Finding a great scope for my rifle was tough enough, but since I prefer the first focal plane for its versatility and accuracy between magnifications, I had to filter out all the second focal plane scopes that I wouldn’t be considering. The research took a huge chunk of my time.
But here I am, providing you with the solution. Below, you’ll find the best first focal plane scopes on the market that I’ve tried and tested. No need to sift through SFP scopes and waste time anymore. I’ll also provide a bit of advice to help you locate a perfect FFP scope by examining its other attributes. Let’s dive in.
What is the Difference Between First Focal Plane and Second Focal Plane Scopes?
I’ve come across a lot of misinformation about the real benefits or differences between both types of scopes. Let’s clear that up now.
First focal plane scopes, which I’ve used extensively, have reticles on the first focal plane, located toward the front of the scope. In contrast, second focal plane scopes have reticles that rest toward the back of the scope. Their names refer to the reticle placement rather than other aspects of the scopes themselves.
So, what difference does the reticle placement make? It can be a bit technical, but in essence, first focal plane reticles change size when I change my magnification setting, while second focal plane reticles do not.
When I zoom in, first focal plane reticles become larger and become smaller as I zoom out. This feature keeps their estimation holdover points for windage and elevation accurate no matter what level of magnification I’m currently looking through. Therefore, first focal plane scopes are great for making difficult shots with multiple things to consider before I pull the trigger. However, the reticle’s size-changing can be a bit tricky to get used to or utilize effectively.
While I find FFP reticles useful, others prefer second focal plane reticles because those reticles don’t change sizes as you swap between zoom levels. These reticles’ holdover points are only truly accurate at a single level of magnification determined upon the SFP scope’s construction, but the reticles are less distracting for some.
Why Should You Use a First Focal Plane Scope?
So, if first focal plane scopes can be tricky to use, why do I bother to use them?
An FPR reticle’s ability to stay in the same perspective relative to the target makes it easier for me to land distant shots and take advantage of the windage and elevation holdover points. In a way, FFP reticles are better if you have to land difficult shots with many confounding factors or variables that can affect your accuracy.
This is in contrast to an SFP reticle’s all-use accuracy, which is suitable for hunters that don’t swap drastically between different magnification levels and prefer a reticle that is easy to see at all times.
In a nutshell, I find FFP reticles great when I swap between different zoom settings frequently and go from high to low power magnification to hit targets at variable distances.
What Ranges are FFP Scopes Good for?
One of the major benefits of a first focal plane scope, as I’ve experienced, is that it is effective at virtually any range. Because its reticle is designed to adapt to the scope’s current zoom level, it can be used at ranges from 100 yards all the way up to 1000 yards, and it still provides excellent accuracy assistance.
There isn’t a single ideal range for FFP scopes, so I’ve collected a fantastic group of first focal plane scopes with variable magnification settings. These are ideal for hunting or target practice across a wide variety of effective ranges, allowing you to select a perfect scope for your weapon or
What Else Should You Consider in an FFP Scope?
The best first focal plane scopes that I’ve used have several features that accommodate their reticles’ capabilities. One of the best enhancements I’ve found is reticle illumination, which makes first focal plane reticles easier to see at their smallest settings when they’re at low power.
Other advantages include increased durability. I’ve found that durable scopes last a lot longer and can withstand difficult hunting conditions and inclement weather without their performance suffering. For instance, many of the scopes I’m about to share with you have waterproof or fog-proof constructions. These additions make the scopes hardier than average, ensuring they continue to function even if dropped.
By the same token, some of the best first focal plane scopes I’ve used have special lens coatings that can protect the lenses from scratches, dust, and debris from the environment. Other special coatings can increase light transmission and provide a brighter or higher contrast sight picture.
Many of the scopes I’m going to share with you have these enhancements or others, making them excellent examples of top-tier first focal plane rifle scopes based on my extensive hands-on experience.
The 7 Best First Focal Plane Scopes
1. Primary Arms SLX 4-14x44mm FFP Rifle Scope
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Primary Arms is one of the best first focal plane scopes on the market thanks to its excellent features and design elements.
My Feeling After Using This Product
The Primary Arms SLX Scope is built to last, as it is constructed of durable, waterproof materials from start to finish. Given this fact, I was able to rely on this optic in the field and in any inclement weather without having to worry about functionality depreciation or other negative developments.
However, I also really liked this scope thanks to the fast-focus eyepiece. The fast focus eyepiece means you can very quickly orient yourself to your target, and I found it to be great for tracking fast-moving targets far away from me. That aspect was complemented by the side-mounted parallax turret. Experienced hunters already know just how important it is to be able to compensate for parallax when you try to hit a target more than 500 yards away!
