Searching for the best first focal plane scopes?
Then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about first focal plane scopes.
We’ll start by talking about what exactly a first focal plane scope is. Then we’ll cover the most important considerations when choosing a ffp scope. And once that’s out of the way, we’ll get to what you’re most excited about: our top five ffp scope recommendations.
Let’s dive right in.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time for the details, here are our best picks for first focal plane scopes:
- Nightforce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated Reticle Scope
- Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP Riflescope
- Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm MOA Riflescope
- Vortex Optics 4-16×44 Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope
- Monstrum G2 1-4×24 FFP Riflescope
Table of Contents
What Does “First Focal Plane” Mean Anyway?
Within a scope, there are several pieces. Among them are the magnification lenses and the reticle.
The reticle can be placed in either the first focal plane or the second focal plane.
The first focal plane, also called the front focal plane, is the area in front of the magnification lenses, closer to the scope’s objective lens. The second focal plane, also called the rear focal plane, is the area on the other side of the magnification lenses, towards the rear of the scope and the eyepiece.
This matters because everything in front of the magnification lenses gets magnified, including the reticle. So, with a first focal plane scope, the reticle appears to grow smaller or larger in proportion with the rest of the sight picture as you change the magnification strength.
The primary advantage of this is that no matter what magnification setting you use, the marks on your reticle always represent the same number of MOA or Mil. That makes first focal plane scopes excellent for getting the most accurate possible shots.
This accuracy has led first focal plane scopes to become increasingly popular among long range hunters in particular, though long range target shooters may also find first focal plane scopes advantageous.
First focal plane scopes aren’t without disadvantages though.
At the higher range of the scope’s magnification, the reticle may be overly large, obscuring your sight picture. First focal plane scopes tend to have BDC or mil-dot reticles with very fine lines to help minimize the problem, but it can still occur. In fact, if lines are too fine, it can feed into the second disadvantage.
At lower magnification settings, the reticle may be so small that it’s hard to make out adequately, especially in low light settings or against busy backgrounds. Choosing a scope with an illuminated reticle can help with visibility.
How to Choose a First Focal Plane Scope
When choosing a first focal plane scope, there are several factors to keep in mind. By carefully considering these things, you’ll ensure that you’re choosing the best possible scope for you.
Magnification Strength
One of the most basic, fundamental considerations when choosing any scope, whether first or second focal plane, is the magnification strength.
To choose the right magnification, there are two main things to think about: what you’re using the scope for and how far away your target will be.
3-9x magnification is generally considered a good mid-range, versatile purpose scope magnification, so you can use that as your starting point to figure out what magnification you need.
In general, hunters prefer a lower magnification range than target shooters. That’s because a larger field of view makes it easier to track moving game and to monitor the game’s surroundings, which may impact how they move. In most cases, target shooters really only need to see their (usually stationary) target.
When it comes to distance, you can probably figure it out. For long range targets, you want higher magnification. For close range, you want to go with lower magnification.
Because first focal plane scopes are designed for precision, they’re generally assumed to be for long range shooting, so they typically have higher magnification ranges. Of course, there are exceptions.
Finally, if you’re not sure about the right magnification range, it’s better to err towards lower magnification. A magnification setting that’s too low makes it harder to be accurate, but one that’s too high is often just unusable.
Budget
First focal plane scopes are more costly to manufacture than second focal plane scopes. As a result, they also tend to cost more to buy.
That’s something to keep in mind when deciding your budget.
Generally, you get what you pay for, so don’t just run out and buy the cheapest first focal plane scope you can track down. On the other hand, there are definitely exceptions to the rule, so don’t just grab the most expensive one you can afford either.
It’s best to keep in mind what you’re willing and able to spend and compare scopes across that price point.
You can get decent, entry level first focal plane scopes for less than $200, while the top-of-the-line, high end ones will set you back more than two grand. In other words: there’s something out there for every budget. We tried to reflect that in our scope recommendations here as well.
Durability
We’ve already established that first focal plane scopes tend to be on the pricier side, so you don’t want to waste your money on a scope that’ll break after just a few uses.
Instead, make sure you’re choosing a scope with plenty of durability enhancing features. To ensure durability, look for features like a single piece tube made from aircraft-grade aluminum, scratch resistant lens coatings, and rugged internal mechanisms.
Lens Coatings
Finally, you’ll want to pay special attention to lens coatings.
Glass is reflective. The reflection of light directs it away from the glass, reducing transmission, and causes glare. Anti-reflective lens coatings instead direct the light through the glass for reduced glare and enhance low light visibility.
The best lenses are fully multi-coated, which means they have multiple layers of lens coatings that cover the entire lens surface.
Best First Focal Plane Scopes on the Market Review
1 Nightforce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated Reticle Scope
We’ve arranged our list of recommendations from most to least expensive, so let’s kick things off with our pick for the best first focal plane scope under $1500, the Nightforce SHV 4-14x50mm F1 Illuminated Reticle Scope.
The magnification range makes this scope for medium to long range shooting. The elevation turret is exposed for quick adjustments, while the windage turret is capped for protection. The elevation turret also features Nightforce ZeroSet for fast, easy zero return.
You have the choice of an MOAR or Mil-R reticle, but both have center illumination for low light visibility. There are 12 brightness settings, so there are options for a variety of light conditions.
Mounting Rings & Lens Covers
To actually attach this scope to your rifle, you’ll need a set of 30mm rings, like the Nightforce X-Treme Duty Ultralite Scope Ring Set.
The scope comes with a set of rubber lens covers, but to best protect the lenses of this high end scope, we recommend switching to a set of flip up lens caps. For this scope, we suggest the NightForce 50mm Objective Flip-Up Lens Cap and NightForce Eyepiece Flip-Up Lens Cap.
