By Joel Mccartan
As a passionate hunter and night vision gear enthusiast, I know how important it is to have the right equipment for a successful hunt. When it comes to riflescopes, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing between a first focal plane (FFP) and second focal plane (SFP) reticle. With so much conflicting information out there, it can be tough to know which one is the best choice for your specific hunting needs. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each type and share my experiences to help you make an informed decision.
First, let’s clarify what we mean by first and second focal plane. In a riflescope, the reticle (crosshairs) can be placed in one of two locations: either in front of the zoom lens assembly (FFP) or behind it (SFP). This placement has a significant impact on how the reticle behaves when you change magnification.
In an FFP scope, the reticle appears to grow and shrink along with the image as you zoom in and out. This means that the subtensions (the spacing between reticle hash marks used for holdovers and lead) remain constant relative to the target at all magnifications. For example, if a hash mark subtends 2 MOA (minute of angle) at 10x zoom, it will still subtend 2 MOA at 20x or 5x. This can be a big advantage for long range shooting, where you may need to quickly adjust your hold for wind or elevation at various magnifications.
On the other hand, an SFP scope’s reticle remains the same apparent size regardless of zoom level. The reticle subtensions only correspond correctly to the target at one specific magnification, typically the highest power. At other zoom levels, you’ll need to mentally calculate the difference or use the scope’s turrets to make adjustments. Many hunters prefer SFP scopes because the reticle appears bolder and is easier to see at low power, which is helpful for quick shots in thick brush or low light.
So, which one is the best choice for hunting? As with many gear decisions, the answer is “it depends.” Let’s look at some common hunting scenarios and which focal plane is best suited for each.
Short to Medium Range (under 300 yards)
For the vast majority of deer, hog, and general-purpose hunting, shots will be taken at ranges less than 300 yards. In the thick timber or brush that whitetails call home, it’s often challenging to even see that far! An SFP scope in the 3-9x or 2-7x range is usually more than adequate for this type of hunting.
The bold reticle of an SFP scope is a huge asset in low light conditions during those prime dawn and dusk periods. The thicker crosshairs are much easier to see against a dark target or background than the thin lines of an FFP reticle at low power. This can make the difference between getting off a quick, clean shot or missing your opportunity entirely.
Additionally, most hunters take the majority of their short to mid-range shots with the scope set at the low to mid-range of its magnification. There’s simply no need to crank it up to 9x or 12x to shoot a buck at 100 yards broadside. Since SFP scopes have reticle subtensions calibrated for the highest magnification, it’s not a significant disadvantage that the holdover points are incorrect at these lower powers.
If you primarily hunt in an area where shots beyond 300 yards are rare, I highly recommend choosing an SFP scope for its low-light performance and simplicity. Models like the Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm or Nikon ProStaff 2-7x32mm view price offer excellent optical quality and reliability in a lightweight, affordable package. You won’t be giving up any capability for 90% of real-world hunting scenarios.
- Model No.174182 – VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm Riflescope with Duplex CDS reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Made with 6061-T6 aircraft quality aluminum and punisher tested to guarantee a lifetime of performance even under harshest recoil
Long Range Hunting (300-1000+ yards)
Of course, not all hunting takes place in thick woods or at short range. For those who pursue game in open country, such as mule deer, pronghorn, or even prairie dogs, long range shooting is often the name of the game. When you’re regularly taking shots out to 500 yards or more, the benefits of an FFP scope start to shine.
The key advantage of an FFP reticle is that it allows you to accurately use the holdover subtensions at any magnification. This is crucial for making quick adjustments in the field based on wind conditions or target distance. With an SFP scope, you’d need to zoom all the way in to the maximum magnification to use the holdovers correctly, then zoom back out to locate the target. In a dynamic long range shooting scenario, this extra step can cost you precious time and accuracy.
FFP scopes also tend to have more sophisticated reticle designs tailored for long range, such as Christmas tree or grid-style holdover marks. These can allow you to quickly engage multiple targets at different distances or make follow-up shots without manual turret adjustments. Many FFP reticles also have integrated ranging features, such as milling marks, that let you estimate the distance to your target on the fly.
When choosing an FFP scope for long range hunting, look for a model with a magnification range that suits your needs and terrain. For most shooters, a 4-16x or 5-25x scope will provide plenty of zoom for precise shot placement at extended ranges. Keep in mind that higher magnification also amplifies any tiny movements, so a stable shooting position and good technique are essential.
