Coyote hunting is a high-stakes game of patience, sharp eyes, and split-second decisions. When a songdog hangs at the edge of a frozen field in the fading light of dusk, you need an optic that provides a distinct tactical advantage. Nightforce has long been the gold standard for shooters who treat durability as a mandatory requirement rather than a luxury. Known for building gear that survives literal war zones, they bring that same overbuilt philosophy to the predator hunter’s rig, ensuring your zero remains true through every bump in the truck and every mile on the trail.
Success in the field depends entirely on optical clarity. From the ultra-compact NX8 series to the elite clarity of the ATACR, Nightforce offers precision that excels in the harsh, low-light conditions where coyotes are most active.
This guide breaks down the top Nightforce optics specifically tailored to the unique demands of predator hunting.
Here is a quick recap;
- NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm
- NightForce 8-32x56mm NXS
- Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm
- Nightforce NX8 4-32X50mm
- NightForce NXS 5.5-22x50mm
- NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1
- NightForce SHV 4-14×56 .250 MOA
- NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS
Best Nightforce Scope For Coyote Hunting – Reviews
1) NightForce ATACR 5-25x56mm
This scope is widely considered one of the most capable long-range optics ever engineered. While many scopes claim to be professional grade, the ATACR (Advanced Tactical Riflescope) earns that title through its overbuilt 34mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube and legendary ED glass.
For the coyote hunter, this scope is a powerhouse, combining high-end magnification with exceptional light transmission. Predators are most active during the gray hours of dawn and dusk, and the 56mm objective lens ensures the image remains bright and sharp even when ambient light is disappearing.
Beyond the glass, the mechanical precision is what sets this optic apart. The patented ZeroStop system allows a shooter to dial for a long-distance shot and return instantly to their original zero without ever looking at the turrets. In the fast-paced world of predator hunting, where a coyote might appear at 400 yards and then disappear into the brush, having repeatable, tactile clicks is vital. The scope is also incredibly rugged; it is designed to hold its zero through heavy recoil and the inevitable bumps that come with navigating a truck or a tripod in the dark.
Pros
- Uses Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass to provide 90% plus light transmission and brilliant color contrast.
- Features the famous Nightforce ZeroStop for a foolproof return to zero
- Built with a 34mm main tube that is two to three times thicker than many competitors.
- Equipped with DigIllum digital technology, allowing for red or green reticle illumination
- Offers 120 MOA or 35 MRAD of total elevation travel, perfect for ultra-long-range engagements.
- Ships with high-quality Tenebraex flip-up covers, a power throw lever, and a sunshade included.
Cons
- At nearly 40 ounces, it adds a noticeable amount of heft to a rifle.
- Comes at a Premium Price
2) NightForce 8-32x56mm NXS Rifle Scope
The NightForce 8-32x56mm NXS Rifle Scope is one of the best scopes for coyote hunting. It boasts a vast 8-32x magnification suitable for hunting at varying ranges from medium to extended ranges.
The scope yields great image clarity even in low light conditions. This is thanks to the 56mm objective lens that also provides a large visual field and high-quality optics. Furthermore, you can use it to hunt in any weather condition, as it is fully waterproof and weather resistant.
Another great feature that sets it apart is the sturdy housing. It is made with high-end materials and rigorously tested for perfection. Moreover, it boasts an accommodating eye relief of 3.8 inches, allowing for optimal user comfort even with your eyeglasses on.
The scope features a manageable weight for portability convenience and a 30mm body tube, making it compatible with a wide range of rifles. Above all, it has an illuminated reticle to enhance your shooting accuracy in low-light settings.
Features
- 8-32x magnification range
- Adjustable parallax
- Second focal plane reticle
- Fully waterproof and weather resistant
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- 30mm body tube
Pros
- Exceptional optical integrity
- Lightweight and durable design
- Crisp glass quality
- Reticle illumination
- Comfortable eye relief
3) Nightforce SHV 5-20x56mm RifleScope
The NIGHTFORCE SHV 5-20x56mm Zeroset .250 MOA Scope is a valuable tool to add to your hunting arsenal. It is packed with nearly every feature that you need to take your coyote hunting skills a notch higher.
This model has an ultra-versatile 5-20x magnification for hunting at varying ranges. It offers a wide field of view at every magnification level, so you can easily cover a wide area and find the game. It also comes with a 56mm aperture for optimal light collection.
