The 2nd new 1-8x tactical scope rleased by Nightforce Optic is their NX8. It seems to be positioned as a more affordable compact model to their new high-end ATACR 1-8×24 F1 advanced tactical model.  I call the NX8 the “Shorty” is because it reminded me the March Scopes 1-8x24mm Shorty from its use of 30mm size tube, lightweight at in 17 ounces and it’s one of the shortest 1-x tactical scope at only 8.74 inch long.

The new Nightforce NX8 is a good successor to their NXS 1-4x24mm model, which when it was released many years ago, it was one of the shortest 1-4x on the market. While the new NX8 is even shorter than the NXS by tiny bit.

Unlike the capped turrets found on the ATACR model, the NX8 has exposed top adjustment turrets. The windage turret on the right is capped. There’s a rumor that a capped top turret model maybe available later. For the NX8, Nightforce will be offering in it both a MOA model with 0.5 MOA per-click adjustment and a Mil model with 0.2 Mil adjustment per-click of adjustment.

Weights in only 17 ounces, the Nightforce NX8 is among one of the lightest 1-8x currently. Only the Match Shorty, the Zeiss V8 and the Swarvoski Z8i are in the same weight class, but all of them are much more expensive than the Nightforces NX8,

Like the turret adjustment options, the reticle of the NX8 will be available in matching MOA or Mil values. This is what it looks like at the max 8x magnification. It has a simpler subtension under the segmented circle without the tree shaped dot grid of the ATACR’s FC-DM reticle. Otherwise, it’s very similar in design.

At the 1x magnification. Like the more expensive ATACR model, the NX8 has true 1x and the zoom-out segmented circle will looks like a red dot when the daylight bright illumination is turn on.

The NX8 should costs around $1700 MSRP. The only catch that I’m seeing from its spec is its tiny exit pupil at only 7.9mm at 1x. Which is much smaller than the average 11mm or so for most of the 1-X scopes. Some of the best ones offer 13-16mm exit pupil 1x. The 3mm value at the top 8x is normal, although on the smaller side too, for a 1-8x with a small 24mm objective. What’s all this means? it shows that the Nightforce NX8 could has a smaller eye-box than other 1-8x.

Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 F1 Specifications: