Comparing the Nightforce NX8 vs ATACR Scopes – Which is Better?

It’s very common for prospective customers to compare two or more different scope families or series within a specific scope brand in an effort to clearly understand how those two scope series are both similar and different. I routinely see this at my day job, where someone asks me to “compare scope A to scope B.” In this post, I will try to answer the challenges of comparing the Nightforce NX8 vs ATACR scope series.

Nightforce Overview

Although Nightforce is a well-known optics brand based in the United States, people are always surprised to learn that the company was actually started by an Australian dentist named Ray Dennis in 1992. Another interesting fact: Mr. Dennis did not create the company to focus on rifle scopes specifically; He started the company with an interest in offering spotlight products for night hunting (which is popular in Australia).

As a part of the night hunting product line, Mr. Dennis also found a Japanese optical company that could make rifle scopes that offered specific features needed for night hunting. However, when he test-marketed the entire product line in the U.S., he found that the spotlighting products did not sell well, but the rifle scope models did.

As a result, Mr. Dennis decided to focus on rifle scopes for the U.S. market and the spotlighting products for the rest of the world.

Since then, Nightforce Optics has evolved into a top-tier producer of higher-end rifle scopes and spotting scopes. Unlike most brands in the sporting optics industry, Nightforce does not offer a complete line of sporting optic products (rifle scopes, binoculars, rangefinders, spotting scopes, red dot, etc.). Instead, Nightforce’s primary product focus is rifle scopes. Up until 2013, they only offered scopes and scope accessories. However, in 2013, Nightforce introduced two spotting scope models. Those two spotting scope models are the only other non-rifle scope product that Nightforce produces.

Another area where Nightforce differs from most other optical brands on the market is their focus on the upper end of the scope market. Most optical manufacturers offer scope models that cover a broad range of costs (entry-level, mid-level, upper mid-level, high-end, etc.). However, Nightforce scopes are geared towards the upper to higher end of the riflescope market, with an emphasis on precision tactical and long-range shooting applications.

The optical quality, performance, and extreme durability of the Nightforce optics led to several scope contracts with different branches of the U.S. military. Those military contracts further solidified Nightforce as a premier optical brand in the U.S market.

Currently, Nightforce Optics only offers six series or families of scopes, which include the following:

• ATACR
• NX8
• SHV
• NXS
• Competition
• Benchrest

For the purposes of this post, I’m going to be focusing on the NX8 and the ATACR series.

Nightforce NX8 Overview

The Nightforce NX8 scope series is an evolution of sorts of the popular NXS series of scopes. The NX8 family of optics features an 8x zoom range, which is somewhat uncommon in the scope industry.

The first NX8 scope was introduced in 2018 and was a first focal plane version in a 1-8×24 configuration. This scope had an “F1” designation, which is Nightforce’s method of identifying it as an FFP model vs. an SFP model.

In 2019, Nightforce added a 2.5-20×50 F1 and 4-32×50 F1 models to the NX8 family. In 2020, Nightforce expanded the NX8 scope family with a 2.5-20×50 F2 and a 4-32×50 F2 model. Both of those scopes were second focal plane configurations (which is what the “F2” designation means).

All the NX8 scope models are built on a 30mm tube and available in various reticle options designed for precision or long range shooting.

Nightforce ATACR Overview

If you’re interested in checking out the best scope models that Night force offers, you’ll be looking at the ATACR family of rifle scopes. The “ATACR” designation is an acronym that stands for “Advanced Tactical Riflescope.” The ATACR scopes are also an evolution of the classic NXS line of Nightforce optics.

Nightforce first introduced the ATACR series in 2013 with the 5-25×56 ATACR model. This scope was a second focal plane model, built on a 34mm tube with the MOAR or MIL-R reticles.

In 2014, Nightforce added a 4-16×42 F1 and a 5-25×56 F1 optic to the ATACR line. In 2016, Nightforce again expanded the ATACR line by adding a 4-16×50 SFP model and a 7-35×56 F1 model.