Is It Worth It?
This scope certainly isn’t cheap, but the high end features make it worth the cost if you can afford it.
- Exposed elevation adjustment turret, capped windage turret
- Illuminated reticle with 12 brightness settings
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Choice of MOAR or MIL-R reticle
- Adjustable parallax from 25 yard to infinity
2 Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP Riflescope
Our pick for the best first focal plane scope under $1000 is the Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP Riflescope.
The illuminated, glass-etched reticle is available in both MRAD and MOA measurements. Whichever unit of measure you choose, the exposed windage and elevation turrets will use the same unit for convenience and accuracy. The turrets feature RZR Zero Stop, which allows for fast, easy return to zero and also keeps dirt and debris out of the turrets.
The Viper PST Gen II features extra-low dispersion glass lenses, which are fully multi-coated. The lenses also feature ArmorTek scratch-resistant coating for durability.
Mounting Rings & Lens Covers
To mount your Vortex Viper PST Gen II, you’ll need 30mm rings, like the Vortex Optics Precision Matched Riflescope Rings or Vortex Optics Cantilever Ring Mount.
The scope doesn’t come with lens covers, so it’s vital that you buy them yourself. Vortex Optics Defender Flip Covers are a great option.
Is It Worth It?
The Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 FFP Riflescope’s features make it well suited for both tactical and hunting purposes, and at a lower price point than the Nightforce SHV.
- Matching reticle and turrets
- RZR ZeroStop turrets with fiber optic turret rotation indicator
- Glass etched, illuminated reticle in MOA and MRAD options
- Fast focus eyepiece
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Adjustable parallax from 20 yards to infinity
3 Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm MOA Riflescope
Our next recommendation, the Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm MOA Riflescope comes in under $500.
With its high magnification strength and large objective lens, this scope is perfect for shooting long-range rounds like 6.5 Grendel, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .338 Lapua.
Like the other scopes we’ve talked about, this one has a precision BDC reticle available in your choice of MOA or MIL. The reticle is also glass etched and illuminated.
The lenses are fully multi-coated, plus they have an XPL coating to defend against grease and debris.
Mounting Rings & Lens Covers
Depending on the ring height you want, we recommend going with Athlon Optics Precision 30mm Medium Height Rings or Athlon Optics Precision 30mm Low Height Rings to mount this scope.
For lens protection, Athlon doesn’t produce flip up lens caps, but you can also lens covers made by a different company, such as the Monstrum Rubberized Flip-Up Rifle Scope Lens Cover Set.
Is It Worth It?
The Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II 6-24x50mm MOA Riflescope doesn’t have the same high end features as the Nightforce SHV or Vortex Viper PSt Gen II, but it still checks all the essential boxes and then some, with a middle-of-the-road price tag.
- Glass etched, illuminated reticle in your choice of MOA or MIL
- Waterproof, fogproof, shockproof
- Exposed turrets with Precision True Zero Stop system
- Powerful magnification
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Side focus parallax adjustment
4 Vortex Optics 4-16×44 Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope
Our next recommendation is the Vortex Optics 4-16×44 Diamondback Tactical FFP Riflescope. It’s at around the same price point as the Athlon Argos BTR Gen II, but with lower magnification, so it’s best for medium to long range shooting.
There are two main things to note about this scope that set it apart from other scopes of similar magnification.
First, it’s quite lightweight. It weighs just 23.1 ounces, while other scopes with similar magnification hover around 30 ounces.
Second, it has long eye relief, 3.8 inches. In contrast, other scopes of similar magnification tend to have eye relief between 3 and 3.5 inches.
Mounting Rings & Lens Covers
To mount the Diamondback, we suggest either the Vortex Cantilever Ring Mount or Vortex Optics Tactical 30mm Riflescope Rings.
Like the Viper PST, the Diamondback comes with lens covers, but for convenience, we recommend swapping them out for Vortex Optics Defender Riflescope Flip Caps.
Is It Worth It?
Like the Athlon Optics Argos BTR Gen II, the Vortex Optics Diamondback balances features and price.
- Lightweight
- Long eye relief
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Tall exposed tactical turrets
- Glass etched EBR-2C reticle in your choice of MOA or MRAD
- Adjustable parallax from 20 yards to infinity
- Fully multi-coated lenses made from extra low dispersion glass
5 Monstrum G2 1-4×24 FFP Riflescope
Ringing up under $200, our last recommendation is the budget-friendly Monstrum G2 1-4×24 FFP Riflescope.
The low magnification of this scope makes it perfect for short range shooting for a variety of rifles, including rimfire rifles, AR-15s, and even airguns.
The low magnification also makes this scope incredibly lightweight, just 16 ounces, and allows for long eye relief, 4-4.5 inches.
The illuminated CQB-BDC reticle lights up in red or green with multiple brightness settings.
Mounting Rings & Lens Covers
With a battery, mounting rings, a lens cloth, lens covers, a sunshade, and a felt cover all included, the value for the money from this scope is hard to beat. You really don’t need to buy any extra accessories.
Is It Worth It?
The Monstrum G2 1-4×24 FFP Riflescope is a great entry level scope for those looking to try out first focal plane scopes.
- Multi-coated lenses
- Fog and water resistant
- Illuminated CQB-BDC reticle
- Low magnification
- Available in Black and FDE finishes
Final Thoughts
That brings us to a close on first focal plane scopes.
We recognize that everyone’s needs and wants are a little bit different, so we’ve assembled a list of scopes that reflect a diverse array of prices, magnification levels, and more. There should be something here for everyone. And with the information we’ve given, you should have no problem choosing the best first focal plane scope to fit your needs.
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