The reticle itself is streamlined, smooth, and easy to use, providing highly actionable information that doesn’t get in the way too much or compromise your sight picture. These features combined make the Primary Arms SLX Scope’s key elements a great hunting accessory.
Product Highlights
I’d like to particularly point out the windage and elevation adjustment turrets. These precision adjustable, finger-controllable turrets are tactile, audible, and exceptionally easy to use. In my testing, I found them to be very reliable and perfect for use while keeping my eye on the target.
Few turrets reach the same level of quality as this set, which makes the scope worth purchasing all by itself.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
That said, I did find that the turrets required some custom alignment upon un-boxing the optic. The Primary Arms SLX Scope will require a significant amount of calibration before you take it into the field. However, this isn’t so much of a downside as much as it is something to consider before mounting it on your rifle of choice.
Key Features
- 4-14x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Phenomenal durability
- Very good windage and elevation turrets
- Can illuminate parallax
- Good fast-focus eyepiece
Cons
- Turrets may require extra calibration
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Primary Arms |
| Eye Relief | 3.3”-11.2” |
| Weight | 24 oz |
| Magnification | 4-14x |
| Field of View | 7.85’-27.2’ |
The Bottom Line
All in all, the Primary Arms SLX Scope is a stellar piece of equipment and one of the best FFP scopes on the market today.
My rating: 5/5
2. Burris Xtreme Tactical XTR II 4-20x50mm Precision Rifle Scope
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Burris also has an excellent first focal plane rifle scope – let me show you what I uncovered as I tested it with my own firearms.
My Feeling After Using This Product
The Xtreme Tactical Scope provides tons of value for money, though it is one of the most expensive optics in the market. For starters, it has high-grade optical glass comprising the objective lens (which is quite sizable at 59 mm in diameter). That’s a good thing for long-distance shooting, as it means the Xtreme Tactical Scope will be able to capably collect plenty of shooting light to maximize color contrast and light transmission.
In addition, the internal assembly of this optic is hand-fitted and precision-gauged. During my testing, I discovered it to be one of the clearest rifle scopes I’ve ever used. I’d easily recommend it for hunters in the market for something clear and consistent no matter what just for this reason.
The illuminated reticle is also noteworthy. This illuminated reticle design boosts accuracy in lowlight environments, and it’s responsive and easy to see without overly crowding your sight picture. The reticle and the rest of the scope setup is designed to withstand heavy recoil, so you can partner the Xtreme Tactical Scope with high-recoil weapons like sniper rifles.
Product Highlights
The windage and elevation turrets, once more, are the standout features of the optic. That’s because they are zero click, adjustable knobs that you can use to compensate for windage, elevation, and parallax as necessary. Not only can you adjust these by hand, but you can also zero them back to their original settings without having to manually count the different clicks.
As a result, the set of turrets is convenient, fun, and highly reliable in any situation.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
On the downside, the Xtreme Tactical Scope is pretty pricey. This is definitely not a budget-friendly scope or a good choice for hunters with strict budget limitations. In addition, the scope’s body is a bit long at 34 mm, so keep this in mind and consider whether it will fit on your rifle of choice before purchasing.
Key Features
- 4-20x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Phenomenal lens quality
- Excellent set of turrets
- Can withstand heavy recoil
- Has illuminated reticle
- Very durable construction
Cons
- Pretty pricey
- Scope tube could be a bit too long
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Burris |
| Eye Relief | 3.5”-4.25” |
| Weight | 30.9 oz |
| Magnification | 4-20x |
| Field of View | 5.4’-25.8’ |
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, I’d recommend the Xtreme Tactical Scope for hunters who want exceptional quality for their FFP scopes and who don’t mind higher-than-average prices.
My rating: 4.9/5
For a fixed mag scope you can check my review of SWFA SS 10×42.
3. Vortex Optics Razor 4.5-27x56mm HD Gen II FFP Riflescope
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If you want a very long-range first focal plane rifle scope, Vortex Optics has you covered with this model. Let me break it down for you.
My Feeling After Using This Product
The Razor HD Gen II Scope is high quality right from the start, offering waterproof and fog proof functionality and shockproof resistance. In other words, you can use it for any hunting engagement in the future. I found it to be comfortably usable even with high recoil weaponry, like sniper rifles.
On top of that, the Razor HD Gen II Scope comes with an excellent glass-etched reticle. Since the reticle is etched onto the glass, it won’t shake or shutter when you pull the trigger of your rifle of choice. It’s illuminated and comes designed with 11 distinct brightness settings. In this way, I was able to use the illuminated reticle during a variety of hunting sessions and at any time of day.
The multicoated lenses have special XR anti-reflective coatings, boosting light transmission even further than normal. I really liked this element, as it minimized distortion and presented very clear sight pictures that I still remember even to this day.