Some of my favorite FFP scopes for long range hunting include the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm and the Athlon Ares BTR 4.5-27x50mm. Both offer excellent glass clarity, tactile turrets, and advanced reticle options in a rugged package built to withstand harsh field conditions. Expect to spend a bit more for an FFP scope compared to a similar SFP model, but the investment is well worth it for serious long range shooters.
- The Viper PST Gen II takes incredible performance and rock solid features to new heights. The 5-25×50 first focal plane riflescope is incredibly versatile and ideal for close to long range scenarios.
- Users who dial their turrets for drop and wind compensation will appreciate the laser etched turrets, adjustable parallax and the RZR zero stop. A fiber optic rotation indicator ensures you can keep track of your turret position with ease.
- 0. 25 MOA Click Value, 100 MOA Total Elevation Adjustment, 25 Yard to Infinity Parallax Adjustment, 6 Illumination Settings.
- HD Glass gives you better light transmission, brighter, and sharper image. The illuminated reticle provides greater visibility during dusk and dawn and other low ambient light environment.
- Precision Zero Stop System. The system allows you to lock down your zero position and dial back to it with a sharp and precise stop right at your zero mark even you are turning it in pitch-dark or blinded folded.
Specialty Applications
In addition to these general categories, there are a few specialty hunting situations where one focal plane may be preferable to the other. For example, dangerous game hunters often favor SFP scopes with simple duplex reticles and low to medium magnification. This setup provides a wide field of view and fast target acquisition, which can be critical when facing a charging buffalo or bear at close range.
On the other hand, varmint hunters who shoot small targets like prairie dogs or ground squirrels at long distance may appreciate the precision of an FFP scope with a fine crosshair reticle. The thin lines obscure less of the target and make it easier to place an accurate shot on a tiny critter at 500+ yards.
Some hunters also prefer to use different setups for different seasons or styles of hunting. You might choose an SFP scope for your brush gun during the early season, then switch to an FFP rig for those late-season bean field sits. Or you could put an FFP scope on your long range rifle and an SFP on your lightweight mountain hunting setup. There’s no rule saying you have to stick with one focal plane for all your guns.
Making Your Choice
As you can see, there are compelling arguments for both FFP and SFP scopes in various hunting situations. To decide which is right for you, consider the following factors:
1. What is the typical terrain and vegetation where you hunt? Wide open spaces favor FFP, while thick brush and woods lean towards SFP.
2. How far do you realistically expect to take most of your shots? Anything under 300-400 yards is easily doable with an SFP scope, while longer ranges benefit from FFP.
3. What time of day do you usually hunt? If you’re often out in low light conditions, an SFP scope will be easier to use than an FFP at low power.
4. Do you prefer a simple or sophisticated reticle? SFP scopes tend to have uncomplicated reticles, while FFP offers more options for holdovers and ranging.
5. What’s your budget? In general, FFP scopes cost more than comparable SFP models. However, there are many affordable options in both styles if you shop around.
Once you’ve considered these factors, try to get some hands-on experience with both types of scopes. Visit your local sporting goods store or gun range and look through as many different models as you can. Pay attention to how the reticle looks at various magnifications and whether you can see it clearly against different backgrounds. If possible, do some practice shooting with each type to get a feel for the differences in the field.
As an experienced hunter, I’ve used both FFP and SFP scopes extensively and have found that they each have their place. For most of my whitetail and hog hunting in the thick Florida swamps, I prefer a simple 3-9x40mm SFP scope like the Leupold VX-Freedom. It’s lightweight, reliable, and performs well in the low light of dawn and dusk. When I head out west for a pronghorn or mule deer hunt, I switch to an FFP scope with a bit more magnification, like the Vortex Viper PST 5-25x50mm. The advanced reticle and consistent subtensions are invaluable for those long cross-canyon shots.
At the end of the day, the best scope for you is the one that gives you the confidence to make an ethical shot in your specific hunting conditions. Whether that’s an FFP or SFP model ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities as a hunter. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options until you find the perfect setup for your needs.
I hope this guide has helped demystify the differences between FFP and SFP scopes and given you a clearer idea of which one might be right for you. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to talk shop and share my experiences with fellow hunters. Now get out there and put your newfound knowledge to use this season!