When your hunt comes down to that one critical shot, you want optics you can count on—no matter the distance, weather, or light. Nightforce scopes are trusted by hunters, long-range shooters, and even military professionals for their legendary durability, crystal-clear glass, and rock-solid tracking. But which Nightforce model is right for your hunting rifle and style? Whether you chase whitetails in thick timber, glass mule deer across open ridges, or hunt elk out West, there’s a Nightforce scope that will make your next hunt more successful and enjoyable. Below, you’ll find the top Nightforce scopes for hunting in 2025, with a guide to help you pick the perfect one for your budget and goals.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Nightforce SHV 4-14×50 F1
- Best for Mountain & Long Range: Nightforce NX8 2.5-20×50 F1
- Best Value: Nightforce SHV 3-10×42
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Nightforce Scope for Hunting
- Magnification: For general big game hunting, 3-10x or 4-14x covers most shots. For open country, mountain, or longer-range hunts, consider 2.5-20x, 4-16x, or even higher—just remember that more zoom means more weight and size.
- Objective Lens Size: 42–50mm is perfect for most hunting. Larger objectives let in more light, but can add weight and require higher rings.
- First or Second Focal Plane (FFP/SFP): FFP reticles are best for long-range and dialing on the fly. SFP is ideal for most stand hunters and those who rarely dial or hold over at max zoom.
- Turrets: Capped turrets are best for set-and-forget hunting. Exposed tactical turrets are great for dialing elevation on long shots—Nightforce turrets track reliably and reset to zero every time.
- Reticle Type: The MOAR and Forceplex reticles are classic for hunting. Nightforce offers illuminated options for dawn/dusk hunts.
- Durability: Every Nightforce is waterproof, fogproof, shockproof, and built to handle hard recoil and rough hunts—backed by an outstanding warranty.
Detailed Product Reviews
Nightforce SHV 4-14×50 F1
Who it’s for: The serious deer, elk, or Western hunter who wants FFP precision, crystal clarity, and extreme reliability for long shots.
- First focal plane (FFP) MOAR reticle—accurate at any magnification
- 4-14x zoom—perfect for woods, fields, or open country
- Illuminated reticle for low-light or deep cover
- ZeroSet elevation turret for quick return to zero
- 50mm objective, waterproof, shockproof
Pros:
- Brilliant glass and color at all zoom levels
- True long-range accuracy for big country hunts
- Tracks perfectly, even after years of field use
Cons:
- Heavier than some other models (30 oz)
- Priced above most mid-level hunting scopes
Final Verdict: The gold standard for any hunter who wants to dial and hunt big distances with complete confidence. Check price.
Nightforce NX8 2.5-20×50 F1
Who it’s for: Mountain, open country, or western hunters who demand max performance, a huge zoom range, and compact size.
- First focal plane (FFP) reticle—accurate for holdovers at any zoom
- 2.5-20x magnification in a surprisingly compact body
- ZeroStop turret, 50mm lens, and rugged aluminum build
- Daylight visible illuminated reticle
- Waterproof, fogproof, only 12″ long (28.6 oz)
Pros:
- True “one scope does it all”—woods to mountain
- Extremely compact for the power
- Tracks and returns to zero with zero issues
Cons:
- Premium price tag
- Complex reticle for some hunters (multiple styles available)
Final Verdict: The ultimate “do everything” Nightforce for those chasing deer, elk, or antelope in any terrain. See current price.
Nightforce SHV 3-10×42
Who it’s for: Hunters wanting Nightforce quality and reliability in a lighter, more affordable package—perfect for classic deer rifles and whitetail stands.
- Second focal plane (SFP) Forceplex or MOAR reticle
- 3-10x zoom—ideal for timber, food plots, and mid-range
- 42mm objective, capped hunting turrets
- Solid aluminum construction, waterproof and shockproof
- Weighs just 20.6 oz—lighter than most Nightforce scopes
Pros:
- Outstanding clarity and light transmission
- Simple, rugged, and easy to use for all hunters
- Best value in the Nightforce line for deer hunting
Cons:
- No illumination
- Lower max power than big country or long-range scopes
Final Verdict: A perfect fit for classic hunters—trusted Nightforce quality at a friendlier price. See price.
Nightforce ATACR 4-16×42 F1
Who it’s for: Hardcore hunters who want maximum image quality and premium features for big country, open fields, or western game.