In 2018, a 4-16×50 F1 version was added to the ATACR family, but this model was discontinued in 2022. In 2019, Nightforce again expanded the ATACR line of scopes by adding a 7-35-56 F2 model, and in 2021, a new 4-20×50 F1 configuration was added.

In 2020, a Nightforce ATACR 1-8x24mm F1 model was added to the ATACR family. This model is a low power variable optic that was designed for use as a battle or combat optic. This model is the only Nightforce LVPO that is currently available in the ATACR scope series.

The ATACR scopes are built on 34mm tubes and feature first and second focal plane options. Like most of the other Nightforce scope models, the focal plane configuration on the ATACR models is marked with an “F1” for first focal plane. The models without the F1 designation or ones marked with an “F2” designation are second focal plane models.

Comparing the NX8 Scopes to the ATACR Scopes

Typically, when comparing scopes, I try to utilize the following comparison topics in the following format:

• Optical Quality
• Tube Size
• Objective Size
• Focal Plane
• Power Magnification Ranges
• Reticle Options
• Operational Controls
• Eye Relief
• Weight
• Cost

Let’s get started:

Optical Quality

According to Nightforce, the ATACR and NX8 scopes use very comparable ED-level glass for the lens system. I’ve seen several comments saying that the optical quality between the two is nearly the same, but I don’t find that to be the case. In my opinion, the glass on the ATACR models is better compared to the NX8.

However, remember that most of the ATACR and NX8 scopes don’t match up precisely in terms of the power range. The only scopes that match up closely as the 1-8×24 models in both scope series. Due to the slight differences in the power magnification configurations across each line, the comparisons are not a proper head-to-head match-up.

I find the ATACR models to be brighter and a tad clearer, especially at long distances. However, I’d somewhat expect the ATACR optics to be better, given the difference in costs compared to the NX8.

That being said, the optical quality on both series is excellent, with bright clear images and crisp colors. In addition, the edge-to-edge clarity is also outstanding.

I don’t think you can go wrong with either series of scopes from an optical quality standpoint.

Tube Size

Tube size is one area where the ATACR and NX8 differ. All the NX8 scopes are built on a 30mm tube, while all the ATACR scopes are built on a larger, 34mm tube.

The larger 34mm tube offers some benefits, including a greater range of internal adjustments in windage and elevation (in most cases). However, they also come with some potential downsides, including:

Increased weight – Although the differences in weight between a 30mm tube and a 34mm tube may only be a few ounces, those additional ounces start to add up if you are trying to hunt up the side of a mountain.

Less & More expensive ring options – In a 34mm configuration, there are fewer scope ring providers compared to the 30mm ring market. In addition, the 34mm rings tend to cost substantially more than a set of comparable 30mm rings.

If you want a 34mm tube, then the ATACR will be your best option.

If you are shopping based on lighter weight and more readily available rings, then the NX8 will be your better option.

Objective Size Differences

Another area where the NX8 and ATACR models differ is the size of the objective.

In the NX8 scopes, the objective size is 50mm. This 50mm sizing is a typical objective size and is very popular in the sporting optics industry.

The objective sizes on the ATACR scopes vary from 50mm up to 56mm. The larger 56mm objective generally increases the overall weight of the scope and means that the optic has to be mounted higher than usual above the barrel for scope clearance.

Those concerns may not be an issue for a dedicated long-range scope for bench shooting. However, those concerns may not be ideal for a dedicated hunting scope.

Focal Plane

The ATACR and the NX8 scopes are available in FFP and SFP configurations. The NX8 series features four FFP models and two SFP models. The ATACR series features five FFP models and three SFP options.

For the most part, both Nightforce scope series offers an SFP and FFP model in each power range. For example, in the ATACR series, Nightforce offers a 5-25×56 SFP model and a comparable 5-25×56 FFP version.

If you’re shopping for a specific focal plane configuration, either series would be a potential option.

Power Magnification Ranges

Both the NX8 and ATACR models offer a broad range of power magnification options for most uses. The NX8 series features a 1-8×24 scope at the bottom of the power range and a 4-32×50 option for the highest magnification range in that series.

