Best Nightforce scopes for hunting are renowned for their precision, durability, and exceptional optical clarity. Designed to perform in the harshest environments, these scopes offer a range of features; from versatile magnification ranges and rugged construction to advanced reticles and reliable adjustment systems; catering to both short-range and long-range hunting needs.
Whether you are tracking game in dense forests, open plains, or challenging low-light conditions, Nightforce scopes provide the performance and confidence required for accurate and ethical hunting.
Best Nightforce Scope for Hunting
1) Nightforce NX8 2.5-20X50mm
The Nightforce NX8 2.5–20×50mm is one of the Best nightforce scope for hunting, it features; Withstands extreme conditions including heat, cold, dust, sand, water, and snow, ZeroStop adjustment for fast and reliable return to zero among other incredible features.
The Nightforce NX8 2.5–20×50mm is a premium, compact hunting scope built to deliver top-tier performance in the harshest environments. Engineered for operation in extreme conditions, this optic is designed to withstand intense heat and freezing cold, dust-heavy terrain, sandstorms, high altitudes, salty coastal air, mud, snow, and even full exposure to water.
It arrives fully equipped with Tenebraex flip-up lens covers, a cleaning cloth, multi-tool, power throw lever, stickers, and a user manual; everything hunters need straight out of the box. Featuring ZeroStop elevation adjustment, the NX8 allows you to set a hard-stop at your established zero so you can return instantly after dialing for distance. This enhances repeatability and ensures consistent accuracy.
Its 50mm objective lens is optimized for superior resolution and excellent light transmission, delivering crisp visuals during early morning or late-evening hunts. The scope also includes a close-range parallax adjustment down to 11 yards and comes with a built-in Power Throw Lever (PTL) for fast, intuitive magnification changes.
With an impressive 8x magnification range, shooters can quickly adapt from close-range snapshots to precise long-range shots without sacrificing field of view or clarity. The NX8’s advanced MOAR-CF2 reticle, calibrated at 20x, provides an open center with a clear reference dot and intuitive subtension markings, allowing rapid holds and enhanced target visibility in any scenario.
Pros
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Withstands extreme conditions including heat, cold, dust, sand, water, and snow
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ZeroStop adjustment for fast and reliable return to zero
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Excellent low-light clarity with its 50mm optimized objective lens
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Close parallax adjustment down to 11 yards
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Integrated Power Throw Lever for fast magnification shifts
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Wide 2.5–20x magnification range for versatile hunting applications
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MOAR-CF2 reticle provides clean sight picture and intuitive hold points
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Comes with Tenebraex covers and useful accessories
Cons
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Premium build results in a higher price point
2) NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope
The Nightforce SHV 5–20×56mm is one of the Best nightforce scope for hunting, it features; Most powerful model in the SHV lineup for maximum versatility, Excellent clarity, color contrast, and low-light performance from the 56mm objective among other incredible features.
The Nightforce SHV 5–20×56mm stands as the most powerful optic in the SHV lineup, built to deliver exceptional performance for hunters and precision shooters alike. Whether you’re targeting varmints at close range, pursuing big game across open terrain, or tightening groups on paper at long distances, this scope offers the optical clarity and versatility required for consistent accuracy.
Its large 56mm objective lens ensures excellent light transmission, producing bright, crisp images across the entire magnification range. This gives hunters an edge during low-light hours when clarity is crucial in the field.
Packed with serious capability, the SHV 5–20×56mm features 80 MOA of elevation adjustment, providing generous dialing room for extended-range shooting. The side parallax adjustment allows fine-tuning for optimal focus, while ZeroSet technology makes returning to your original zero fast and effortless, even after multiple elevation changes.
For optical precision, this model offers Forceplex and MOAR (20 MOA) reticle options, with configurations in both illuminated and non-illuminated versions. Each reticle provides crisp visual reference points for accurate holds and superior target definition. Inside the box, users receive rubber lens covers, a cleaning cloth, an owner’s manual, and tools such as Allen keys for easy setup and maintenance.
