Getting into optics might seem simple enough at first—just pick a scope for your rifle, right? While to the untrained eye, all scopes do the same thing, when you peel back the layers, you’ll see that not all rifle scopes are created equal. Beyond just their magnification power, rifle scopes fall into two main categories: first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP).
Despite looking identical on the outside, these optics function rather differently. Your scope’s focal plane plays a considerable role in how your optic handles and changes the overall efficacy of your reticle measurements. Whether you’re getting an optic for better close-range performance or for using your rifle scope as a range-finder, it’s paramount that you understand the importance of an optic’s focal plane.
Scope Magnification Explained
Before we break down the intricacies of FFP and SFP rifle scopes, it’s important to understand how magnification works in a variable power optic. Our guide, “How does a Rifle Scope Work?” goes over this, but to put it simply, magnification refers to how close your target appears compared to looking at it with the naked eye.
An optic’s total magnification range varies depending on the model but is listed in the first two numbers present in a scope’s description such as “1-8x”, if you look at our PLxC® 1-8×24 SFP Rifle Scope. Having a tunable magnification range is what makes variable power optics so popular, as you can dial in the zoom to best suit your shooting situation.
Choosing the right magnification for your shooting needs
The variety of options can be overwhelming, as there is a near-endless selection of options to choose from. Despite the breadth of choices, if you know what you’re looking for, you can narrow them down to a more manageable number of options.
Optics like LPVOs (Low-Power Variable Optics) are best suited for close to medium range use. They’re commonly available with either a 1-6x, 1-8x, or 1-10x magnification range. A notable feature of these optics is their speed at close range. They’re almost as fast as reflex sights, making them especially useful at close ranges, but their limited magnification makes them less equipped for dedicated long-range use. As such, they’re commonly found on rifles like the AR-15 and AR-10.
Medium power optics typically offer wider magnification ranges like 2-10x, 3-18x, and 4-16x. Most of the time, these optics are bulkier and heavier compared to LPVOs, but they come with the benefit of being much better suited for shooting at longer ranges. Optics like these are most often ran on larger caliber rifles, ranging from semi-auto DMR builds like AR-10s and SCAR 20s, to bolt-action rifles for hunting and precision shooting.
Lastly, there are high-power optics which boast the highest magnification ranges of any of the other scope types mentioned, being offered with anywhere from 5-25x, 4-32x, and upwards of 6-30x magnification. These optics are designed specifically for long-range precision. Their lower magnification levels make them good for medium ranges as well, but they shine at long ranges. Most often, these optics are used on larger full-power, or magnum caliber bolt-action rifles. Our buyer’s guide to long-range rifle scopes is a great resource if you’re shopping for one of these optics.
Understanding FFP and SFP
First Focal Plane
First focal plane scopes have the reticle element positioned between the objective lens and the magnification elements, meaning the reticle’s size changes in relation to your optic’s magnification.
FFP optics have become the standard for long-range shooting disciplines where precision is key. As your reticle increases in size, they become easier to see and read, plus, the subtensions all stay accurate regardless of your magnification level, making FFP optics more consistent across wider magnification ranges. Many FFP optics use etched reticles, as they can be made much finer and more precise. This allows the reticles to be made very tiny, yet still readable.
FFP LPVOs benefit greatly from this when at their 1x magnification level. When zoomed out to 1x, the smaller reticle elements shrink, leaving the design features meant for low magnification use bold and uncluttered. For targets far away, zooming in makes the fine details of the reticle larger and easier to see, allowing you to more accurately take shots at greater distances.
Still, like any optic, FFP rifle scopes aren’t perfect and come with some slight drawbacks. Other than being more expensive, FFP optics rely heavily on their reticle design to be effective, as an FFP reticle must be usable at both ends of the magnification spectrum. At minimum magnification, the smaller reticle could make it difficult to see all the reticle elements, which becomes especially challenging when shooting in low-light conditions. Also, at high magnification, the larger reticle size and elements could potentially obscure your target. Keep in mind that this is dependent on your reticle design as well as the size of your target, so this won’t always be the case.
Second Focal Plane
Second focal plane rifle scopes have the reticle positioned between the magnification elements and the ocular lens, meaning the size of reticles on SFP optics stay consistent regardless of the magnification level.
Since the reticle doesn’t change size, the reticle in its entirety is always fully visible, so you’ll be able to fully see the stadia as well as any subtensions the optic might have. SFP optics can, at times, offer a better exit pupil too, although this is dependent on the optics design as well as the reticle. Regardless, the consistency in the reticle sizing makes these optics great for hunting, and other similar applications.
