Discover why Nightforce Optics rules the outdoor optics world. Learn about their history, popular products and what sets them apart in this quick guide.
Outdoor Optics King: A Guide to Nightforce Optics
It’s funny how we need equipment to squeeze the most out of our outdoor trips. Many will find it hard to enjoy a night in the woods unless they have a place to comfortably sleep in. To try that one-of-a-kind meal cooked outdoors, you need a whole set of cooking equipment. Outdoor gear seems to be our most frequent companion on such trips. Though optics might not be the first thing to come to mind, it nonetheless ranks among the potential candidates for a place in your backpack. After all, all classic adventurers had binos at their disposal. In this article, we’ll take a look at one of the most prominent producers of sport and hunting optics – Nightforce.
Understanding Outdoor Optics
Outdoor optics involve a variety of devices, each designed to offer enhanced vision and magnification for different activities. The magnification range is also pretty vast, as some devices are better capable of delivering high-quality zoomed images than others, often at the expense of size and price. As such, there are all sorts of configurations you might benefit from.
Binoculars are perhaps the most common type of outdoor optics. They consist of two parallel telescopic tubes that allow for using both eyes when viewing distant objects. This setup provides a more natural view and depth perception than single-tube devices. Binoculars are commonly used for bird watching, nature observation, and general outdoor activities. You can also wear them around your neck, so they don’t take up space in your backpack.
Spotting scopes are small portable telescopes with added optics to present an erect image, optimized for the observation of terrestrial objects. They are used for various outdoor activities, including bird watching and hunting. Spotting scopes are often used by birders for their significant magnification capabilities beyond what a typical pair of binoculars can provide. However, they aren’t as portable as binoculars and often need a tripod to use.
Since rifle scopes are mostly used outdoors, they can also be considered outdoor optics. Their peculiarity lies in their inseparability from a firearm. Though you technically can use it separately, there is little use in that, as monoculars can do the same job much better. But rifle scopes are indispensable when it comes to precise shooting, and no other optical device can compare to them in that role.
Nightforce Optics: The Beginnings
Nightforce Optics was established back in 1992 by Ray Dennis, an Australian dentist with a boundless passion for shooting and hunting. It was his enthusiasm for these pursuits that drove him to create a brand that was destined to set a new standard in the optics industry. The first batch of scopes was commissioned from a Japanese manufacturer and sold like hotcakes. That success encouraged Dennis to found a company. The American branch was initially focused on promoting spotlighting products, but after a very enthusiastic response to the brand’s scopes, switched its focus to outdoor optics. Today, the company is based in Idaho, and their quality standards have only risen. With time Nightforce Optics grew to become a global leader in precision optical instruments, its products having become synonymous with unparalleled performance and durability.
Why Choose Nightforce Optics
From the get-go, Nightforce Optics set high standards for its products. All Nightforce optical devices undergo rigorous testing the likes of which are rarely seen in the industry. The pressure tests of 120 pounds per square inch, temperature tests of extreme-cold-to-extreme-heat transition and recoil tests at accelerations exceeding 1,250g ensure every scope goes through fire and water and emerges a new, better version of itself. You will likely never find yourself in such conditions but you can rest assured your optics piece will withstand them.
Nightforce Optics also occupies the front seat in the hall of innovations. The company broke new ground with its advanced turret and reticle illumination technologies, including the proprietary ZeroStop elevation feature. With that feature, you can make whatever adjustments you see fit, knowing it only takes one click to return to zero.
The brand’s punctilious attention to detail and quality shows through every aspect of their products. For example, Nightforce scope tubes are machined from solid bar stock 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, providing thermal stability and unmatched durability. Thanks to the proprietary multi-coating process, the light transmission and clarity remain unchanged even after a scope has seen years of use. That also ensures clear and bright images even in low-light conditions.
Popular Nightforce Optic Models
Nightforce has a few rifle scope families and one outstanding spotting scope model in their portfolio. Since this is an outdoor optics guide, we’ll begin with a spotting scope and then cover one of the brand’s rifle scopes.
TS-82 – Xtreme Hi-Def Spotting Scope
The TS-82 Xtreme Hi-Def Spotting Scope is a great example of the Nightforce’s pursuit of optical excellence. This spotting scope offers remarkable clarity, resolution, and brightness that rivals the best European spotting scopes. It features an 82mm objective lens that delivers a large field of view and excellent light transmission. With this spotting scope, a first-class glassing experience during dawn and dusk is guaranteed.
The TS-82™ also boasts an internal prism design for peak performance and a quick-release bayonet mount to easily change eyepieces. Its rugged construction ensures it can take on any challenges the outdoors might throw at it, and its waterproof and fog-proof properties only confirm that.
NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm Riflescope
The NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm is one of the most popular rifle scopes from Nightforce. It is revered by hunters for its exceptional quality and plethora of advanced features. The wide magnification range makes this scope particularly versatile, being able to cater to the needs of both close and long-range shooters.
One of the key features of the ATACR 5-25x56mm is its ZeroStop elevation turret, which allows for quick, precise adjustments. It also boasts an impressive 100 MOA of elevation travel. The scope offers excellent eye relief and comes with the popular MOAR reticle, providing a clear and precise aiming point.
These two products are just a glimpse into Nightforce’s extensive product range. Each product is meticulously designed and rigorously tested to ensure it upholds the brand’s legacy of superior performance and durability.
Conclusion
Nightforce Optics went through a great deal of trials and challenges to arrive at their current position. They’ve earned their reputation by delivering products that met and surpassed their customer’s expectations. Whether it’s their highly acclaimed spotting scopes or one of the nonesuch rifle scopes, renowned for their precision and durability, Nightforce products consistently deliver peak performance. If you are looking for a piece of outdoor optics, this brand is definitely worth checking out.