The ATACR series features two 1-8×24 models on the lowest adjustable power range and tops out with a maximum magnification range of 7-35x56mm.

These two scope series are fairly evenly matched in the lower power ranges as both have a few lower-powered choices.

So, if a higher magnification range is ideal, then the ATACR series will probably be the better choice as they offer a 5-25 and 7-35 option versus the NX8 model with a maximum power of 4-32×50.

Reticle Options

Here’s a look at the Nightforce reticles offered within each family of scopes:

As you can see from the table above, the reticle options are very similar across both series of riflescopes. However, there are a few differences:

• Some higher-powered ATACR scopes have an option for the Horus H59 reticle, whereas the NX8 models do not feature this specific reticle option.
• Some of the ATACR scopes feature a reticle option with specific preset Mil or MOA adjustments that are incorporated. An example of these MOA or MIL-specific reticles would be the MOAR – 30 MOA reticle available on the ATACR 4-16x50mm. Unfortunately, Nightforce does not offer these specific preset MIL or MOA reticle choices on the NX8 scopes.

It’s worth noting that the reticle choices for both scope series are tied to the focal plane. So, for example, the first focal plane scope models feature FFP reticle choices, while the second focal plane models feature SFP reticle options.

Operational Controls

The operational controls on all the NX8 and ATACR scopes are nearly identical. Almost every model in each scope series is equipped with the following:

Side Focus Parallax Adjustment

While all the scopes from each series feature a side focus adjustment option, there are some differences in how each performs.

For example, except for the 1-8×24 models, the side focus feature on the NX8 scopes will focus down to 11 yards. In comparison, most ATACR scopes feature a side focus that will focus down to 45 yards. The exceptions to that rule are the ATACR 1-8 models (which have a fixed parallax) and the 4-20×50 F1 scope (which focuses down to 11 yards).

ZeroStop

Within the NX8 and ATACR scope lines, almost every scope is equipped with Nightforce’s ZeroStop feature, allowing the shooter to return to zero after dialing up for windage adjustments.

Eye Relief

These two Nightforce scope families are nearly identical in terms of eye relief. All of the models within each series feature an eye relief that is between 3.5 inches and 3.7 inches.

While they look identical on paper, I found the eye relief on the NX8 scopes to be a little more critical and less forgiving than the eye relief on the ATACR models, and that experience was across the board on all the NX8 scopes I tried out.

By critical, I mean that when getting behind the glass, I noticed that I had to shift my head position a bit more to find the ideal sweet spot. In addition, any head deviation right or left of the scope caused a minor ring to appear on the edges of the image.

To be fair, this issue was minor and may not even be an issue for most people because I’m a bit anal-retentive regarding eye relief, especially with optics in this price range. However, none of my shooting buddies commented on any eye relief issues on the NX8, so it very well could be me being overly critical.

The 3.5 to 3.7 range is more than sufficient eye relief distance for any caliber, including those with heavier recoil.

Weight

Typically, scope weight really only becomes a factor when hunting or shooting a competition scenario with a rifle weight limit.

However, with these two scope families, there are some noticeable differences in weight, with the ATACR models typically weighing more than the NX8 models.

Here’s a side-by-side look at the weight of each scope:

As you can see from the table above, the ATACR scopes tend to be heavier than the NX8 models across the board. The increased weight is predominantly associated with two factors:

• The larger 34mm tube on the ATACR compared to the 30mm tube on the NX8.
• The larger 56mm objective on some of the ATACR models versus the smaller 50mm objectives on the NX8.

Durability & Build Quality

Across the rifle scope industry, Nightforce has a reputation for durability and performance under the worst situations. They are one of the few optical brands on the market that have successfully withstood durability testing across branches of the U.S. military.

While both scope series feel durable and well-built, the ATACR is built like a tank. It almost feels overbuilt for an optic and feels like it can withstand almost anything. You could probably remove the ATACR 7-35 scope off a rifle and successfully use it as an impact weapon in hand-to-hand combat.

