Nightforce NX6 review: eight models, one new turret, and how to pick yours

By the OpticVerdict Editorial Team.
Research-based review · Updated 2026-09-30

How we reviewed it: a research-based review built from the retailer's specification tables and every owner review on eight NX6 listings (four reviews in all), checked against the specification fields and product text on Nightforce's own pages for each size. Where the retailer and Nightforce disagree, we print Nightforce's figure. Research leads we could not confirm on Nightforce's site were left out. We have not bench-tested these scopes; the score is our editorial opinion and owner ratings are shown attributed to their source. See how we evaluate.

Which NX6: the eight listings side by side

Every NX6 zooms six times from its lowest to its highest power (1-6x, 2-12x and so on up to 6-36x), and Nightforce lists a power throw lever as standard on every model we cover. The sizes differ in focal plane, tube, turret and weight. Every figure below is from Nightforce's product pages; ratings and prices are from each OpticsPlanet listing.

Optics and size, from Nightforce's spec sheets

Ranges run from the lowest to the highest power. Exit pupil is the figure Nightforce publishes for each model. The 1-6x24 F1 travel is given by Nightforce in mils only; the 3-18x50 F1 and 5-30x56 F1 read 34.9 / 24.7 MRAD and the 2-12x42 F1 and 6-36x56 F1 read 33.4 MRAD of elevation. Each listing may sell other reticle rows at their own prices; the reticle shown is the row we price. First or second focal plane is explained in our FFP vs SFP guide, and MOA against mils in MOA vs MRAD.

The 3-18x50 F1: the size Nightforce calls the sweet spot

Nightforce's own summary of the 3-18x50 F1 is that it is "a true do-all optic", and its product text says that for many hunters and recreational shooters it is the sweet spot for practical use. On the spec sheet it pairs 120 MOA (34.9 MRAD) of elevation, the most of the FieldSet models we cover, matched only by the 34mm 5-30x56 F1, with a 30mm tube, 13.9 inches of length and 27.1 oz. Its parallax adjusts from 10 m (11 yards) to infinity, and it has Digillum illumination as standard, which Nightforce says makes these optics shine during dusk, dawn or other difficult lighting conditions.

The listing sells four reticle rows at the same price. The row we price is C734 with the MIL-C reticle and .1 MRAD clicks; Nightforce's own reticle selector returns C734 for MIL-C, so the retailer's label is right. The other rows are MOA-C (C733), MIL-XT (C735) and MOA-XT (C736). The retailer's page level "Adjustment Type" row says Mil Rad for all four, but two of the rows are .250 MOA, so pick by the reticle and part number, not by that row.

Reviewers have said very little so far. The listing has two OpticsPlanet reviews, both five stars, and neither names a reticle. One reviewer, tagged Verified Owner, praises the glass, the zeroing and the clicks:

“Great glass, easy to zero with toolless system. Clicks are nice. You can feel the quality”

bob (OR), Verified Owner, via OpticsPlanet

The other reviewer titles the review "outstanding for dual purpose", says the scope is easy to use, with easy adjustable zoom and focus, and adds:

“Now I am very comfortable shooting and hitting my targets out to 800 yards.”

Gary Waddle (AZ), via OpticsPlanet

Two reviews are not a pattern. Neither lists a con, so for the downsides we rely on the spec sheet and the one con an owner has written on another NX6 listing (below).

FieldSet: the turret that sets the NX6 apart

FieldSet is new with the NX6. Nightforce says the dial and stop position can be quickly reset in a single action using just about any field expedient tool you have in your pocket or range bag, and its product text for the 2-12x42 F1 and 5-30x56 F1 describes a quick and easy reset process that does not require special tools. It comes in two forms:

• FieldSet exposed on the 2-12x42 F1, 3-18x50 F1, 5-30x56 F1 and 6-36x56 F1. Nightforce says the exposed dials can be swapped in the field for Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) dials custom-engraved to your ballistic information and available from Nightforce's website.
• FieldSet capped on the 2-12x42 F2 and 4-24x50 F2. Nightforce says capped NX6 models, except the 1-6, can be converted to an exposed dial with the included conversion kit and tri-tool while keeping your zero.
• Capped, finger adjustable on the 1-6x24 models. Nightforce lists their elevation that way rather than as FieldSet, and its conversion instructions exclude the 1-6.

Parallax on every NX6 we cover except the 1-6x24 models focuses as close as 10 meters (11 yards). On the 6-36x56 F1 page, Nightforce says that close focus distance lets precision rimfire and airgun shooters engage the closest targets with clarity. Adjusting a scope in general is covered in how to adjust a rifle scope.

NX6, NX8 or ATACR: how Nightforce itself frames them

Nightforce describes the three lines in different terms, and we stick to its words. The NX6 is "an all-new family of lightweight, easy-to-use riflescopes", with a lineup of versatile magnification ranges and the FieldSet turret. The NX8 family, in Nightforce's description, uses unique optical systems that allow for compact sizes and exceptional clarity at any magnification. The ATACR family is designed for the most demanding users who operate in the world's most extreme environments, and uses the finest materials for the best mechanical reliability and optical performance, in Nightforce's words.