However, their reticle consistency means that SFP reticles are only sized to be accurate at one magnification—usually the highest one. This can raise issues with different reticle patterns like BDC reticles, for instance. We mention this in our BDC reticle guide, but BDC reticles are calibrated to specific calibers to compensate for bullet drop. And since SFP reticles are only true at max magnification, this makes using an SFP optic a challenge at any other magnification, since the holds won’t always be mathematically correct.
As a result, it’s much more common to find low to medium power variable optics with SFP reticle designs, as long-range shooting will almost always be done at these scopes’ maximum magnification anyway.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that wire and fiber-wire reticles will almost exclusively be used on SFP optics. Reticles like our ACSS® NOVA can’t be used in an FFP optic since the reticle element can’t be made small enough to account for the increased reticle magnification of an SFP system. As such, many of the SFP optics available use these types of reticles.
Popular Scope Brands
As we mentioned above, there are several high-quality optics available that use both first and second focal plane designs. Below is a brief look at some of the different optic manufacturers to choose from.
Primary Arms Optics
Primary Arms Optics has a large lineup of high-quality optic offerings, ranging from LPVOs to high-powered optics for long range and everything in between. As far as Primary Arms first focal plane rifle scopes are concerned, you have a lot to choose from. For a more budget-friendly optics, their SLx® lineup includes models like their SLx® 3-18×50 FFP Gen II Rifle Scope. A first focal plane optic, it’s equipped with their ACSS® HUD DMR Reticle system, making it a solid pairing for rifles like the SCAR 20 and other DMR builds.
Another solid choice is their SLx 1-6×24 SFP Gen IV Rifle Scope. This LPVO is a second focal plane optic that features their ACSS® Nova 5.56/.308 Fiber Wire Reticle system which offers red dot bright® illumination and has built-in BDC holds that are pre-calibrated for 5.56 and .308, making it a great pairing for rifles like the AR-15 and AR-10. If you’re looking for a premium option, their GLx® and PLx® optic lines have some incredible options in their respective lineups.
Vortex Optics
Vortex Optics is a brand that needs little introduction, as they’ve been producing some of the industry’s most popular optics for quite a while. Vortex first focal plane rifle scopes like their Strike Eagle 5-25×56 rifle scope are popular for their long-range capabilities. Coming equipped with their EBR-7C MRAD Reticle, these scopes pair well with a multitude of rifles ranging from semi-autos to bolt-actions.
They have their share of second focal plane optics as well. Optics like the Venom 1-6×24 LPVO are great for short to intermediate range engagements, while their Viper HST 6-24×50 is better equipped for more medium to long range applications.
Nightforce Optics
Nightforce Optics is synonymous with high-quality, premium scopes. Nightforce first focal plane optics, such as the venerable ATACR series of optics, are available in a multitude of configurations. Models like the ATACR 4-16×42 are excellent for close to medium range applications, while other models like their ATACR 7-35×56 are better suited for dedicated long-range builds. For more close-range utility, the ATACR is also available in a 1-8×24 LPVO configuration. Regardless of which one you look at, they each come equipped with specialized reticle systems, making them indispensable for their given applications.
Compared to the other brands we’ve mentioned so far, Nightforce doesn’t have many SFP optics to choose from, with one of their only options being their NXS 2.5-10x42mm SFP Rifle Scope. Although they don’t offer many SFP optics, Nightforce still remains one of the most sought-after optic brands around. Just keep in mind that their premium options come with a premium price tag.
Conclusion
Knowing the differences between first and second focal plane optics is key whenever you decide to pull the trigger on that new optic. Each choice has their own unique strengths that cater to unique needs and preferences, and it’s crucial to understand which of the two best aligns with them so you can adequately use rifle scopes for proper target acquisition.
FFP scopes offer greater versatility and accuracy overall, but the smaller reticle size at low magnification can be difficult to fully read. Likewise, at higher magnification the reticle can be a little obtrusive, depending on the reticle design. SFP optics provide a consistent reticle size across all magnification ranges but are only truly accurate when at their maximum magnification setting, potentially requiring you to make some more challenging calculations for long range use.
Whether you’re looking at an FFP or SFP optic, they can both be a solid choice when used within the right context. Take time to meticulously evaluate your needs and preferences. Doing so will help you determine which optic is the best one for you. If you’re still on the fence about which to go with, check out our other first focal plane and second focal plane guide will round out your knowledge on the two.