- First focal plane (FFP) reticle for accurate holdovers
- 4-16x zoom, 42mm objective
- ED glass for razor-sharp clarity
- ZeroStop, daylight visible illumination, and rock-solid turrets
- Built to handle anything from .308 to magnums
Pros:
- Elite glass—perfect edge-to-edge sharpness
- Great field of view at low power, precise at high zoom
- Will last a lifetime in the field
Cons:
- Expensive, top-tier option
- Slightly heavier than SHV
Final Verdict: For hunters who want the best Nightforce has to offer—amazing in any hunting scenario. Check price.
Nightforce SHV 5-20×56
Who it’s for: Hunters targeting long fields, bean plots, or prairie country where shots can push 500+ yards.
- 5-20x magnification for long-range precision
- 56mm objective—maximum light gathering at dawn/dusk
- SFP reticle, MOAR or Forceplex choices
- ZeroSet elevation turret, waterproof and shockproof
- Heavy-duty construction—handles any hunt
Pros:
- Incredible for field edges and open terrain
- Bright, clear, and crisp all the way to max zoom
- Superb for spotting, target ID, and dialing distance
Cons:
- Large and heavy for run-and-gun hunts (29.1 oz)
- Overkill for tight woods or thick cover
Final Verdict: The top Nightforce for those needing true long-range hunting performance. See current price.
Nightforce NXS 2.5-10×42 Compact
Who it’s for: Those seeking a compact, do-it-all hunting scope for mountain rifles, lightweight builds, or any all-day carry.
- 2.5-10x zoom with 42mm objective
- Compact and light (19 oz)
- SFP reticle, ZeroStop, illuminated MOAR reticle option
- Crystal clear, robust, and field-proven
Pros:
- Ideal for lightweight and mountain rifles
- Classic Nightforce build quality
- Perfect balance of size, clarity, and features
Cons:
- Priced above most “standard” hunting scopes
- No high-power zoom for extreme range
Final Verdict: A great pick for any mountain, woods, or versatile hunting rifle. See details.
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Objective | Focal Plane | Weight | Key Features | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHV 4-14×50 F1 | 4-14x | 50mm | FFP | 30 oz | Illum. MOAR, ZeroSet, rugged | Check Price |
| NX8 2.5-20×50 F1 | 2.5-20x | 50mm | FFP | 28.6 oz | ZeroStop, compact, illum. | Check Price |
| SHV 3-10×42 | 3-10x | 42mm | SFP | 20.6 oz | Capped turrets, value | Check Price |
| ATACR 4-16×42 F1 | 4-16x | 42mm | FFP | 33 oz | ED glass, illum., ZeroStop | Check Price |
| SHV 5-20×56 | 5-20x | 56mm | SFP | 29.1 oz | MOAR/Forceplex, ZeroSet | Check Price |
| NXS 2.5-10×42 | 2.5-10x | 42mm | SFP | 19 oz | Compact, illum., ZeroStop | Check Price |
FAQ
Is Nightforce worth it for hunting?
Absolutely. Nightforce scopes are world-famous for their ruggedness, glass quality, and repeatable tracking. They’re an investment, but one that pays off every time you’re in the field and need your optic to perform—no matter what.
Should I get FFP or SFP for hunting?
FFP is best for long-range or dialing at different zoom levels. SFP is ideal for stand, woods, and most “set and shoot” deer hunting. Nightforce makes both, so choose what fits your style and hunting terrain.
Are Nightforce turrets good for hunting?
Yes. Their turrets are precise, repeatable, and easy to use. Most hunters prefer capped turrets to avoid accidental adjustments, but open turrets are great for dialing in the field or on the range.
How is Nightforce glass compared to Leupold or Swarovski?
Nightforce is among the best in clarity, color, and edge-to-edge sharpness—especially in their ATACR and NX8 lines. Swarovski still leads in ultra-low light, but Nightforce wins for ruggedness and tracking.
Will a Nightforce survive hard recoil or mountain hunting?
Yes—these scopes are built to military specs and have been used on magnum rifles and in the harshest conditions around the world.
Conclusion & Call to Action
If you want a hunting scope that can handle anything the field throws at you—plus offer world-class clarity and tracking—Nightforce is the name to trust. Whether you need the all-around SHV, the ultra-compact NX8, or the long-range ATAC