This is some really crucial if not helpful information when trying to decide what scope to get!
Choosing the right riflescope can be challenging. One of the first decisions you must make is deciding between a first or second focal plane scope.
What are the fine points of focal plane selection?
If you’ve been shopping for a new scope, you’ve likely been bombarded with terms and features that you never knew existed — or at the very least, you’re not sure which options are right for you. Don’t fret: While gun-mounted optics have gotten very good the past few years to keep pace with the precision rifle trend, the terminology has certainly gotten a bit out of hand.
One of the more common options available that causes some confusion for shooters is determining which focal plane scope you should get — either first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP).
What Is The Focal Plane?
If the scope you’re looking at has an adjustable magnification, then the scope’s reticle appears either in the first or second focal plane. This will make a difference in how the reticle appears with different image sizes as the magnification changes. It’ll also affect the overall construction and cost of the rifle scope.
Second Focal Plane
Let’s start with the second focal plane classification first — after all, it’s the most common option, and it has been around the longest. Yes, second was first.
A second focal plane scope’s magnification adjustment changes only the size of the target’s image inside your scope. Put another way, the reticle stays the same size throughout the magnification range.
If the scope’s features don’t list which type of scope you’re looking at, then it’s very likely a second focal plane scope, as these are the most common. This is how most scopes adjust — especially consumer-grade hunting scopes.
This is a very popular option these days for two main reasons:
First, the scope is easier, and therefore cheaper, to make. With the reticle’s image staying the same size, there are fewer moving pieces inside of the scope. This not only makes it easier because there are fewer parts to worry about, it’s also easier to make the riflescope more consistent and robust.
Second, the reticle can be finer/thinner at high magnification. A finer/thinner reticle is preferred (as long as it’s thick enough to be seen, obviously) because it doesn’t obscure the target and it can allow for a more precise aiming point.
A fine/thin reticle at a high magnification setting might be too small to see if it also adjusted smaller with the target’s image. This kind of scope’s reticles are simple: What you see is what you get — regardless of the magnification setting — because it stays the same size/thickness throughout the magnification range.
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