Pros
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Most powerful model in the SHV lineup for maximum versatility
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Excellent clarity, color contrast, and low-light performance from the 56mm objective
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80 MOA elevation adjustment for long-range shooting
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ZeroSet technology allows quick return to your established zero
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Side parallax adjustment enhances precision at varying distances
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Multiple reticle and illumination options to suit different shooting preferences
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Includes lens covers, cleaning tools, and necessary setup accessories
Cons
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Larger 56mm objective may require higher rings for mounting
3) NIGHTFORCE ATACR 1-8×24mm
The Nightforce ATACR 1–8×24mm is one of the Best nightforce scope for hunting, it features; ED glass delivers exceptional clarity and color accuracy, Daylight-visible red-dot style illumination for rapid targeting among other incredible features.
The Nightforce ATACR 1–8×24mm is a premium hunting optic engineered for shooters who demand both speed and precision in a compact, high-performance design. Built with pristine ED glass, this scope delivers exceptional clarity, sharpness, and true color, even in demanding lighting conditions. Its daylight-visible illuminated center red dot functions like a traditional red-dot sight for rapid, close-range engagements, while the true 1x field of view allows both-eyes-open shooting for maximum situational awareness. With rugged construction and outstanding optical quality, the ATACR stands out as one of the most refined low-power variable optics available.
Unlike a simple red-dot, this model provides a full 1–8x magnification range, enabling shooters to quickly identify, track, and engage targets at extended distances. The first focal plane FC-DMx reticle is designed with intuitive hold and hold-off points, maintaining accuracy regardless of magnification. Its capped, low-profile turrets prevent accidental adjustments while still offering precise 0.1 MRAD click values, ensuring reliable performance in the field. The scope also includes an integrated Power Throw Lever (PTL) for fast, effortless magnification changes.
With a 34mm body tube, 30 MRAD internal adjustment range, fixed parallax at 125 meters, and comfortable 3.7-inch eye relief, the ATACR is built for stability, versatility, and rugged use. Every purchase comes complete with Tenebraex flip-up covers, a cleaning cloth, multi-tool, power throw lever, stickers, owner’s manual, and two windage beauty rings, providing a fully equipped package for immediate setup.
Pros
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ED glass delivers exceptional clarity and color accuracy
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Daylight-visible red-dot style illumination for rapid targeting
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True 1x magnification for both-eyes-open use
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8x zoom enables identification and engagement at extended ranges
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FC-DMx FFP reticle provides precise, intuitive hold points
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Capped turrets prevent accidental adjustments
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Integrated PTL allows fast magnification changes
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Comes with premium accessories including Tenebraex covers and multi-tool
Cons
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Premium performance comes at a higher price point
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Nightforce Scope for Hunting
1. Magnification Range
The magnification range determines how versatile the scope will be across different hunting environments. Lower magnification ranges like 1–8x offer fast, both-eyes-open target acquisition for close-range and moving targets, while higher ranges such as 5–20x or 2.5–20x help you engage game at long distances with precision. Choosing the right magnification depends on whether you mostly hunt in dense woods, open fields, or a combination of both. Nightforce scopes excel here with options suitable for short, medium, and extended-range hunting.
2. Optical Clarity and Lens Quality
Nightforce is known for its exceptional glass quality, especially ED and high-transmission lenses found in lines like the ATACR and NX8. Clear, bright, and color-accurate lenses are essential for identifying game in low-light conditions at dawn or dusk. A larger objective lens; such as a 50mm or 56mm; allows more light to enter the scope, producing sharper details and reducing eye strain. Hunters should prioritize scopes with superior optical clarity for improved visibility in all lighting environments.
3. Durability and Environmental Resistance
Hunting often takes place in rough, unpredictable outdoor conditions, making durability a critical factor. Nightforce scopes are engineered to withstand extreme heat, cold, moisture, dust, mud, snow, and high-altitude environments. Robust construction ensures consistent performance even when dropped, bumped, or exposed to harsh weather. Models in the NX8 and SHV series are specifically built for rugged use, making them highly reliable for hunters who need gear they can trust in unpredictable conditions.
4. Reticle Type and Illumination
The reticle plays a major role in how quickly and accurately you can acquire and hold on a target. Nightforce offers several reticle options, including MOAR, Forceplex, and FC-DMx, each designed for different shooting preferences. First focal plane reticles are ideal for long-range precision, while simple, illuminated center dots shine in fast, close-range situations. Consider whether you need illumination for low light, or detailed subtensions for long-distance holdovers, as the reticle type greatly influences field performance.
