Focal Planes vs. Magnification (Nightforce)

[pratchett]

Nightforce's NXS 3.5-15x50 is a FFP scope and the 5.5-22x50 is SFP. Is the extra magnification worth moving to a SFP scope?

The purpose would be long-range static shooting to known distances.

[HK Dave]

If you have to shoot at multiple distances in a more fluid environment, if you hold for wind, the FFP will be vastly better.

I personally will never buy another scope over 10X that isn't FFP again.

[postal]

Agree with Dave.

Wind/holdover is worth FFP. I hate sfp scopes now.

[brando]

And don't make the mistake of thinking that extra magnification is a priority for long distance shooting. I see a lot of guys getting 8-32x or similar scopes, not realizing that they tend to have reduced FOV and available elevation. The latter is really the most important factor in a scope when you're shooting long distances.

[kozumasbullitt]

For fixed distances it doesn't matter. FFP scopes are worth it if you will be ranging and really shine in the higher magnification range.

[postal]

For fixed distances it doesn't matter. FFP scopes are worth it if you will be ranging and really shine in the higher magnification range.

Wind holds are impossible sfp unless your zoom is set for the reticle calibration. (assuming you have a decent reticle to begin with)

That alone is why ffp is worth the money.

Most advanced shooters I know, hold wind- and NEVER dial it.

[JMP]

Nightforce's NXS 3.5-15x50 is a FFP scope and the 5.5-22x50 is SFP. Is the extra magnification worth moving to a SFP scope?

Can you post a link? Are you sure you are talking about the NXS 3.5-15x50? The ones I have seen are SFP. Perhaps you meant F1 3.5-15x50 or the ATACR F1?

NF makes FFP scopes, but they are generally quite a bit more expensive. Once you get into that price category, it may be time to look at a few alternatives.

[pratchett]

I'm browsing NF at or under $2K, but I'm open to alternatives.

[JMP]

I'm browsing NF at or under $2K, but I'm open to alternatives.

It's just that I was not aware that the NXS 3.5-15 came in FFP. If you want to shoot FFP, in the middle market ($2ks) I'd be looking at the Kahles K624i or the new Razor Gen 2 4.5-27. I think both of these would be quite a step above an NXS 3.5-15.

[HK Dave]

JMP is correct. If you are playing in the $2k range, the Vortex Razor II or Kahles k series scopes are superior both optically and in feature set.

[brando]

Kahles may actually be the best optical quality of any scope line out there, giving S&B and Hensoldt a serious run for their money.

[707electrician]

Does Nightforce make the 3.5-15 F1 anymore? I was under the impression that they discontinued it and now make the ATACR F1 which is creeping up on $3k.

[JMP]

Kahles may actually be the best optical quality of any scope line out there, giving S&B and Hensoldt a serious run for their money.

Nah, I use Kahles for my budget optics. It's extremely nice and hard to beat when it's bright out, but my PMII is better in more dim conditions. For long range, the new Hensoldts with 36mm tube destroy everything once you get past 1,000. Side by side, the Hensoldt 3.5-26 FF blows everything else I have looked through at distances beyond 1km. You don't really notice the difference unless you are shooting ELR. I'd put the new Hensoldts completely in a league of their own. I've found the different glass to function differently depending on conditions.

I find scopes to be priced appropriately for the price. I'd put Kahles in the league with Schmidt, but it's a bit cheaper because it only has a 4x zoom multiple.

[brando]

I was only talking about optical quality.

[JMP]

Have you used the Hensoldt 3.5-26 FF yet? The optical quality is amazing at long ranges. It's the best I have used for ELR.