caught on something is a priority.  We’ve compiled a short list of the big advantages this scope has to offer.

• First the unit has no magnification. This allows the shooter to keep both eyes open for maximum situational awareness and fast target engagement. This is a huge advantage for close range work.
• Without the multiple lens system needed for magnification scopes the unit is remarkably light, about 3.5 ounces, and lack of extra glass makes it extremely bright. Combine this feature with legendary Zeiss lenses and you’ve got a low light scope that’s simply hard to beat.
• Easy on and easy off. The Z Point uses a patented quick connect  system that requires no tools for attachment or dis attachment.  Simply push in the spring loaded retaining clamp and this red dot scope is easily connected or taken off. This is a real plus for shooters wanting to quickly change their optic systems.
• The red dot illumination  system is really impressive. First its  easy to turn on with a momentary push of a flush mount button of the side of the scope, its under the Zeiss logo.  Second, a light sensor built into the front of the unit automatically detects the ambient light available and adjusts the red dots brightness intensity to the perfect setting.  This auto brightness does have a manual override but you wont need it, the auto brightness feature works great. To turn the unit off you simply press the switch down for a moment and its off, and if you forget to turn it off, like I did, it’s no problem the unit shuts down automatically after 4 hours.
• Here’s another really cool feature of the Z-Point. This unit combines battery power, CR 2032, with solar cell technology. This maximizes battery life by utilizing available light as the primary power source when available and dependable battery power when its not.
• Windage and elevation adjustments are easily field adjustable with the use of an Allen wrench.
• The Z Point has huge 56.4 foot field of view at 100 yards, and the red dot covers 3.6″ of a target at this distance.
• Two models are available from Zeiss, one for the Picatinny mount system and one for the slightly smaller Weaver style mount system.
• The unit is completely submersible waterproof and thus will not fog internally when going from one temperature environment to another.

We must admit that the simplicity of the units design and function is a bit disarming, but make no mistake this  Carl Zeiss scope has a bunch to offer. The range of possible applications is huge, AR-15 style guns, turkey guns, deer shot guns, you name it. The company even offers a bow hunting bracket for the Z Point. Come to think of it  I might want to give that application a try this comming October.

Zeiss Victory Compact Binocular Review

Greetings. I wanted to talk about the Zeiss Victory compact binocular today. The Victory series is of course Zeiss’ flagship line. The compact family sports two sizes: the 8×20 and 10×25. The fully coated optics realistically boasts maximum brightness in minimum dimensions. The view is tremendous with crisp sharpness that fits in any pocket. What I really like about these compacts over their little sister line, Zeiss Conquest,  is the single hinge design. It’s asymmetrical design took a few minutes to get over, but it really does makes sense and allows one barrel to fold under the other and therefore compresses the unit to it’s minimum. The single hinge (to me) is better because there is only one axis to adjust the interpupilary distance…with the Conquest’s dual hinge the barrels can float around and be off-set from each other. In my experience, you need a binocular be set up and working in a matter of seconds with minimum adjustments. Mother Nature is not going to sit around wait for me to catch up. I think that a single hinge accomplishes this best. Now I know there are a lot of fine qualities to the Conquest compact and that it has a huge following of satisfied customers, but this is a review of the Zeiss Victory and I’m allowed to be a little biased.

It’s always give and take with binoculars and if I have to give up the benefits of a full size bino then it better take me to multiple places and work perfectly. When I look at buying a compact binocular it has to fit into several environments. I think that the Zeiss Victory compact family does this very well. The Victory compact is a very versatile binocular that can go from the ball game, to nature hike, and opera in one weekend. The simple black housing is stylish enough for the theater and sporty enough to cover all other occasions. It’s truly compact and of course nitorgen purged to protect the internal components from oxidation as well as prevent internal fogging. Compacts are probably the hardest working binoculars out there since they need to perform well with minimum housing, that’s why it’s especially important to choose a well-established authority in optics (like Zeiss) when purchasing one.

As far as the sizes go, if you are either a birder or theater goer, you should consider the 8×20 for the larger field of view. If you are a traveler and want that extra magnification of vistas and far off animals, I’d choose the 10×25’s. Zeiss has designed them to have the same exit pupil so they will work the same in low light. Just make sure that you purchase them from an authorized Zeiss dealer in order to get their USA lifetime warranty.

Steiner 20×80 Military Binoculars

Today I want to talk about the highly specialized Steiner Military 20×80 binocular. I got to my hands on these binoculars last Friday and was surprised at their performance. The optics are amazing; although the eye pieces have to be focused individually. The 20×80 is like the Incredible Hulk compared to other binoculars with massive lenses and a body length of 12 inches. Just like the shirtless Hulk the binos come without a case. At 20x you have to stabilize them, so they do come with a tripod adapter in the box. This was pretty easy to set up and really enhanced my viewing experience. I used them in the late afternoon and was impressed at the color clarity and crispness of the tree line I was gazing into. I also pointed them at the half moon and enjoyed the full texture and tones of its surface. Now make no bones about it, these binoculars are the real deal; a marriage of quality construction with high performing optics. However, I’m not sure where they fit in the world of binoculars outside of highly specialized military use (and even then, I’m not sure what that application would be).

I wanted to write this article for the backyard astronomer who thinks that the Military 20×80 would be a great tool for the hobby. I know you guys are out there; you’ve called me before. These binoculars are set at 20x so other than the moon you are not gonna see any of the planets…I don’t care how much they cost or how great the glass is. Also, the exit pupil of 4mm is too small for gazing into the dark abyss of space, so mark that off. Next, the field of view is too small for the most popular star clusters and nebulas…stick with a good quality 10×50. Let’s go back to the magnification which is the point of binoculars…20x is an impressive number and I can see how you might think that these would be great for your hobby…but 20x also the starting point on most spotting scopes and telescopes. This is where I feel that the Military lands out of place. Why not just buy one of those and have the ability for more magnification?

I’m sure that the Steiner Military 20×80 has a great function somewhere or they wouldn’t be produced. They just aren’t for everyone. They aren’t your Dad’s binoculars (or your cousin’s, aunt’s or uncle’s) If you have some…please post back a reply to me and let me know (and other readers) how you use them and how you like them. Maybe my vision of their usefulness is impaired and needs some enlightenment.

Zeiss at the 2009 Shot Show

At the 2009 Shot Show Carl Zeiss Sport Optics introduced two premium level optical rangefinders, the Victory PRF Pocket Range Finder and the Victory RF Range Finding Binoculars. The company makes an impressive move into the laser rangefinder market for sportsmen. Both of these models are marvels of design and construction and feature advance features including ballistic compensation assistance.

Additional infomation on each of these range finder products can be found at the Carl Zeiss website.