First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane in Rifle Scopes

Are you a new shooter looking to understand the difference between a first-focal plane and a second-focal plane rifle scope?

Most shooters would benefit from this knowledge, as the scope’s capabilities will be able to help elevate their game and make them better shooters in the long run.

This guide will illustrate the differences between a first or second focal plane scope and help you decide which is best for your needs and preferences.

First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane: Head-to-Head Comparison

The main difference between the first focal plane (FFP) vs second focal plane (SFP) would be where their reticle is located and how the user views the reticle.

A first focal plane scope positions the reticle in front of the erector system, which causes it to grow or shrink as the magnification level changes.

Meanwhile, a second focal plane scope keeps its reticle behind the erector system, meaning that it will remain static through its magnification range, undisturbed by mechanical movement.

Knowing the more specific differences between the focal plane rifle scopes will help you decide which style is better for your needs.

What Is the First Focal Plane?

The first focal plane is the plane in which the reticle grows as the sight picture grows, as the erector system that allows for magnification moves the reticle at the same time.

With a first focal plane reticle, the crosshairs grow or shrink with your magnification setting as you zoom in or out. This makes it the better choice for making long-range targets appear closer and easier to aim at.

What Is the Second Focal Plane?

A second (or a rear focal plane) reticle is positioned closer to your eye. It is located behind the magnification lenses within the erector tube assembly and is unaffected when you change magnification levels.

As you adjust, the second focal plane reticle stays the same size, regardless of how close your target appears due to the zoom.

Reticle Size and Magnification

FFP scopes have their FFP reticle expand or retract as your magnification setting increases or decreases, which is ideal for precision shooting and “closing the gap” between your target and your eye.

SFP scopes keep their reticle at the same size regardless of their magnification level, which makes them easier to use and better for low-power rifle scopes.

Holdovers and Ranging

Scope holdovers refer to the position of your crosshairs in your optic being higher than normal to account for bullet drop.

The reticle hash marks represent a holdover for an SFP scope but remain the same size that they would be at the highest magnification power.

For example, an SFP scope with a 1-18x range would only show the reticle hash marks at 18x zoom.

These reticle hash marks should work in any setting, but their designers only set them for the top magnification. On the other hand, the FFP reticle holdovers become more visible as you zoom in.

Dynamic Shooting Scenarios

An FFP scope would have hash marks visible at any setting due to the first focal plane reticle growing and shrinking.

Thus, an FFP scope would excel in dynamic shooting situations. The wide range allows you to hit far and quickly shift to a lower magnification to cut parallax distortions and acquire new targets.

This flexibility is great for most hunters when tracking prey across the open country as they can adjust holdover with their ever-present hash marks.

Precision Shooting and Known Distances

Both focal plane riflescope models have their terrain and range specialties.

FFP scopes are better suited for long-range shooting. Their models often come with a larger zoom (25x and above), and the size-increasing reticle makes aiming at close and long distances feel the same.

On the other hand, SFP scopes are better suited for precision shooting at medium-close ranges as a fixed reticle size provides a large sight picture and visible reticles even at the lowest magnification.

SFP scopes are effective hunting scopes as they provide hunters with an easy-to-see reticle, allowing them to spot their prey quickly and adapt on the spot.

Reticle Clutter and Sight Picture

The markings on the first focal plane scopes shrink as you zoom out, becoming near invisible against dark backgrounds. Even with enough light, the shifting size of the target markings can be disorienting.

At its highest possible setting, the now thicker markings of the FFO