What Is a Second Focal Plane Scope (SFP)?

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Have you ever wondered what that number on the side of your rifle scope means? That number is called the second focal plane (SFP) and its an important factor to consider when choosing a scope for your rifle.

In this article, well explain what SFP is, how it affects your shooting, and what to look for when choosing a scope with an SFP reticle. Well also discuss some of the pros and cons of SFP scopes so you can make an informed decision about whether or not an SFP scope is right for you.

What Is A Second Focal Plane Scope?

| Feature | Description | Example |
|—|—|—|
| Location | Located behind the objective lens | Eyepiece |
| Magnification | Determined by the focal length of the eyepiece | 10x |
| Field of view | Determined by the focal length of the objective lens | 5 degrees |
| Eye relief | Distance between the eyepiece and the eye | 15mm |
| Eyepiece rotation | Allows the user to rotate the eyepiece for comfortable viewing | Yes |

A second focal plane scope (SFP) is a type of rifle scope that has the reticle located behind the second focal plane. This means that the reticle stays the same size regardless of the magnification setting. SFP scopes are typically less expensive than first focal plane scopes (FFP), and they are also easier to use for long-range shooting. However, SFP scopes can be less accurate than FFP scopes at close range, because the reticle will appear to move when you change the magnification setting.

In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of SFP scopes, including their advantages and disadvantages, how to use them, and what to look for when shopping for one.

What is a second focal plane scope?

As mentioned above, a second focal plane scope (SFP) is a type of rifle scope that has the reticle located behind the second focal plane. This means that the reticle stays the same size regardless of the magnification setting.

This is in contrast to first focal plane scopes (FFP), which have the reticle located in the first focal plane. This means that the reticle changes size as you change the magnification setting.

The main advantage of SFP scopes is that they are less expensive than FFP scopes. This is because the reticle in an SFP scope is simpler to manufacture than the reticle in an FFP scope.

SFP scopes are also easier to use for long-range shooting. This is because the reticle stays the same size regardless of the magnification setting, which makes it easier to make accurate shots.

However, SFP scopes can be less accurate than FFP scopes at close range. This is because the reticle will appear to move when you change the magnification setting. This can make it difficult to make accurate shots at close range.

Advantages and disadvantages of SFP scopes

SFP scopes have a number of advantages over FFP scopes, including:

  • Less expensive: SFP scopes are typically less expensive than FFP scopes. This is because the reticle in an SFP scope is simpler to manufacture than the reticle in an FFP scope.
  • Easier to use for long-range shooting: The reticle in an SFP scope stays the same size regardless of the magnification setting, which makes it easier to make accurate shots at long range.

However, SFP scopes also have a number of disadvantages, including:

  • Less accurate at close range: The reticle in an SFP scope will appear to move when you change the magnification setting. This can make it difficult to make accurate shots at close range.
  • More difficult to use for target shooting and hunting: SFP scopes can be more difficult to use for target shooting and hunting than FFP scopes. This is because the reticle will appear to move when you change the magnification setting, which can make it difficult to track moving targets.

How to use an SFP scope

Using an SFP scope is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps involved:

1. Mount the scope to your rifle.
2. Zero the scope at the desired distance.
3. When you are ready to shoot, adjust the magnification setting to the desired level.
4. Aim the rifle and make your shot.

What to look for when shopping for an SFP scope

When shopping for an SFP scope, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  • Magnification: The magnification of an SFP scope will determine how much you can zoom in on your target. Most SFP scopes have a magnification range of 4x to 12x.
  • Objective lens diameter: The objective lens diameter of an SFP scope will determine how much light it can gather. A larger objective lens will allow you to see better in low-light conditions.
  • Eye relief: The eye relief of an SFP scope is the distance between the eyepiece and the rear of the scope. A good eye relief will allow you to comfortably see the entire field of view without having to put your eye too close to the eyepiece.
  • Reticle: The reticle in an SFP scope can be either a simple crosshair or a more complex design. The type of reticle you choose will depend on your intended use for the scope.
  • Price: SFP scopes range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of an SFP scope will depend on the features and quality of the scope.

SFP scopes are a versatile option for shooters of all levels. They are less expensive than FFP scopes and easier to use for long-range shooting. However, SFP scopes can be less accurate at close range and more difficult to use for target shooting and hunting.

If you are

What Is A Second Focal Plane Scope?

A second focal plane scope (SFP) is a type of rifle scope that has the reticle located in the second focal plane. This means that the reticle stays the same size regardless of the magnification setting.

SFP scopes are often used for hunting and target shooting, as they offer a good balance of performance and affordability. They are also a good choice for beginners, as they are easier to use than first focal plane scopes.

How Does a Second Focal Plane Scope Work?

In a second focal plane scope, the reticle is located behind the objective lens. This means that the reticle stays the same size regardless of the magnification setting.

When you look through a SFP scope, the image of your target is projected onto the first focal plane. The reticle is then projected onto the second focal plane, behind the image of your target.

