FFP vs. SFP: What Focal Plane Means in Rifle Scopes
What Does "Focal Plane" Mean?
If you're looking at rifle scopes, you’ve probably seen the terms FFP (First Focal Plane) and SFP (Second Focal Plane). They can sound confusing, but they’re actually pretty easy to understand once you know what they do.
The focal plane is just the spot inside the scope where the reticle (the crosshairs or aiming lines) sits. Where it’s placed changes how the reticle behaves when you zoom in or out.
Let’s break it down simply.
First Focal Plane (FFP) – What You Need to Know
In an FFP scope, the reticle is placed in front of the zoom lenses.
- When you zoom in, the reticle gets bigger.
- When you zoom out, it gets smaller.
- But the important part is this: the spacing on the reticle stays accurate at every zoom level.
That means if you’re using those little marks for estimating distance or bullet drop, they still work whether you’re at 4x or 20x.
FFP is great for:
- Long-range shooting
- Target shooting with changing distances
- Anyone who needs to use the reticle for measurement or adjustments while zooming
Things to keep in mind:
- The reticle might look really small at low zoom, which can be hard to see in dark or close-up situations.
- FFP scopes usually cost more.
Second Focal Plane (SFP) – What You Need to Know
In an SFP scope, the reticle is placed behind the zoom lenses.
- The reticle stays the same size no matter how much you zoom in or out.
- But the catch is: those holdover marks (used for bullet drop, wind, etc.) only show the correct spacing at one zoom level, usually the highest setting.
SFP is great for:
- Hunting
- Shooting at one zoom level most of the time
- Fast aiming when you don’t need to use the hash marks a lot
Things to watch out for:
- If you forget to zoom in fully when using the reticle marks, your shot might be off.
- Less ideal for long-range or tactical use where precision matters at different zooms.
How Is This Different from Cameras or Telescopes?
Cameras and telescopes also have focal planes, but they don’t use reticles. You’re just looking for a sharp image.
In rifle scopes, the focal plane affects how the reticle changes with zoom—and that can directly impact your accuracy. That’s why it matters more for shooting.
Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a super simple guide:
- Pick FFP if you shoot at lots of different distances, use zoom often, or rely on those reticle marks for ranging and adjustments.
- Pick SFP if you mostly shoot at one zoom level and want the reticle to always look the same, especially in fast-paced or low-light situations.
What About LPVOs, MPVOs, and HPVOs?
Scopes come in different types, and focal plane matters depending on which one you're using.
LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic – like 1–4x, 1–6x, or 1–10x)
- If you shoot mostly at lower zoom (like 1x to 4x), SFP is better—the reticle is easier to see and quicker to aim.
- If you shoot at longer ranges with this type of scope, FFP makes sense because the reticle measurements stay accurate as you zoom.
MPVO (Mid Power Variable Optic – like 3–15x or 2.5–20x)
- These scopes are made for varied distances.
- FFP is usually the better choice here so your reticle keeps working properly at all zoom levels.
HPVO (High Power Variable Optic – like 5–25x or 6–36x)
- Long-range scopes need to be precise at every zoom.
- Go with FFP—you’ll get consistent performance when zooming in and out.
Quick Recap
- FFP reticles change size with zoom, but their measurements always stay accurate. Great for long-range and tactical use.
- SFP reticles always look the same, but their measurements are only accurate at one zoom setting. Great for hunting and quick shots.
- FFP is more flexible, especially for mixed distances.
- SFP is more user-friendly if you like to keep things simple.
Final Thoughts
Understanding focal planes helps you pick the right scope—not just the one with the most features, but the one that actually matches GUNNR OPTICS.
If you need help picking a scope for your rifle or shooting goals, feel free to ask. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but now you’ve got the basics.