Furthermore, the scope yields exceptional image quality from sunrise to sunset. Thanks to the center-only reticle illumination, it will be easier to make accurate shot placements in dismal environments.
The scope also brings a ZeroSet elevation feature that makes sighting-it in a snap and an easily accessible side parallax adjustment knob for parallax adjustment.
Features
- Full 80 MOA of elevation adjustment
- Second focal plane reticle
- 5-20x variable magnification range
- ZeroSet technology
- 30mm body tube
- Rubber lens covers
Pros
- Generous eye relief
- Excellent image crispness and clarity
- Versatility
- Lightweight design
4) Nightforce NX8 4-32X50mm RifleScope
Coyote hunting improves when you have a quality optic like the NIGHTFORCE NX8 4-32x50mm F1 Scope. Whether you are hunting coyotes at medium quarters or long ranges, the scope offers a vast magnification to help you easily cover any distance.
With a mere weight of 28.6oz, the scope is light enough to disperse heavy recoil effectively and be easy to carry in the field. It also features a power throw lever for swift magnification adjustment and a Zero Stop for easy sighting.
Construction-wise, the NX8 is crafted from a solid bar of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. This heavy-duty construction optimizes durability and also offers greater thermal stability. The scope also comes with broadband multi-coating applied to all air-to-glass surfaces. The coatings enhance light transmission for bright and clear sight pictures and shield the lens from scratches.
Another essential feature included is a spring on the elevation and windage adjustments knob which guarantees smooth adjustments.
Features
- Vast 4-32x magnification range
- 1 MOA elevation and windage markings
- First focal plane reticle
- Adjustable parallax
- 30mm main tube
- Broadband multi-coating
Pros
- Reticle illumination
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Crisp clear optics
- Lightweight and portable design
5) NightForce NXS 5.5-22x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope
Another best Nightforce scope for coyote hunting on our list is the NightForce NXS 5.5-22x50mm Tactical Rifle Scope. It has been proven to perform in the field, and you can trust it to hone your hunting skills even in the most rigorous conditions.
Featuring 5.5-22x magnification power, the scope is ideal for hunting coyotes in different ranges and environments. Thanks to the 50mm aperture, it offers easy viewing, and with the second focal plane MOAR reticle, you are guaranteed fast aiming.
Furthermore, the scope is rigorously tested for perfection and has a ruggedized housing to ensure that it withstands anything you subject it to. Above all, it features a 30mm main tube that allows reticle movement, windage, and elevation adjustments.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- Proprietary titanium beta erector spring
- LED illumination
- Broad 5.5-22x magnification
- 30mm main tube
- 100 M.O.A of internal adjustment
Pros
- Easy to use
- Good eye relief
- Light and portable design
- Exceptional optical integrity
- Robust and reliable construction
6) NightForce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Rifle Scope
Next up is the SHV 4-14x50mm F1 30mm Rifle Scope. This model offers exceptional performance in any hunting environment and great functionality.
One thing that makes it a favorite among most hunters is its outstanding clarity whether you are hunting in low light hours of dusk or dawn. It has multiple patterns illuminated for visibility in low-light settings.
In terms of construction, the scope has a robust aluminum design that maximizes durability without being bulky. Besides that, it comes with a fast-focus eyepiece for swift reticle focusing and a Zero Set elevation, enabling you to rapidly return to the initial zero in any condition.
Features
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Variable 4-14x magnification
- Aluminum construction
- 30mm main tube
- First focal plane reticle
- ZeroSet function
- Adjustable parallax
- Power zoom ring
- Illuminated reticle with 12 brightness settings
Pros
- The reticle is clean and ideal for hunting
- High-quality glass
- Lightweight design
- Easy to operate
7) NightForce SHV 4-14×56 .250 MOA Rifle Scope
When it comes to durability and versatility, you can hardly go wrong with the SHV 4-14×56 .250 MOA Rifle Scope. It offers unmatched performance in any hunting environment, and you can use it for other applications, not just hunting.
Even in the most unforgiving conditions, this scope delivers ultimate precision. It features a large 56mm objective lens that maximizes low light performance and resolution and a variable 4-14x magnification for taking shots at medium to long ranges.
