Riflescopes come with either of the two types of reticles that is the first focal plane (FFP) or the second focal plane (SFP) reticle. The front focal plane (or first focal plane) means that the reticle is physically located in front of the magnifying lens in the rifle scope.
Unlike the second focal plane, a first focal plane reticle will change in size with every change in magnification. The crosshairs increase in size with an increase in power and decrease in size with a decrease in power.
The downside of this type of rifle scope is that you will have a challenge seeing clearly in thick bushes and in low-light conditions. In these situations, the crosshairs can be difficult to see as they may be too thin and small.
Despite this, many of the best FFP scopes are made with amazing features to offer you the best experiences in the field. Look at the examples discussed below.
Best First Focal Plane Scope Reviews
1) Leupold VX-3i 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope
Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5-20x50mm Side Focus Riflescope is most popular for its sharp and crisp visuals in low light. It has a throw lever that makes it easier to attain effective magnification and clean target images.
Since it has been demonstrated to be extremely resistant to extreme temperatures and to sustain up to 5000 impacts on its punisher, this scope’s endurance is certain. Similarly, in low to strong lighting conditions, the twilight light technology effectively produces brilliant, clear target photos with an additional 20 minutes of shooting light.
The broad spectrum optics coating is essential for both glare reduction and integrity preservation.
Key features
- Made of strong aluminum material
- It has great resilience to adverse temperatures
- It comes with a throw lever
- It has a variable magnification of 6.5-20x
- It has an objective lens diameter of 50mm
- Weight: 21.7oz
- Length: 14.38”
- Eye relief: 4.41-3.62 inches
- F.O.V: 14.7-6.1ft/100yds
- Tube diameter: 30mm
Pros
- It is impact resisilient
- Great water and fog proof performance
- It offers unmatched poor light performance
Cons
- A bit heavier than standard scopes
2) Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes
Vortex Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane 4-16×44 combines accuracy, value, and a plethora of appealing features. Its fully multi-coated lenses and extra-low dispersion glass construction deliver a clear, brilliant sight image.
The single-piece 30mm tube is designed toughly and shockproof to endure collisions in the field and recoil. Additionally, it has a robust O-ring seal and is nitrogen purged for effectiveness in waterproofing and fog proofing.
With a primary focus plane and a glass-etched reticle, this Vortex scope maintains subtension accuracy over a 4x zoom range. Under the hardest conditions, the precision-glide erector system uses superior components in the zoom lens to provide smooth magnification adjustments.
The side parallax knob and exposed tactical turrets on this scope make using it simple for long-distance precision shooting.
Key features
- It is made of a shockproof and rugged construction
- It features exposed tactical turrets and a side parallax knob for long-distance precision shooting
- It has a fast focus eyepiece for quick and easy reticle focusing
- It has a variable magnification of 4-16 power range
- It has a large 44mm objective for higher light transmission
Pros
- It is waterproof and fog proof
Cons
- Low magnification
3) Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescope SMRS II, 1-6.5×24
The Bushnell Elite SMRS II Pro is designed to meet the demands of the toughest users. It features a strong build that is able to withstand the rough use. It is also argon purged to ensure the lenses remain fog-free even with rapid changes in temperature.
The 1-6.5×24 scope comes in flat dark earth that ensures increased durability, and features capped turrets and the fixed ThrowHammer throw lever for instant magnification changes. The scope’s lens coating molecularly bonds to the glass, creating a repelling effect against water, oil, dust, debris and preventing scratches.
Key features
- It is crafted to the most exacting standards for a long time of performance
- It features exclusive EXO barrier protection for protection
- It has a Throwhammer Throw Lever for quick magnification changes
- It of argon purged for fog proofing
- It features a Close Quarters Ballistic Drop Compensation (CQ BDC) reticle
Pros
- Weatherproof performance
Cons
- Small objective lens diameter
4) Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP)
With adjustable magnification settings ranging from 6x to 24x power, the Argos BTR riflescope from Athlon Optics is perfect for a variety of shooting situations. It has cutting-edge completely multi-coated lenses that produce bright, clear images even in low light.
The 6061T6 aircraft grade aluminum tube gives the scope the capacity to survive all adverse situations, while the XPL lens coating safeguards the lenses from grime, abrasion, grease, and severe weather components.
The 6-24×50 scope offers a choice of first focal plane reticles that allow for simple elevation and windage adjustments as well as side parallax adjustments that you can make with your fingertips. The reticles enable exact holdover positions with finer details while allowing rapid target engagement at low power.
Key features
- It is made of a 6061T6 aircraft-grade aluminum tube for exceptional strength
- It has side parallax adjustment
- It has Argon purging for better waterproofing and thermal stability
- It has an etched glass reticle for great durability and high shock resistance
- The fully multi-coated lenses reduce reflection and increase light transmission for bright and clear images
- It has an illuminated reticle for great visibility from dusk to dawn and in low ambient light conditions
- The first focal plane reticle stays valid at all power settings allowing full utilization of the specially designed reticle
Pros
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
Cons
- Heavy
5) Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II Second Focal Plane Riflescopes
The 1-6×24 second focal plane riflescope is built with rock-solid tactical characteristics for exceptional performance. It is amazingly adaptable and ideal for close- to medium-range shooting situations.
For simple access and efficient operation, the lighting dial on the scope is neatly integrated into the side focus adjustment knob. It makes use of a glass-etched reticle that offers incredibly useful, simple-to-understand, and precise hold points. Additionally, there are 10 intensity settings with off positions in between.
The sight has adjustable parallax, laser-etched turrets, and the RZR zero stop for wind and bullet drop compensation. The fiber optic rotation indicator makes it simple for the user to monitor the position of their turret.
Key features
- It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum material for durability
- It has O-ring sealing and argon purging for water and fog-proof performance
- It offers increased resolution and color fidelity thanks to the extra-low dispersion glass
- It has XR fully multi-coated lenses for higher light transmission
- It features Armortek coatings that protect the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt
Pros
- Weatherproof performance
- Durable
Cons
- Low magnification power
Best First Focal Plane Scope FAQs
- Is a first focal plane scope better?
The two focal planes are incomparable. With a first focal plane, higher magnification ranges are better while lower magnification is okay for second focal plane scopes. An FFP is more ideal for precision shooting where price is no issue. An SFP is perfect for most target shooting, hunting, and CQB performance.
- Do military snipers use FFP or SFP?
Apart from competition shooting, military and police snipers use FFP scopes when there is need for a rapid and precise follow-up shot.
- Can you use first focal plane for hunting?
Most hunters opt for the second focal plane scopes. This is mainly because most game is shot at low magnification, where a front focal plane reticle shrinks until it has nearly vanished.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of what reticle you choose, the best scopes in the market will offer the best performance if they are suited for the application. In this regard, it is good to choose a scope based on the intended use as well as your expertise.
The best scopes will offer great versatility for use in different shooting applications.