When choosing a sight for a rifle, you have to choose which type of optical is going to be best for you. This is going to vary depending on whether you are doing long-range hunting shots or tactical shooting.
Optical variations in your scope should be carefully considered before you purchase a scope. Two of the current options in opticals are First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP).
If you are new to hunting and tactical shooting opticals you may be confused by what the difference between these two opticals is. Here is a basic break down of the differences when it comes to FFP vs SFP optics.
Let’s have a quick glance at what it means whether you have a rifle scope with a first or second focal plane reticle. It simply indicates where the reticle is located within the scope.
Most hunters traditionally look at rear focal plane riflescopes. The reason being that they are typically more affordable and hunting usually is not ultra-long distance shooting. An FFP riflescope is mainly used for long-range shooting as the reticle stays in proportion to the target which is important for long-distance shots.
Let’s have a deep-dive into what they are, what it means and what you should look for below.
First Focal Plane
Being the newer telescopic scopes on the market, the first focal plane lenses have a reticle option for scoped rifles that offers shooters the ability to fire accurately when the distance of the target is unknown.
As is often the case when in a tactical or hunting situation, distances change quickly. First Focal plane scopes have a Mil scale that is the same at a magnification of 2x and at a magnification of 10x.
First Focal Plane Reticle (Image by Trijicon)
What Does The Mil Scale Mean for FFP Scopes?
The Mil Scale on the reticle available for view in the FFP scopes
allows for quick and easy adjustments of the shot without doing a lot of math. Because the scale doesn’t change as you zoom.If you need to adjust the shot, you can use the Mil scale on the FFP. There is no need to calculate how it will be off or change the impact point. This is great for speed shooters like tactical shooters.
What Are the Drawbacks of First Focal Plane Scopes?
When using a first focal plane (FFP) riflescope, you may notice that the higher magnification ranges have less clarity than their competition. This may be because of the Mil scale and lack of adjustment needed.
Technically you can achieve magnification levels and zoom levels that are similar between the FFP vs SFP scopes. Having an FFP scope with a large magnification range makes shooting harder.
The reticle grows and shrinks depending on your zoom setting and that, unfortunately, means that at the lowest magnification you end up with a reticle that’s too small to be useful. When hunting in the woods you end up with shorter ranges and low-light conditions. This can lead to you barely being able to see the reticle at all.
Similarly, if you are at the highest magnification your reticle might be too large and the reticle might end up covering part of your target. For many people, this is not a huge issue. If you are a long, technical shooter, you may find that the lack of additional amplification and magnification is disappointing. For hunting the front focal plane reticle does work best if you’re in the countryside with good light conditions and long ranges.
Finally, First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes are more expensive than second focal plane scopes: this may be because the technology is newer. You may also be paying for the privilege of not having to do any calculations in your head before you take your shot. You can rely on the Mil scale in the FFP scope to get you on target.
Second Focal Plane Scopes
Chances are you are already familiar with the second focal plane scopes and their sighting systems. On a second focal plane scope, the reticle does not change size when the magnification changes.
This makes it more difficult to use Mil or MOA scales because they are usually only accurate at one power. Those who use Mil or MOA reticles will not like the second focal plane scopes.
Second Focal Plane (Image by Trijicon)
The accuracy of the scale on a second focal plane riflescope is typically found on the highest magnification setting. There are some rare scopes that have the true reticle size at a different magnification so you will need to read your manufacturer’s guide.
Second focal plane scopes are primarily designed for shooting all ranges including long-range shooters because of where the accuracy of the scale is set. Also, since an SFP scope can have a magnification of up to 50x with the crosshairs calibrated for that magnification, it can be a good choice for those long-range tactical shooters.
The most common uses for SFP scopes is for hunting with zoom ranges that are 3x or 4x. This does allow you to quickly adjust your shots even if the reticle stays static in size.
SFP scopes can offer a thinner reticle view at the higher magnifications which can also help when zeroing in on a target.
Which Type Of Scope Is Best For Me?
When deciding whether you want an FFP or SFP riflescope you need to answer a few questions about your shooting style.
- Do you need high levels of magnification?
If you need magnifications of over 10x, then you are not going to be satisfied with a first focal plane scope. First focal plane riflescopes typically only go up to 10x while second focal plane scopes can have magnifications of up to 50x. - Do you prefer not to adjust Mil calculations?
To use Mil-dot reticles and not adjust your calculations then you are going to want to choose a first focal plane scope. The reticle does not change, even as you change magnifications. When using a second focal plane scope, you will need to adjust your Mil down as your magnification goes up. - Do you want your sight to change as you adjust magnification?
If you prefer your reticle to stay the same size even as you scroll through different magnifications, then you need to purchase a second focal plane scope. First focal plane sights will have the reticle change as you change magnifications. - Do you want your highest magnification to be the clearest?
When you require the clearest sight on your highest magnification, then you will want to choose a second focal plane riflescope. First focal plane sights will have a slight blur on their highest magnification. - Do you need to make long tactical shots?
When the majority of your shooting is made from long distances that require high magnifications, then you will get more use from a second focal plane scope.
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