(1) First Focal Plane(FFP):
FFP scopes house the reticle assembly near the front of the magnification erector assembly. With first focal plane optics, the reticle size changes as the magnification increases and decreases. FFP optics keep the measurements of the reticle accurate at any magnification range. (High-end optics/Tactical/Shoot long range)
Pros:
FFP’s use of reticle subtensions at every magnification setting
When it comes to reticles that use ballistic drop compensation, a first focal plane scope is a must-have.
At higher magnification levels, the subtensions are accurate and easy to see.
Cons:
At close range, the reticle can appear very small and hard to see.
For lower-powered optics, the usefulness of an FFP reticle declines.
(2) Second Focal Plane(SFP):
SFP optics house the reticle behind the erector tube assembly. With second focal plane optics, the reticle remains the same size throughout its magnification range, the reticle’s various subtensions aren’t accurate through the range of magnification. (Affordable price tags/Low-powered LPVO/Hunting)
Pros:
With low powered optics, like 1-4X optics, an SFP reticle is easy to use for close-range shooting. It’s big, easy to see, and fast.
Cons:
SFP subtensions suffer at every magnification range but one. This makes higher-powered SFP optics nowhere near as fast or as useful for on-the-fly long-range shots.