FieldSet is new with the NX6 family, in Nightforce's words. On Nightforce's spec sheets the NX6 uses a 30mm tube up to the 4-24x50 and a 34mm tube on the 5-30x56 and 6-36x56. See our Nightforce NX8 guide and our Nightforce ATACR review for those lines.

The honest catches: a thin record, weight and illumination

A thin owner record. The NX6 was announced in January 2026. Across the eight listings we price there are four OpticsPlanet reviews: two on the 3-18x50 F1 and one each on the 1-6x24 F2 and the 2-12x42 F2. Five listings have none. All four are five stars, and that is too small a sample to say anything about long-term durability or how often problems occur.

Weight grows fast with size. Nightforce lists 23.0 to 23.1 oz for the 2-12x42 models, 27.1 to 27.3 oz for the 3-18x50 F1 and 4-24x50 F2, and 30.9 to 31.6 oz for the 34mm models. The only con any NX6 owner has written on OpticsPlanet so far is about weight, on the 2-12x42 F2 listing:

“slightly heavier than competition”

10mmg (WY), Verified Owner, listed con, via OpticsPlanet

Daylight visible illumination only on the 1-6x24. Nightforce lists "Daylight Visible, Externally Adjustable" illumination on the two 1-6x24 models and Digillum on the other six. Nightforce's Digillum page describes red or green in five intensities from very dim to extremely bright, with an automatic shut-off after one hour, built into the side focus control.

Elevation on the 34mm models. Nightforce lists 120 MOA for both the 30mm 3-18x50 F1 and the 34mm 5-30x56 F1, and 115 MOA for the 34mm 6-36x56 F1. If travel is what you are shopping for, compare the figures rather than the tube size.

Warranty: confirm it. Nightforce's warranty page, as we read it on 30 September 2026, names the ATACR, B.E.A.S.T., Benchrest, Competition, NXS, NX8 and SHV riflescopes but not the NX6. We print no warranty term for the NX6; ask Nightforce or the retailer before you buy.

Trade-offs, plainly

• Four OpticsPlanet reviews across eight listings; five listings have none yet.
• The 5-30x56 F1 and 6-36x56 F1 weigh 30.9 and 31.6 oz and need 34mm rings; see our scope rings guide.
• Digillum on six of the eight models; only the 1-6x24 models list daylight visible illumination.
• The 1-6x24 models have fixed parallax at 125 yards and capped, finger adjustable elevation rather than FieldSet.
• Click units depend on the reticle row (.1 MRAD, .250 MOA, or .2 MRAD and .500 MOA on the 1-6x24 models); check the part number you select.
• A premium price on every size, and each listing's reticle rows sell at their own prices.

Which configuration: the other seven NX6 listings

Each NX6 size is its own OpticsPlanet listing with its own reticle rows and owner record. Each section below is described only from that listing and Nightforce's page for that model.

1-6x24 F1: the carbine NX6 with the FC-DMx reticle

Nightforce says the 1-6x24 F1 is equally at home on patrol rifles, multi-gun rigs and hunting platforms, and that its FC-DMx reticle gives red dot speed up close and intuitive elevation and windage holds at range. It lists .2 MRAD clicks, 34.9 MRAD of travel on each axis, capped finger adjustable turrets, fixed parallax at 125 yards, a 116.1 ft field of view at 1x, 4.0 inches of eye relief, 10.2 inches and 18.9 oz. The listing sells one row, C726 in black. It has no OpticsPlanet reviews yet, and the review on the 1-6x24 F2 listing below is not about this model.

For other low power variable optics, see our best LPVO guide and what LPVO stands for.

1-6x24 F2: the second focal plane version, with a BDC option

Nightforce says the F2 gives a consistent reticle image at any magnification. It lists .500 MOA clicks and 120 MOA of travel on each axis, with the same length, field of view and fixed 125 yard parallax as the F1, at 19.1 oz. It offers two reticles: the 4A-i hunting reticle and the FC-6c, a Bullet Drop Compensating reticle that Nightforce's product page says is designed for use with heavy .223 Rem. and 5.56mm loads, and its announcement says is designed for multi-gun competitors and optimized for distances to 600 yards with match .223 ammunition. The row we price is C727 with the FC-6c; Nightforce's selector returns C727 for FC-6c and C728 for 4A-i, the listing's other row.

It has one OpticsPlanet review, five stars from a Verified Owner who does not say which reticle they have:

“On 1x with illuminated center dot turned up to 5+ works functionally as a red dot with the ability to shoot both eyes open.”

