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Posted: 6/15/2019 10:06:02 AM EDT
I’m sure this subject has probably been covered to death but a search didn’t turn up much. I’m starting to look for a scope and there’s seems to be quite a price difference between first and second focal plane scopes. I understand it’s where the reticle is relative to the magnification of the scope and depending the reticle will change size with power changes. Is there an advantage to one over the other? Is it more a function of the distances one is shooting?
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Posted: 6/15/2019 10:17:32 AM EDT
[#1]
With a FFP scope the graduations inside the reticle are true at all magnification levels. This is useful for hold offs/overs or range estimation. On a SFP this is only possible at one magnification setting, typically the highest.
SFP is fine on a low powered scope (say 1-4x through 1-6) or a hunting type scope with a duplex or other hunting reticle. FFP is a must on any type of serious precision scope. |
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Posted: 6/15/2019 10:55:50 AM EDT
[#2]
I prefer SFP because at low power the reticle is hard to see on a FFP. If i'm doing ranging work, I have time to swing up to full power. SFP is also cheaper and so I can get better glass for the same money
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Posted: 6/16/2019 2:57:17 PM EDT
[#3]
Originally Posted By MSC182:
I’m sure this subject has probably been covered to death but a search didn’t turn up much. I’m starting to look for a scope and there’s seems to be quite a price difference between first and second focal plane scopes. I understand it’s where the reticle is relative to the magnification of the scope and depending the reticle will change size with power changes. Is there an advantage to one over the other? Is it more a function of the distances one is shooting? Also the reticle does not change size when the power changes in FFP. It stays in relation to the target so it covers the same amount of the target at it's lowest power as it does at it's highest. In SFP the reticle does actually change size as it stays the same to the view meaning when the power changes and target gets bigger or smaller the reticle will cover more or less of the target. This is why the mil or moa graduations are not usable on any setting as they are on a FFP scope. Most using FFP don't use the lowest powers as their primary use. If you buy a 4.5-27x FFP scope to use it on 4.5-6x most of the time then you chose the wrong optic. Pick the right tool for the job. |
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Posted: 6/16/2019 5:59:33 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks for the replies everyone. I think first focal plane will be the right choice for me.
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