Nightforce NX8 1-8×24 Review 2025

The Nightforce NX8 1-8x24 has been the talk of the town for a while now, and for good reason. We've spent the last eight months putting this compact powerhouse through its paces on everything from lightweight carbines to DMR builds to see if it lives up to the hype. After countless range sessions, some harsh conditions, and even a couple of competitions, we’re ready to lay it all out for you.

My goal is for this to be the only Nightforce NX8 1-8x24 review you need to read. We're going to break down every aspect of this optic, from the glass to the turrets and everything in between.

Let’s get to it.

Review Summary:

• Glass (9/10)

• Turrets/Tracking (9/10)

• Magnification & Versatility (8/10)

• Value (8/10)

• Overall Grade = A- (34/40)

What I like:

"Its combination of a compact, lightweight design, and premium optical performance makes it an incredibly versatile LPVO for almost any rifle platform."

What I DON'T like:

"The eyebox gets noticeably tight at 8x magnification, which requires a very consistent and precise cheek weld for a clear sight picture."

Who is the NX8 1-8x24 For?

The Nightforce NX8 1-8x24 is designed for the shooter who demands versatility without the weight penalty. Its compact form factor makes it an ideal choice for fast-handling carbines where every ounce matters.

This scope is perfect for you if:

• You are a 3-gun competitor needing a fast 1x and a capable long-range optic.
• You are building a lightweight "Recce" or DMR rifle and need to save weight.
• You are a hunter who stalks in varied terrain and needs magnification on demand.
• You value a compact form factor over a more forgiving eyebox.

First Impressions and Unboxing

Opening the box, you immediately feel the quality Nightforce is known for. The scope feels dense and solid, a testament to its durable construction.

Inside the box, you will find:

• The NX8 1-8x24 F1 riflescope itself.
• Tenebraex flip-up lens covers.
• The Power Throw Lever (PTL) for rapid magnification changes.
• A multi-function tool for adjustments.
• The user manual and other documentation.

Nightforce NX8 1-8x24 Models & Pricing

The NX8 1-8x24 comes in a few variations. You can choose based on your preferred reticle (MOA or MIL) and finish. The Dark Earth models carry a slightly higher price for the special coating.

Model	Reticle	Finish	Price
NX8 1-8x24 F1 (C600)	FC-MOA	Black	$1,750.00
NX8 1-8x24 F1 (C598)	FC-MIL	Black	$1,750.00
NX8 1-8x24 F1 (C663)	FC-MOA	Dark Earth	$1,950.00
NX8 1-8x24 F1 (C664)	FC-MIL	Dark Earth	$1,950.00

Core Specifications at a Glance

The spec sheet for the NX8 1-8x24 F1 reveals why it's such a compelling optic. It packs a powerful 8x zoom range into a body that is significantly shorter and lighter than many of its competitors.

Specification	Value
Magnification Range	1-8x
Focal Plane	First Focal Plane (FFP)
Body Tube Diameter	30mm
Overall Length	8.7 in / 222 mm
Mounting Length	5.7 in / 144 mm
Weight	17.0 oz / 482 g
Click Value	.500 MOA or .2 MRAD
Eye Relief	3.7 in / 95 mm
Field of View @ 100 yds	1x: 106.0 ft; 8x: 13.2 ft
Parallax Adjustment	Fixed @ 125 m

Optical Performance: How Good is the Glass?

The optical performance of the Nightforce NX8 is impressive. The use of ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass results in superb clarity and resolution across the entire magnification range. Images are sharp, and the color representation is true to life, which is critical for target identification.

When you're behind this scope, the quality is undeniable. We found the glass to be on par with other premium LPVOs in its price bracket, offering a clear and crisp sight picture from edge to edge. Whether you’re scanning at 1x or zeroing in at 8x, the optical system delivers.

The Reticle: FC-MOA and FC-MIL Options

Nightforce offers the NX8 with two main reticle choices: the FC-MOA and the FC-MIL. Both are in the first focal plane (FFP), which means the reticle subtensions are accurate at any magnification setting. This is a huge advantage for making quick holdovers at various distances.

FC-MOA Reticle Deep Dive

The FC-MOA reticle is designed for shooters who prefer to work in minutes of angle. It features a prominent center dot and segmented circle for fast acquisition at 1x. As you magnify, precise holdover points become visible for longer-range shots. The center dot, however, is about 1.25 MOA, which some shooters find a bit large for extreme precision work at distance.

