First Focal Plane vs Second Focal Plane | 9-Hole Reviews

Published on February 5, 2024
Duration: 7:33

This video explains the fundamental difference between First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) rifle optics, focusing on reticle placement relative to the magnification mechanism. FFP reticles scale with magnification, maintaining true measurements at all power settings, making them ideal for long-range shooting and range estimation. SFP reticles remain a fixed size, meaning measurements are only accurate at a specific magnification (often max power), but can offer a clearer reticle at lower magnifications and are generally more affordable. The choice depends on the intended use and magnification range of the optic.

Quick Summary

The main difference between First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) rifle optics is reticle placement. FFP reticles scale with magnification, keeping measurements true at all power levels, ideal for long-range precision. SFP reticles remain a fixed size, meaning measurements are only accurate at a specific magnification, often max power, and are generally more affordable.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: FFP vs SFP Optics
  2. 00:16Understanding FFP and SFP Construction
  3. 00:38How Reticles Zoom with Magnification (FFP)
  4. 00:51Fixed Reticle Size (SFP)
  5. 01:01Why a Changing Reticle Size Matters
  6. 01:15True Measurements in FFP Optics
  7. 01:33Inaccurate Measurements in SFP Optics
  8. 01:52Utilization of SFP Optics
  9. 01:58Example: Kahles K16i (SFP LPVO)
  10. 02:48Example: Primary Arms GLX (FFP)
  11. 03:19Magnification Range and FFP Likelihood
  12. 03:31Precision Rifle Optics and FFP
  13. 04:06Why Not Always FFP?
  14. 04:24Reticle Appearance Considerations
  15. 04:30FFP Reticle Appearance Trade-offs
  16. 05:21LPVO Reticle Appearance Issues
  17. 06:04Real Considerations and Trade-offs
  18. 06:12Economy and Cost of Optics
  19. 06:26Summary: When to Choose FFP
  20. 06:55Summary: When to Choose SFP (LPVOs)
  21. 07:23Making the Right Choice for You

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) rifle optics?

The primary difference lies in reticle placement. In FFP optics, the reticle is in front of the magnification lenses, so it scales with magnification. In SFP optics, the reticle is behind the lenses and remains a fixed size, regardless of magnification.

When is a First Focal Plane (FFP) optic recommended?

FFP optics are recommended for shooters who frequently use reticle measurements (like mil-dots or BDC points) for range estimation or holdovers across a wide magnification range, especially on higher-power scopes where not being on max magnification is common.

When might a Second Focal Plane (SFP) optic be a better choice?

SFP optics are often suitable for LPVOs (1-6x) where users typically shoot at maximum magnification (6x) when needing reticle measurements. They can also be more affordable and offer a consistently sized reticle at lower powers.

What are the visual trade-offs of FFP reticles?

FFP reticles can appear too thick and imprecise at low magnifications, potentially covering targets. Conversely, at high magnifications, they can become very fine and difficult to track, especially with recoil or rapid target acquisition.

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