Sightron vs Nightforce please help me decide!

Spcamno

Spcamno

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Okay guys need some advice here to help decide on a scope.

My current budget only allows me to purchase a new Sightron S3 6-24x or an used Nightforce NXS.

The used Nightforce will be about $600 more than a new Sightron however, if I buy the Sightron I can have the reticle of my choice ( LRMOA ) but the used Nightforce will be their Mil-Dot.

The scope will be put on a Savage in 338 Lapua mainly use for long range plinking at known and sometimes unknown distance.

Weight is not my primary concern as I don't think I will be using this setup for hunting.

My main concern is cost ( is an used Nightforce cost about $600 ~ $700 more than a new Sightron worth the premium )and reticle choice (LRMOA vs Mil-Dot)?

I have Mil-dot scope now but the new LRMOA reticle seems work faster in range estimating.

Any input will be very much appreciated!
 
The Sightrons (particularly the SIII) are technically excellent. Only downside people mention is they are not as heavy duty as the Nightforce. The Nightforce is much heavier and beefier. People say the Sightrons are more of a range scope.
 
I've owned a lot of Vortex's, and currently own a lot of NF scopes (1-4x24, 2.5-10x24, 5.5-22x50 and 5.5-22x56). I've never owned or touched a Sightron, but have only heard good things.

If it's between Sightron and Vortex - at this point I'd go Sightron in an instant (too many disappointments with Vortex scopes... still love my viper binos!).
If it's between Sightron and NF (and you have the money) - NF in an instant.

Take it for what it's worth (nothing), but you really can't go 'wrong' with either. I love my NF optics, but they are significantly more cost.
 
No experience with Sightron, but here's hoping this is not common or an indication of their quality control if you choose that brand.

From a recent thread started by Waffles in this forum:

New scope defect?
So after what seems like a never ending wait for my Sightron scopes to be in stock I finally got it in the mail today.
I look through the scope and notice the odd dot in the upper left section - My initial thought was there must have been some dust on the other end, after swiping both ends of the scope with the cleaning cloth I take another look and there it is again ...

Both the objective lens and the eyepiece lens look just fine from the outside. Could this be a defect and if so is this enough to justify a replacement? This is a SIII 8-32 X 56 LRMOA in case that changes anything.
I apologies if this is a common knowledge question, I'm still new to the sport. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
If you search for Vortex issues, you'll find WAAAAY WAAAY more of those! Sightron makes a quality optic, but no one is immune to issues.

That being said, it's exceedingly rare to hear of any issues with NF optics. :)
 
Well I just looked into this very issue as I am torn between the two.

After speaking to someone who sells both brands I will be going Sightron.

Optically from his experience and feed back from others he states that there isn't a noticeable difference, and that one fellow who tried Sightron and used NF isn't go back to NF.There also have been numerous others that have compared the glass of the two and the differences are nil or just to small to be an issue.

I guess if you are going to be hauling it through the mountians or dessert, then maybe there would be a difference but for prairie use and target/plinking why pay the difference, you could put that money to a new barrel and machining.
 
...there is also the LC factor :cool:...the Nightforce is an awesome looking piece of kit. The Sightron, IMHO is a bit white bread looking.

Lighter duty and a bit duller looking...but yes, technically excellent.

Only you can decide how many $ that difference is worth.
 
I care about what I see through the scope not how the scope looks.;)

No amount of look cool factor can help me with shooting or the ladies!! :eek:


cantom said:
...there is also the LC factor :cool:...the Nightforce is an awesome looking piece of kit. The Sightron, IMHO is a bit white bread looking.

Lighter duty and a bit duller looking...but yes, technically excellent.

Only you can decide how many $ that difference is worth.
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I own both and the claim is bullocks. Nf is far superior.....but pricier.





Kelly Timoffee said:
Well I just looked into this very issue as I am torn between the two.

After speaking to someone who sells both brands I will be going Sightron.

Optically from his experience and feed back from others he states that there isn't a noticeable difference, and that one fellow who tried Sightron and used NF isn't go back to NF.There also have been numerous others that have compared the glass of the two and the differences are nil or just to small to be an issue.

I guess if you are going to be hauling it through the mountians or dessert, then maybe there would be a difference but for prairie use and target/plinking why pay the difference, you could put that money to a new barrel and machining.
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Though Ive never looked through a Sightron Im not sorry I bought an NF. One thing I have heard about Sightron besides their rave reviews is low light performance. Apparently NF really takes the cake there. The other detail was although resolution is excellent Ive heard there can be some wierd colors going on. An aura around the target IIRC. Nothing to take away from their optical quality but a little wierd. I was going to hit up Jerry for an SIII 8-32x56LRMOA until I was offered an NXS 8-32x56MD. I just love it, but I know Im forever screwed on future optics purchases. Lower end stuff just doesnt cut it anymore.
 
Thanks for all the responds.

Kevin,

I would like to know is the overall build quality worth twice the price?

I know from my research both scopes track and repeat nicely and optics is almost as good on the Sightron.

If you are in the market for your next scope and if you are on a tight budget will you take the Sightron and call it a day or you rather wait until you have more cash flow and get the NF?

This is exactly where I am at right now and I want to hear your honest opinion and see if the Sightron is a good compromise or not.

Your valued opinion will be very much appreciated.
 
Well I am likely looking at a 10-50 SIII

What my concern or want I guess would be clarity at high magnification.

Of course I know you get diminishing clarity as magnification increases but what I can't seem to find out is that let's say at 25X is the NF and SIII going to be equally clear, how about at 30 or 35X?

I spoke with Peter @ Hirsch Precision what he tells me and what others have told him is that the SIII's optically are equal to and for some folks sometimes better than the NF, of course all of our eyes are different.He had one customer switch to Sightron over NF and states that he won't go back to the NF.

But from what I have been seeing is that from such close debate on the two products how could there possible be that much real difference between the two?Options and durability set aside of course.

Kevin M. said:
I have a fixed 20x Sightron and a few NF NXS's.

What in particular would you like to know?
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Sightrons offer good glass, to my eye not as sharp as what my NFs have, that being said everyone has different eyes and the only way to tell is to look through both when properly adjusted.
The NF are MUCH more rugged scopes, so if target shooting at the range is your gig and you look after your rig, the Sightron will certainly suffice.
I prefer the robust turrets of the NF, when they click YOU know it, the Sightron is a little spongy in this area.
NF offers more reticle choices, this may or may not be a big deal to you.
NF offers a clutch style zero stop on the elevation turret on most models for an additional $200.00. Personally i really like that feature, but again you may not want or need it.

Both are great scopes, both are very well backed up as far as warranty. Having sold both for several years the return rate of both is incredibly low.
If I could not afford a NF I would run a Sightron without hesitation. I have yet to find anyone who prefers the Sightron to the NF. YMMV
 
ATR sums it up well.

I would also note NF comes with an unobtrusive illumination. No extra lump sticking up to hold the battery. The NF is a heavy scope, but to get the illumination in the sightron you have to go 10-50 which weighs almost as much as the NF. You may not want or need illumination, but it is there on the NF. the 10-50 is significantly larger. Illum also adds $200-300 to the sightron, and puts you in sight of used NFs.

The questions about the ruggedness. The sightron is constructed from thinner, lighter aluminum. Tap on the objective bell of the sightron, ting like a bell. On the NF, dull thunk. Tap on the turret cap on the sightron ring a ling. NF nothing. Turrets, focus and zoom functions are fluid and precise. Clicks are firm. The whole thing was built to function flawlessly at the expense of NOTHING. It took more and heavier materials to accomplish this, hence the additional weight.

To answer the big question from Spcamno:

"If you are in the market for your next scope and if you are on a tight budget will you take the Sightron and call it a day or you rather wait until you have more cash flow and get the NF?"

-YES get the sightron. Your budget is the the defining factor, and the sightron is the top choice in its budget. Don't wait to shoot.
 
Kelly Timoffee said:
That's like buying two trucks to see which gets better mileage!
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Buy the sightron, and continue saving up the difference. I didn't lose more than $100 or so plus shipping on my sightron. I thought it was the last scope I would put on that rifle until I found a local CGNer to let me put my hands on his NF (bought it from him that night!). If you buy a mint used NF it will offset any loss on your sightron. Knowing you might re-sell it, keep all wrappings, box papers etc. If its going to be used at the range you should be able to keep it mint. If you buy 56mm sightron, the rings will be perfect for the NF
 
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