FC-MIL Reticle Deep Dive

For those accustomed to milliradians, the FC-MIL reticle offers a similar design with .2 MRAD adjustments. It provides a clean sight picture with an uncluttered upper field of view. The lower portion contains an intelligent grid for elevation and windage holds, allowing for rapid engagement without touching the turrets.

Illumination: Is it Truly Daylight Bright?

Yes, the illumination is absolutely daylight bright. This is one of the NX8's standout features. Even in direct, harsh sunlight, the center dot is incredibly bright and easy to pick up, making it function like a true red dot sight.

• The illumination is controlled by a dial on the left side of the scope.
• It has 10 intensity settings to match any lighting condition.
• Crucially, it has "off" positions between each brightness level.
• This lets you quickly turn it on to your favorite setting without cycling through.

The 1x Performance: A True Red Dot Replacement?

At a true 1x magnification, the NX8 is incredibly fast and allows for easy, both-eyes-open shooting. The flat image has minimal distortion, which helps you stay aware of your surroundings during close-quarters drills or while tracking moving targets.

The combination of the true 1x and the daylight-bright dot makes a compelling case for it as a red dot replacement. While it won't have the unlimited eye relief of a non-magnified optic, it gets very close in terms of speed and usability up close.

Pushing to 8x: The High Magnification Experience

Cranking the magnification up to 8x provides crisp, detailed views for precise shots at extended ranges. This is where the quality of the Nightforce glass truly shines, allowing you to easily identify and engage targets that would be a challenge for a 1-6x scope.

However, this is also where you'll encounter the NX8's most discussed trade-off. To achieve this powerful magnification in such a short optic, the design results in a tighter eyebox. It's still very usable, but it demands consistency in your cheek weld.

Understanding the Eyebox and Eye Relief

The NX8 has a generous 3.7-inch eye relief, which keeps you safe from scope bite on heavier recoiling rifles. The eyebox, however, changes dramatically with magnification.

• At 1x: The eyebox is forgiving and flexible, allowing for significant head movement.
• From 2-6x: The eyebox gradually tightens but remains very usable.
• At 8x: The eyebox is noticeably tight and requires a precise, repeatable cheek weld.

Turrets and Tracking: Nightforce's ZeroStop in Action

The turrets on the Nightforce NX8 are exactly what you'd expect from the brand: precise and reliable. The clicks are crisp, audible, and tactile, with no mushiness or over-travel. Adjustments are available in 0.5 MOA or 0.2 MRAD increments.

The elevation turret is exposed and features the renowned Nightforce ZeroStop system. This allows you to dial for long-range shots and then return to your zero quickly and positively without looking. The windage turret is capped for protection against accidental adjustments. In our tracking tests, the scope performed flawlessly.

Build Quality and Durability: A "Bomb-Proof" Optic?

Nightforce optics have a legendary reputation for being "bomb-proof," and the NX8 is no exception. The main body is machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum.

• The scope features a rugged 30mm main tube.
• It is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof.
• The entire construction is designed to withstand extreme use and abuse.
• We can confirm it holds zero perfectly even after rough handling.

Size and Weight: The Compact Advantage

Two of the biggest selling points for the NX8 are its size and weight. At just 8.7 inches long and weighing only 17 ounces, it is one of the most compact and lightweight LPVOs in its class.

This makes a noticeable difference in the handling and balance of a rifle, especially on a lightweight build. Compared to competitors like the Vortex Razor 1-6x, the NX8 is significantly lighter and more compact, which many users will appreciate.

The Power Throw Lever (PTL)

The NX8 comes standard with a Power Throw Lever (PTL). This small addition makes a huge difference in usability, allowing for rapid and effortless magnification changes. The magnification ring itself is incredibly smooth throughout its entire range.

Whether you're snapping from 1x for a close target to 8x for a distant one, the PTL allows you to do it with a quick flick of the wrist. It's a simple but essential feature for a versatile optic like this.

Mounting the NX8: What Rings and Mounts Work Best?

Choosing the right mount is crucial for getting the most out of the NX8. A quality one-piece mount is the way to go for a solid, reliable setup.

• Top Brands: We recommend high-quality mounts from Badger Ordnance, Geissele, and Reptilia.
• Mount Height: Many users, including us, prefer a taller mount (1.7" or 1.93").
• Benefit: A taller mount helps achieve a more natural "heads-up" shooting posture, which can help with the tight eyebox at 8x.