The parallax in this scope is adjustable from 25 yards to infinity for greater long-range shooting. Construction-wise, it combines a rugged aluminum housing with a zero-tolerance lens to ensure it stands up to rough handling and anything nature throws at it.
Above all, this model is recoil resistant, shockproof, and operable in all environments and a wide range of temperatures.
Features
- Zero-tolerance lens
- 30mm body tube
- 56mm objective lens
- 4-14x magnification range
- Second focal plane reticle
- Shock and recoil resistant
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Lightweight design
- Great reticle
- Glass is clean and clear as crystal
8) NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Compact Rifle Scope
Last but not least is the NightForce 2.5-10x42mm NXS Compact Rifle Scope. It is great for coyote hunting in any situation and for all-around hunting.
The scope is a performance regardless of the hunting environment. It provides a wide field of view for hunting in densely forested environments and better target acquisition when chasing games in large, open plains. It also comes with an adjustable parallax ranging from 25 yards to infinity.
Moreover, this model comes with a power throw lever that allows instant magnification adjustment even when wearing gloves. The reticle is placed on the second focal plane and illuminated for accurate aiming in various light settings. The scope also offers comfortable eye relief and a wide viewing angle.
Features
- Second focal plane reticle
- 42mm aperture
- Side parallax adjustment
- 5-10x variable magnification range
- Power throw lever
- 30mm main tube
Pros
- Light and compact design
- Numerous accessories included
- Crips clear optics
- Night vision compatible
- Reticle illumination with multiple brightness settings
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Nightforce Scope For Coyote Hunting
Magnification
One of the things to look for when choosing a scope for coyote hunting is magnification. How much magnification you require should depend on the hunting range and environment.
The good thing about Nightforce scopes is that they offer a wide range of magnifications, so you can pick the most ideal unit. You can get a model up to 20x, an added advantage for those looking for a game at extremely long ranges.
Objective Lens
The diameter of an objective lens determines how much light a scope collect. A bigger objective lens is the best for hunting coyotes in low light settings. It will not only maximize light collection but also ensure that you get a large visual field.
However, scopes with very big objective lenses tend to be bulky. To have the best balance of weight and size, 50mm is the biggest you need to go.
Glass
The quality of lenses the scope has can either make or break your coyote hunting trip. Go for the best glass you can afford. It will offer high-quality image views that are rich in color accuracy.
Also ensure that you pick a scope whose lenses have proper coatings. The coatings found in a scope optimize light transmission for bright image generation. They also provide some level of scratch resistance.
Weatherproof
The scope you get for coyote hunting should be operable in any weather condition. It should be filled with argon or nitrogen gas for reliable fog-proof performance. On top of that, it should be sealed at both ends to prevent water, dust, and debris from entering.
Main Tube Diameter
The other feature to consider is the size of the main tube diameter. Scopes with 30mm or 34mm main tubes are best for coyote hunting. They give the reticle more room to move, optimizing the adjustment range. Bigger tubes also tend to be sturdier.
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Best Nightforce Scope For Coyote Hunting FAQs
1) What magnification is best for coyote hunting?
It largely depends on the hunting range and your preference. But scopes with larger magnification are the best. You can spot them from a distance and avoid spooking them. Generally, a scope with 10x or more magnification will be sufficient.
2) How good are Nightforce rifle scopes?
Nightforce scopes offer excellent long-range precision no matter the hunting environment or lighting condition. They deliver reliable performance in any situation while resisting extreme abuse.
3) Does Nightforce offer illuminated reticles for low-light hunting?
Yes, Nightforce offers illuminated reticles in some of its scopes. The illuminated reticle feature can be particularly useful for low-light conditions during early morning or late evening coyote hunting.
4) Are Nightforce scopes durable enough for rugged coyote hunting conditions?
Yes, Nightforce scopes are built to withstand rugged conditions. They are constructed from high-quality materials and are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments.
5) What is the main advantage of Nightforce scopes for coyote hunting?
Nightforce scopes are known for their exceptional optical quality and precision tracking. These features are essential for spotting and engaging coyotes accurately, especially during challenging lighting conditions or when precision shots are required.
Final Thoughts
The best rifle scope for coyote assures you will better your chances of acquiring targets swiftly once you set foot in the hunting field. All the Nightforce scopes listed above are great for coyote hunting in any environment. Each scope has unique features, so you can find the one that suits your hunting style and needs best.
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