5. Adjustment System and Turret Features
Accurate elevation and windage adjustments are essential for ethical and precise hunting shots. Nightforce scopes feature systems like ZeroStop or ZeroSet, allowing shooters to instantly return to their established zero after dialing for distance. Precise click values, capped or low-profile turrets, and generous adjustment ranges (up to 80 MOA or 30 MRAD depending on the model) ensure consistent accuracy in varied terrain. Choose a scope with an adjustment system that matches your level of shooting experience and hunting style.
6. Size, Weight, and Handling
The size and weight of your scope determine how your rifle handles in the field. Lightweight and compact scopes like the ATACR 1–8×24mm or NX8 models offer excellent maneuverability, making them ideal for spot-and-stalk or fast-moving hunts. Larger scopes with 50mm or 56mm objectives provide superior clarity but add weight that may affect balance or fatigue over long distances. Hunters should balance optical performance with portability based on their typical hunting terrain.
7. Parallax Adjustment and Eye Relief
Parallax adjustment, especially on higher-magnification models like the SHV 5–20×56, helps sharpen focus and reduces aiming errors at long distances. Eye relief; commonly around 3.5 to 4 inches on Nightforce scopes; ensures comfortable shooting and prevents scope bite, especially with heavy-recoil rifles. Scopes with adjustable parallax are ideal for long-range varmint or big-game hunting, while fixed-parallax models are better suited to shorter-range, fast-paced shooting.
8. Included Accessories and Value
Nightforce scopes often come with premium accessories such as Tenebraex flip-up covers, cleaning cloths, multi-tools, Power Throw Levers, manuals, and windage beauty rings. These accessories add convenience and provide long-term value without needing extra purchases. When comparing models, consider what is included in the box, as these items enhance usability and help maintain the scope’s longevity during field use.
FAQs
1. What magnification range is best in a Nightforce scope for hunting?
The ideal magnification depends on your hunting environment. For close to medium-range hunting in dense woods or fast-moving scenarios, a low-power option like the Nightforce ATACR 1–8×24mm offers quick target acquisition with a true 1x view. For long-range or open-country hunting, higher-magnification scopes like the SHV 5–20×56mm or NX8 2.5–20×50mm provide greater precision and clarity for distant shots. Choosing the best magnification range ensures you can acquire targets quickly while still maintaining accuracy.
2. What makes Nightforce scopes reliable for harsh hunting conditions?
Nightforce scopes are known for their rugged construction and ability to withstand extreme environmental conditions. Models like the NX8 series are built to perform in heat, cold, dust, moisture, mud, snow, and even high altitude. Their durable housings, sealed optics, and premium internal components ensure consistent performance no matter the weather or terrain. This reliability makes Nightforce one of the top choices for hunters who need equipment they can depend on in unpredictable outdoor environments.
3. Which Nightforce reticle is best for hunting?
Nightforce offers several reticle options designed for different hunting styles. The MOAR reticle is ideal for long-range precision due to its clear subtensions and holdover markings. The Forceplex reticle offers a clean, traditional crosshair for simple and fast aiming at common hunting distances. For versatile short-to-mid-range scenarios, the FC-DMx first focal plane reticle found in the ATACR 1–8×24mm provides rapid hold points and an illuminated center dot for fast target acquisition. The best reticle depends on whether you prefer simplicity, long-range detail, or fast close-quarters performance.
Read Also : Best Affordable Hunting Rangefinder
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best Nightforce scope for hunting ultimately comes down to matching the optic’s features with your shooting style, terrain, and typical engagement distances. Whether you need the speed and versatility of a low-power variable like the ATACR 1–8×24mm, the long-range precision of the SHV 5–20×56mm, or the all-around performance of the NX8 2.5–20×50mm, Nightforce delivers exceptional clarity, durability, and repeatability across every model.
With rugged construction, advanced reticles, premium glass, and reliable adjustment systems, these scopes provide the confidence and performance hunters need in the field. No matter your hunting challenges, Nightforce offers a high-quality solution built to perform when it matters most.