First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Reticle

A scope with variable magnification will have either a first focal plane (FFP) reticle or a second focal plane (SFP) reticle. The FFP vs. SFP debate is a common one in gun circles, especially among long-range shooters and serious hunters. Which is best is largely a matter of personal opinion.

Since we firmly believe knowledge is power, this article is designed to equip you with the information necessary to make your own decision about which style will best suit your shooting needs.

Table of Contents

What is a Reticle?

A simple duel-thickness crosshair reticle

A reticle is a series of fine lines inside a riflescope (or other optical devices). There are virtually endless ways the lines can be configured, all of which are designed to help shooters make more precise shots on distant targets.

The most basic is the standard traditional crosshairs. Other variations include dots, posts, circles, horseshoes, and chevrons. Long-distance scopes often use detailed reticles with graduated markings that can be used to quickly and easily adjust for windage or bullet drop over distance.

a christmas tree style reticle provides long-range shooter additional aiming points to correct for elevation and windage — A Christmas tree style reticle provides long-range shooter additional aiming points to correct for elevation and windage.

FFP vs SFP Scopes – Understanding the Difference

A reticle is a physical object that is placed inside of a scope. Sometimes it is etched directly onto the glass. However, no matter how the reticle is constructed it has to be placed somewhere inside of the scope.

What is the First Focal Plane?

In an FFP scope, the reticle is positioned on the first focal plane, which means it is located in front of the magnification lenses.

Here's our Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22X50 FFP scope, featuring a first focal plane design where the reticle is located between the objective lens and turrets, and in front of the magnification lenses — With the first focal plane scope, the reticle is exactly between the objective lens and turrets, in front of the magnification lenses

Just like anything else that is in front of the magnification lenses (like the target), the reticle in an FFP scope is also magnified.

As a result, the reticle appears to grow and shrink as you zoom in and out on the target using a variable power scope. That means the reticle maintains the same perspective in relation to the target no matter where you dial in the magnification. As a result, the subtensions are accurate through the entire magnification range.

The major disadvantage of an FFP scope is that the reticle becomes thinner and more difficult to see at the lower end of the magnification range.

Here's our Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22X50 FFP at low magnification, as you can see, the reticle becomes thinner and difficult to see. — Here’s our Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22X50 FFP at low magnification, as you can see, the reticle becomes thinner and difficult to see.

Also, at higher power, the reticle becomes thicker. A thicker reticle obscures more of the target, which can be problematic at longer ranges, especially when engaging smaller targets.

Here's the same Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22X50 FFP reticle at high magnification — Here’s the same Vortex Razor LHT 4.5-22X50 FFP reticle at high magnification

Another drawback to FFP scopes is the price. FFP scopes have a more complicated construction. Because they cost more to manufacture, companies typically pass the expense on to the consumer.

Advantages of an FFP Scope

Finer hash marks for ranging and holdover.
Minimal target coverage at higher magnification.
Subtension remains constant across all magnification settings.

Disadvantages of an FFP Scope

Expensive price tag.
The reticle can be difficult to see at lower magnification.
Tracking moving targets through dense cover can be tricky.

What is the Second Focal Plane?

A second focal plane (SFP) scope has the reticle positioned closer to the shooter’s eye, behind the magnification lenses.

Here's our Nightforce ATACR 4-16X50 SFP scope, featuring a second focal plane design where the reticle is located between the shooter’s eye and the magnification lenses. — With the second focal plane scope, the reticle is between the shooter’s eye and the magnification lenses

Because the reticle is between the shooter’s eye and the magnification lenses, the reticle isn’t magnified. Instead, the size remains constant no matter where you dial in the magnification.

Here's our Nightforce ATACR 4-16X50 SFP reticle at the lowest magnification — Here’s our Nightforce ATACR 4-16X50 SFP reticle at the lowest magnification

Here's our Nightforce ATACR 4-16X50 SFP reticle at the highest magnification — Here’s our Nightforce ATACR 4-16X50 SFP reticle at the highest magnification

In other words, the crosshairs and subtensions remain constant throughout the entire magnification range.

This is our old Simmons SFP with the ocular lenses removed, which provides a clear view of the second focal plane reticle setup. — The second focal plane reticle is located behind the magnification lenses and can be accessed by removing the lenses from the back (ocular lenses).

Because the markings on the reticle change perspective with the target depending on how much you zoom in, they are only correct at one power setting. However, you won’t have to struggle to see the marks at lower magnification, which makes SFP scopes a smarter option for shooters with poor eyesight.

Advantages of an SFP Scope

More affordable than FFP scopes with comparable features.
The reticle is easier to see at lower magnification.
The size of markings doesn’t change, making them easier to see, especially in low light.
Better for shooters with poor eyesight.

Disadvantages of an SFP Scope

Subtensions are only accurate at a predetermined magnification level.
Holdovers and ranging can be confusing at different power settings.

FFP vs. SFP – What Each Style Does Best?

While many shooters sing the praises of FFP scopes because they seem fancier, more expensive, and more “advanced”, SFP scopes definitely have their place.

Best Use of FFP Scopes

An FFP scope is most useful for precision long-range shooting, where the shooter regularly uses holdovers. They are also helpful in shooting situations where the exact range to the target might not be known.

Competition shooters, law enforcement and military snipers, and long-range hunters can all greatly benefit from a high-quality FFP optic. When it comes to hunting, an FFP scope can be a handicap in thick woods, but if you’re hunting open country (especially where shots could extend to 500 yards or beyond), it will quickly become your new best friend.

Best Use of SFP Scopes

For close- to medium-range defensive shooting or applications where fast target acquisition and a speedy sight picture are paramount, an SFP scope may be the “better” option. That doesn’t mean that you can’t make precision long-range shots with an SFP scope. You’ll just need some extra time to dial elevation and windage turrets for optimum accuracy.

Final Thoughts

Once you understand the differences between first focal plane and second focal plane scopes, deciding on what will work best for you becomes a lot less confusing. It’s also important to remember that which focal plane the reticle is located on is only one thing to consider when purchasing a new optic. There are other crucial characteristics that affect how the scope will perform in the field, including magnification range, glass quality, and the actual style of the reticle.