Field Testing: Performance on the Range

On the range, the NX8 1-8x24 is a top performer. In 3-gun style competitions, the speed at 1x is a massive advantage. For precision shooting out to several hundred yards, the clear glass and FFP reticle make hitting targets easy and repeatable.

We ran it on a 5.56 AR-15 and a .308 AR-10, and it handled the recoil of both without any issues. The ZeroStop feature proved invaluable for dialing elevation and returning to zero with confidence. The scope simply performs as advertised, no matter the discipline.

Nightforce NX8 vs. The Competition

The LPVO market is crowded, but the NX8 holds its own against the best. It's often compared to the Vortex Razor, EOTech Vudu, and even its bigger brother, the Nightforce ATACR.

Nightforce NX8 vs. Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6x24

The classic matchup. The Vortex Razor 1-6x is heavier but has a more forgiving eyebox and a simpler second focal plane (SFP) reticle. The NX8 is lighter, more compact, goes to 8x, and has an FFP reticle. If you prioritize magnification and weight, the NX8 wins. If a forgiving eyebox at 1x is paramount, the Razor is a strong contender.

Nightforce NX8 vs. EOTech Vudu 1-8x24

The EOTech Vudu 1-8x24 is a direct competitor with similar features. However, the Vudu is heavier than the NX8 without offering a significant performance advantage. The glass quality and build are comparable, but the NX8's lighter weight gives it the edge for many applications.

Nightforce NX8 vs. Primary Arms SLx 1-8x24

The Primary Arms SLx 1-8x24 offers many similar features at a much lower price point, making it a great value. However, you do get what you pay for. The NX8 has noticeably better glass clarity and the legendary Nightforce durability and warranty. The SLx is a fantastic budget option, but the NX8 is in a higher tier of quality.

Is the NX8 Worth the Price Tag?

With a price tag around $1,750, the Nightforce NX8 1-8x24 is a significant investment. For that price, you're getting an incredibly durable, lightweight, and optically brilliant scope packed with features like ZeroStop turrets and a daylight-bright FFP reticle.

Considering its performance and versatility, we believe it is worth the price for serious shooters. It's an optic that can truly do it all, from CQB to medium-range precision, without weighing you down.

Final Verdict: Pros & Cons

After extensive testing, here is our final breakdown of what we love and what could be better.

• Pros:

  • Incredibly compact and lightweight design.
  • True 1x performance with daylight-bright illumination.
  • Excellent glass clarity and optical quality.
  • Versatile 8x magnification range.
  • Precise, tactile turrets with ZeroStop.
  • Bomb-proof durability and construction.

• Cons:

  • The eyebox is tight and unforgiving at 8x magnification.
  • Fixed parallax set at 125 meters.
  • The center dot can feel large for precision targets at a distance.

Conclusion

After extensive testing, the Nightforce NX8 1-8x24 F1 has proven itself to be a premium, high-performance LPVO. Its unique combination of a powerful 8x magnification range, a true 1x setting, and a remarkably compact and lightweight package makes it stand out in a crowded field.

While the tight eyebox at 8x is a valid consideration, it's a manageable trait for an experienced shooter and a trade-off for its incredible size and weight advantages. If you need one optic that can handle fast-paced, close-range shooting and still reach out for precise hits at distance, the NX8 is one of the best options available today.

Q&A

Is the Nightforce NX8 1-8x24 a true 1x scope?

Yes, the NX8 offers a true 1x magnification, providing a flat image with minimal distortion that is excellent for both-eyes-open shooting.

How critical is the eyebox at 8x magnification?

The eyebox is noticeably tight at 8x, requiring a consistent and precise cheek weld for a clear sight picture. It's a known compromise for its compact size but is very usable, especially from a stable position.

What is the best mount for the NX8 1-8x24?

High-quality one-piece mounts from manufacturers like Badger Ordnance, Geissele, and Nightforce are highly recommended. Many users prefer a taller mount (1.7" or 1.93") to achieve a more comfortable head position.

Is the reticle illumination daylight bright?

Absolutely. The NX8's illumination is exceptionally bright and remains clearly visible even in direct sunlight, allowing it to function like a red dot sight at 1x.

How does the NX8 compare to the Nightforce ATACR 1-8?

The ATACR 1-8 is larger, heavier, and has superior optical performance with a more forgiving eyebox. The NX8 is significantly more compact and lighter, making it a better choice for builds where size and weight are primary concerns.