There are few decisions more important for a hunter than choosing the correct focal plane scope. In fact, one of the questions we are most often asked by our readers is whether they should buy a first focal plane scope or one in the second position. Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on the purposes you intend to use your rifle for.
Do you want to find out which scope focal position you should buy? In this guide, our expert shooters go in-depth to spell out the differences between the two scope varieties and which is best for your individual needs.
Be warned, however, that the answer is not a simple one. Overall, the answer to the great debate between first focal plane vs second focal plane will depend on an honest self-assessment of your needs and personal preferences.
Comparison Table - FFP And SFP Reticles Scopes
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How They Work
Quite frankly, it is impossible to understand how scope focal planes work without first understanding how modern telescopic sights work.
Telescopic Sight
Telescopic sights, otherwise known as scopes, work by zooming in a target through an eyepiece via a built-in refracting telescope. Through the eyepiece, the shooter will notice a reticle that determines where the shot will be placed. The use of optical lenses and scopes make long distance shooting easier by increasing accuracy and minimizing the effects of recoil.
Scopes magnify far-away objects via the focal length of the eyepiece that is inside the device. The focal length of the lens acts as a telescope would, thus the targeted objects in the scope sightline will appear to be larger than it is to the naked eye.
Similarly, the objective lens diameter determines the amount of light that is gathered to create the image in the eyepiece. The longer the lens is in diameter, the brighter the image will appear. Likewise, the field of view (FOV) of a scope is a linear value that ascribes the precise number of degrees that the image will be viewed in (i.e., 180 degrees).
Focal Plane
Scopes that feature refracting telescope technology to present an image to the viewer have two primary planes of focus which the shooter’s crosshairs can aim with. These two planes are the first focal plane (FFP) and the second focal plane (SFP).
Some firearms, specifically those with fixed power scope sights, have no noticeable difference between these two focal planes. However, variable scope sights with the FFP expand and contract with the image as the magnification is adjusted. By contrast, SFP scopes on a variable system will feature a reticle that remains the same size regardless of magnification.
By default, most modern variable-power scopes are SFP unless stated otherwise. For many shooters, SFP reticles provide a more comfortable and natural shot than alternative systems.
Advantages and Disadvantages
To fully understand the difference between SFP and FFP, readers need to be aware of their respective advantages. In the first focal plane vs second focal plane discussion, it must be emphasized that there is no clear-cut superior system. Rather, both scope systems have their distinct advantages. Here is a quick breakdown of the most obvious benefits of FFP and SFP.
First Focal Plane
Although it is difficult to communicate without a visual representation, it helps to understand the difference between FFP and SFP if the reader imagines an object in their sightline. When peering through a scope toward, say, a deer, the crosshair (or reticle) will be placed over top of the object and appear very small.
When you increase the magnification of your scope, the reticle will become larger and take up more of the sightline in the eyepiece. In other words, the crosshair will appear larger, although it will remain consistent with the size of the deer since the deer will also increase in size when zoomed in further.
For those with poor eyesight, FFP may be a safer option. This is because the shooter will be able to notice the reticle with greater ease than the SFP, which remains small relative to the target no matter the level of magnification.
Further, FFP scopes are generally considered superior for holdovers and hold-unders when targeting multiple objects. When using an FFP reticle, wind correction is also easier and faster according to many experienced long-distance shooters.
Second Focal Plane
The second focal plane (SFP) is an entirely different animal compared to the FFP. The main and obvious advantage of the SFP position is that the reticle will appear at a constant size to the shooter regardless of the level of magnification. This makes aiming a reliable and consistent experience that won’t “throw off” novice or beginner shooters.
When learning how to shoot, many prefer to use an SFP reticle. This is because it is easier to learn with than an FFP because there are no surprises during the aiming experience. Rather, the aiming process becomes predictable and consistent from start to finish. For those who shoot long range, this reticle position is usually not an ideal choice.
The benefit of an SFP over an FFP reticle is that the crosshair of an FFP will tend to remain small and thin then at low levels of magnification before suddenly becoming long and thick when at higher zoom settings. For many, this sudden change can be jarring and unsettling. Far too often we find that this change can ruin a novice’s shot before they even squeeze the trigger.
via Giphy
Hunting
For hunting, SFP is generally considered to be inferior to FFP. However, this should not discourage hunters from investing in an SFP reticle if they feel they might prefer this style. Again, it largely comes down to a matter of personal preference when deciding on a first focal plane vs second focal plane.
The rationale behind why hunters prefer FFP is that it can be complicated and time-consuming to mentally calculate the size of one’s reticle relative to the target change during magnification adjustments. However, hunters who only shoot at long range with the same level of magnification will not have to worry about these issues.
Best SFP Reticles Scopes
To help you find the best SFP reticle scopes, our experts put together this list of the best on the market today.
Primary Arms 1-6x24mm SFP Scope
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The Primary Arms 1-6x24mm SFP Scope is the all-around best option for novice shooters who want to learn how to transition to long or medium-range shooting. We recommend this device for its durable build, fantastic focal range, and patented CR2032 illumination.
Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50 SFP Scope
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The Vortex Optics Viper HS-T 6-24x50 SFP Scope is a great scope for those who want a higher-end model than the Primary Arms 1-6x24mm. This scope provides excellent value for novice and veteran shooters alike who want to benefit from Vortex’s premium VMR-1 reticle and ultra-durable multi-coated lenses.
With the option of 24x magnification, this scope is the perfect choice for long distance shooters who want to stick with an SFP reticle option. Overall, our experience with this scope has been extremely positive and we would recommend it for any shooter who wants to master SFP-equipped shooting.
Best FFP Reticles Scopes
Finding a quality FFP reticle scope can be a real challenge these days. That is why our expert team hand-tested the finest on the market to put together this quick list of the best FFP reticle scopes in the industry.
Primary Arms Platinum Series 1-8x24 FFP
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For a budget-friendly FFP solution, we recommend checking out the Primary Arms Platinum Series 1-8x24 FFP reticle scope. Not only does this scope offer lots of versatility with a 1-8x magnification, but it is also among the most rugged and durable on the market. Made of premium aluminum alloy, this scope can take a serious beating before it starts to give way.
Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC 2.5-10x50 Scope
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The Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC 2.5-10x50 Scope is arguably the best FFP scope in its price range. This scope packs all the premium high-quality materials you would expect from a Nikon product, with an excellent warranty and return policy to back it. Overall, there is hardly any risk in trying out the Nikon PROSTAFF 5 if you want an industry-leading FFP reticle scope.
Monstrum Tactical 1-6x24 FFP Scope
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With a 1-6x magnification, the Monstrum Tactical 1-6x24 FFP Scope does not provide the greatest range. However, it features an excellent eye relief barrel and an easy-to-read reticle that is great for entry-level shooters. Plus, its aircraft-grade construction makes it a long-lasting device that will serve you well for many seasons.
Conclusions
In conclusion, it must be reiterated that the first focal plane vs second focal plane discussion is one that hinges on the shooter’s individual needs. For novice hunters and those unfamiliar with the intricate techniques inherent to long-distance shooting, SFP reticles are generally undesirable. However, FFP can offer faster readying and greater accuracy for veteran shooters.