Jesse (MI), Verified Owner, via OpticsPlanet

2-12x42 F1: a light FieldSet scope with the FC-MRx grid

Nightforce calls the 2-12x42 F1 an exceptional companion to lightweight hunting guns or special-purpose rifles. At 23.1 oz and 12.5 inches it is, with the 23.0 oz F2 below, one of the two lightest NX6 models we cover with a FieldSet turret. Its FC-MRx reticle is new with the NX6; Nightforce describes it as a derivative of the FC-DMx optimized for longer distances and this magnification range, with a 20 MRAD (64 MOA) grid. Nightforce lists 115 MOA (33.4 MRAD) of elevation and 90 MOA (26.2 MRAD) of windage. The row we price is C730, the mil version of FC-MRx with .1 MRAD clicks; the listing also sells the MOA version (C729). It has no OpticsPlanet reviews yet.

2-12x42 F2: a capped hunting scope

Nightforce calls the second focal plane 2-12x42 an excellent choice for hunters and marksmen. It lists 23.0 oz, .250 MOA clicks, 115 MOA of elevation and 90 MOA of windage, and a capped FieldSet turret that can be converted to an exposed dial. It comes with the MOAR or the new 4A-i reticle. The row we price is C732 with the 4A-i; Nightforce's selector returns C732 for 4A-i and C731 for MOAR, the listing's other row.

Its one OpticsPlanet review is five stars from a Verified Owner, who lists clear optics and the multi colored reticle among the pros, hunting or targets out to 700 yards as the use, and weight (quoted above) as the con. They do not say which reticle they have.

“All the functions a mid-range scope requires without the complexity of function when the time to take the shot arrives.”

10mmg (WY), Verified Owner, via OpticsPlanet

4-24x50 F2: for western and predator hunting

Nightforce's announcement lists the 4-24x50 in second focal plane only, and Nightforce calls it a lightweight and capable option for western and predator hunting or law enforcement marksmen. It lists 13.9 inches, 27.3 oz, .250 MOA clicks, 115 MOA of elevation and 85 MOA of windage, and the same capped FieldSet as the 2-12x42 F2. Reticles are MOAR and 4A-i. The row we price is C739 with the MOAR; the listing's other row is C740, the 4A-i, and Nightforce's selector confirms both. It has no OpticsPlanet reviews yet.

5-30x56 F1: the 34mm long range model with 120 MOA of travel

Nightforce pitches the 5-30x56 F1 at competitors and long-range hunters who prefer a first focal plane, and says its 34.9 MRAD (120 MOA) of elevation lets shooters dial for extended distance targets. It has a 34mm tube, 85 MOA (24.7 MRAD) of windage, FieldSet exposed, 14.9 inches and 30.9 oz. Nightforce offers simple and grid reticles in mils and MOA: MOA-C, MIL-C, MIL-XT and MOA-XT. The row we price is C742 with the MIL-C; Nightforce's selector returns C742 for MIL-C. The listing's other rows sell at their own prices. It has no OpticsPlanet reviews yet.

6-36x56 F1: the most magnification in the line

Nightforce says the 6-36x56 F1 deals in high magnification and high stakes, and that its 33.4 MRAD (115 MOA) of elevation makes it ideal for PRS production class and other field shooting disciplines. It lists a 34mm tube, 85 MOA of windage, FieldSet exposed, 15.3 inches and 31.6 oz, the heaviest NX6 we cover. The reticle choices are MOA-C, MIL-C, MIL-XT and MOA-XT. The row we price is C746 with the MIL-C; Nightforce's selector returns C746 for MIL-C. The listing's other rows sell at their own prices. It has no OpticsPlanet reviews yet. Nightforce also makes a second focal plane 6-36x56 and a second focal plane 3-18x50, which this review does not cover.

For more long range options, see our best long range rifle scope guide, and parallax in a rifle scope for how the side focus works.

Key specifications: 3-18x50 F1, C734

Figures are from Nightforce's 3-18x50 F1 page unless marked; weight, length, tube, focal plane and eye relief match the retailer's table. The retailer's table does not list field of view, parallax, exit pupil or travel. We claim no awards for the NX6.

Should you buy one, and which

• Buy the 3-18x50 F1 if you want one scope for hunting and target shooting, with 120 MOA of elevation and FieldSet at 27.1 oz.
• Buy a 1-6x24 for a carbine or a close range rifle: the F1 with the FC-DMx reticle, or the F2, whose reticle image Nightforce calls consistent at any magnification, with the FC-6c BDC or the 4A-i.
• Buy a 2-12x42 for a light hunting rifle or a special-purpose rifle: the F1 with the FC-MRx grid, or the capped F2.
• Buy the 4-24x50 F2 for western and predator hunting with a second focal plane reticle.
• Buy the 5-30x56 F1 or 6-36x56 F1 for long range and competition, and accept 30.9 to 31.6 oz and 34mm rings.
• Comparing Nightforce lines? See the Nightforce ATACR, or the Nightforce NX8.

FAQ

More rifle scopes: best rifle scopes · best long range rifle scopes · best scope for 6.5 Creedmoor · Nightforce NX8 guide · Nightforce ATACR review.