Now, to be fair, the NX8 scopes don’t feel as well built or heavy-duty as the ATACR models, but they don’t feel cheap or low quality either.

Scope Color

Typically, scopes don’t come in different color options, but Nightforce is changing that approach. As of January 2022, Nightforce offers specific scopes in the ATACR and NX8 lines in a black or dark earth color configuration.

The NX8 scopes that are available in the dark earth option are:

• 1-8×24 F1 Capped
• 2.5-20×50 F1
• 4-32×50 F1

The ATACR scopes that are available in the dark earth option are:

• 1-8×24 F1
• 7-35×56 F1

Costs

Since the NX8 is Nightforce’s upper mid-range offering and the ATACR series is their top-of-the-line offering, there are substantial differences in cost between the two families of scopes.

The NX8 is the least expensive of the two series with an MSRP ranging from $1750 to $2700. The final cost is determined by the power range, reticle choice, and color (in some models).

The ATACR series has an MSRP that ranges from $2700 up to $3900. Like most all the Nightforce scope options, the cost varies based on the magnification power, specific reticle, and color (for certain models). The scopes available in the Dark Earth color feature a color upcharge.

The higher costs of the ATACR are most likely associated with better optics, the larger 34mm tube, the larger 56mm objective, and, in some cases, the higher magnification range.

Nightforce NX8 or ATACR – Which is Better?

If we’re just talking about the better scope in general, then the ATACR scopes win the title. However, the ATACR models are not a one-size-fits-all approach, and there may be situations where the smaller and lighter NX8 scopes are a better option.

Instead of taking an across-the-board “which is better” approach, I’d suggest evaluating your optical needs, emphasizing how the scope will be utilized.

Here are a few suggestions that might help with the process:

• If you simply want the best optic that Nightforce offers, then the ATACR will be your best choice.
• If you’re making a buying decision strictly based on a strict budget, then I’d stick with the less expensive NX8 models.
• If you’re shopping for a hunting scope, then the lighter-weight NX8 series is the better option.
• If you want the highest magnification power between the two models, then the ATACR 5-25 and 7-35 models will meet that need.
• If you’re scope shopping based on scope weight, then I’d focus on the NX8 scopes.
• If you want a 34mm scope, then the ATACR scopes will be the way to go.
• If you’re buying a dedicated long range riflescope, then either Nightforce series would be a candidate.

FAQS

Here are some commonly asked questions that I’ve regarding a comparison of the Nightforce ATACR scopes against the Nightforce NX8 scopes:

Is the Nightforce NX8 a good scope?

Nightforce doesn’t offer a “bad” scope, and the NX8 series of optics is no exception. The NX8 line of riflescopes is well-built, durable, and features excellent optics. In addition, the NX8 line features FFP and SFP focal plane options, along with a variety of usable reticles. In short, I’d definitely rate the NX8 scopes as a good scope.

 Is the Nightforce NX8 first focal plane?

Some of the Nightforce NX8 scopes are available in first focal plane and second focal configurations. So, not all the NX8 models are FFP only. Currently, the NX8 scope line features four scopes which are FFP models and two SFP models.

What does the Nightforce ATACR mean?

The ATACR designation on the Nightforce ATACR line of scopes is a pseudo-acronym meaning “Advanced Tactical Riflescope.” However, it’s not exactly an actual acronym as the A stands for “Advanced,” while the TAC references “Tactical,” and the R refers to “Riflescope.”

Why do the Nightforce ATACR scopes cost almost twice as much as the Nightforce NX8 scopes?

There are several reasons why the ATACR scopes are more expensive than the NX8 scopes, including:

• Better quality optics
• Larger 34mm main tube
• Larger 56mm objective (applicable to the 5-25 and 7-35 ATACR models only)
• Heavier duty construction compared to the NX8

Those enhancements are more expensive to produce; therefore, the retail cost is higher than the NX8 scopes.

Hopefully, you found this information useful and I’ll update the FAQS section as I come across more questions related to this specific topic.