This means that the reticle appears to be floating in space, in front of the image of your target. The size of the reticle does not change when you change the magnification setting, because it is located in a different plane than the image of your target.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Second Focal Plane Scopes

SFP scopes offer a number of advantages over first focal plane scopes, including:

  • Affordability: SFP scopes are typically more affordable than FFP scopes. This is because they do not have to use as expensive glass, as the reticle is not located in the same plane as the image of your target.
  • Ease of use: SFP scopes are easier to use than FFP scopes, especially for beginners. This is because the reticle stays the same size regardless of the magnification setting, making it easier to judge holdovers and make accurate shots.
  • Less parallax error: SFP scopes have less parallax error than FFP scopes. This is because the reticle is located in a different plane than the image of your target, which reduces the amount of error that can occur when you move your head around.

However, SFP scopes also have some disadvantages, including:

  • Less precise holdovers: SFP scopes are less precise for making holdovers than FFP scopes. This is because the reticle does not change size when you change the magnification setting, which can make it difficult to judge how much to hold over for different ranges.
  • Less versatility: SFP scopes are less versatile than FFP scopes. This is because the reticle is not located in the same plane as the image of your target, which makes it more difficult to use for some applications, such as long-range shooting.

Second focal plane scopes are a good choice for hunters and target shooters who are looking for a scope that is affordable, easy to use, and has less parallax error. However, SFP scopes are less precise for making holdovers and are less versatile than FFP scopes.

When choosing a second focal plane scope, it is important to consider your budget, intended use for the scope, and the magnification range you need. You should also consider the size of the objective lens and the type of reticle.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • [Second Focal Plane Scopes vs. First Focal Plane Scopes](https://www.opticsplanet.com/blog/second-focal-plane-scopes-vs-first-focal-plane-scopes/)
  • [How to Choose a Second Focal Plane Scope](https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2017/1/27/how-to-choose-a-second-focal-plane-scope/)
  • [The Best Second Focal Plane Scopes](https://www.fieldandstream.com/reviews/best-second-focal-plane-scopes/)

    What is a second focal plane scope?

A second focal plane scope (SFP) is a type of rifle scope that has the reticle located behind the second focal plane (SFP). This means that the reticle’s size and position do not change with magnification, unlike in a first focal plane scope (FFP).

What are the advantages of a second focal plane scope?

There are several advantages to using a SFP scope, including:

  • Lower cost: SFP scopes are typically less expensive than FFP scopes.
  • Simpler reticle design: The reticle in a SFP scope is simpler to design and manufacture, which can result in a better image quality.
  • Better eye relief: SFP scopes typically have better eye relief than FFP scopes.

What are the disadvantages of a second focal plane scope?

There are also some disadvantages to using a SFP scope, including:

  • Less precise holdover: The reticle in a SFP scope does not change size with magnification, which can make it more difficult to make precise holdovers at long range.
  • Less versatile: SFP scopes are less versatile than FFP scopes, as they cannot be used for both long-range shooting and close-range shooting.

When should I use a second focal plane scope?

SFP scopes are a good choice for shooters who are on a budget, who are primarily interested in close-range shooting, or who prefer a simple reticle design. FFP scopes are a better choice for shooters who need a more precise reticle for long-range shooting or who want a scope that can be used for both long-range and close-range shooting.

What are some common mistakes people make when using a second focal plane scope?

Some common mistakes people make when using a SFP scope include:

  • Trying to make precise holdovers at long range.
  • Using a SFP scope for both long-range and close-range shooting.
  • Choosing a SFP scope with a complex reticle.

How can I avoid making these mistakes?

To avoid making these mistakes, be sure to:

  • Choose a SFP scope that is appropriate for your needs.
  • Understand the limitations of a SFP scope.
  • Practice using your SFP scope at different ranges.

Additional resources

  • [Second Focal Plane Scopes: Everything You Need to Know](https://www.opticsplanet.com/blog/second-focal-plane-scopes-everything-you-need-to-know/)
  • [First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Scopes: Which is Right for You?](https://www.primaryarms.com/blog/first-focal-plane-vs-second-focal-plane-scopes/)

    a second focal plane scope (SFP) is a type of riflescope that uses a reticle that is located behind the second focal plane (SFP). This means that the reticle’s position does not change in relation to the target as the magnification is adjusted. As a result, SFP scopes are generally less expensive than first focal plane scopes (FFP), which have reticles that are located in the first focal plane (FFP).

SFP scopes are a good choice for hunters and target shooters who do not need to make rapid magnification changes. They are also a good option for those who are on a budget. However, FFP scopes are often preferred by tactical shooters and long-range shooters who need to make rapid magnification changes and who need the reticle to remain in the same position relative to the target.

Here are some key takeaways about SFP scopes:

  • SFP scopes are less expensive than FFP scopes.
  • SFP scopes are a good choice for hunters and target shooters who do not need to make rapid magnification changes.
  • SFP scopes are a good option for those who are on a budget.
  • FFP scopes are often preferred by tactical shooters and long-range shooters who need to make rapid magnification changes and who need the reticle to remain in the same position relative to the target.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.