Product Highlights
I have to point out the L-Tec turret system as the standout or highlight element of the Razor HD Gen II Scope. That’s because the windage, elevation, and parallax elimination turrets have locking mechanisms. These locking mechanisms are better than average, capable of stopping accidental bumps or adjustments when you use the scope of the field or are lying prone.
Even better, each turret shifts smoothly, and I had no problem using these tools when I was adjusting the scope for particularly long-range, difficult shots.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
As I used the Vortex scope, I was disappointed to see that the turrets didn’t audibly click. That means you do have to keep your eye on the turrets when you adjust them. On top of that, the parallax adjustment knob and the illumination setting knob are the same control. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it is a bit of extra hassle you’ll have to get used to.
Key Features
- 4.5-27x magnification
- 56mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Very durable
- Good illuminated reticle
- Highly effective lenses
- Good adjustment turrets and locking system
Cons
- Turrets don’t make audible clicks
- Parallax and illumination settings are on the same control dial
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Eye Relief | 3.7” |
| Weight | 48.5 oz |
| Magnification | 4.5-27x |
| Field of View | 4.4’-25.3’ |
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Razor HD Gen II Scope is an excellent long-range FFP scope with lots of stellar features and design choices to make it worth the price.
My rating: 4.8/5
4. Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, 6-24x50mm First Focal Plane (FFP)
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Athlon Optics makes some of the best scopes in the business, and I was pleased to find that the Argos BTR scope was one of the top FFP scopes in the market today.
My Feeling After Using This Product
When I tested the Argos BTR scope, I found the magnification ranges to be excellent for use with FFP reticles, going up to 24x. I was also pleased to find that the lenses are multicoated to maximize light transmission and color contrast. In my experience, this is a big benefit if you hunt animals with hides that blend in with their backgrounds to some extent.
The scope overall, of course, is made with high-quality, aircraft-grade aluminum. It’s a robust, very durable scope in total, and it’s totally waterproof, fog proof, and shock resistant. As with many other quality FFP scopes, you should be able to use the Argos BTR scope with high recoil weapons without any downsides.
I’d also like to point out the parallax adjustment turret. The adjustment turret is easy to use and clicks audibly, just like the windage and elevation turrets, adding even more value for money to this optic.
Product Highlights
By far, the most impressive feature of the Argos BTR scope is the reticle design. The glass-etched reticle resists recoil, of course, but it’s also illuminated. Therefore, you can use it at any time of day and still get phenomenal accuracy-boosting improvements.
The reticle is easy to see, can be controlled via an illumination dial, and assists with accuracy all the time.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
There’s only one flaw I noticed with the Argos BTR scope. At noon, the illuminated reticle wasn’t the easiest to see. Therefore, I would rely on the illumination feature more during dusk, dawn, or nighttime hunting and target shooting sessions rather than using this as my go-to scope for taking down game on bright, sunny days.
Key Features
- 6-24x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Phenomenal lens quality
- Excellent adjustment turrets
- Very durable
- Reticle is illuminated and well-designed
Cons
- Illumination could be better during bright daylight
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Athlon Optics |
| Eye Relief | 3.3” |
| Weight | 30.3 oz |
| Magnification | 6-24x |
| Field of View | 4.5’-16.7’ |
The Bottom Line
The Argos BTR scope is a stellar piece of equipment and a perfect choice for hunters who prefer an FFP scope with an illuminated reticle designed for nighttime shooting.
My rating: 4.6/5
This scope also features in my scopes under $500 and 6.5 Creedmoor guides.
5. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm FFP Riflescope
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Vortex returns once again with another high-quality FFP scope. Let’s take a closer look so you see why it made my list of the best.
My Feeling After Using This Product
The Viper PST Gen II scope doesn’t magnify as high as some of the other FFP scopes seen so far, but it has a lot to offer, such as an illuminated reticle that can be set to 10 different intensity levels. The intensity levels are well-chosen and work at different times of day, making it a great choice for bright daytime hunts and for nighttime target shooting exercises.
The laser-etched turrets, I found, were also very well-designed and easy to use. They enable you to adjust windage and elevation with tactile feedback, making them great for making adjustments while lying prone or keeping your eye on your target. The set includes a parallax adjustment turret, and you can adjust any of these turrets by setting them to zero after sighting into your target.
The scope overall is very durable, as can be expected with a Vortex product. It’s waterproof, fog proof, and resistant to high recoil damage.
Product Highlights
The lenses stand out to me the most when I think about the Viper PST Gen II scope. That’s because they are totally multicoated, which makes their light transmission truly above average. The XR coatings boost image clarity and color contrast, helping to differentiate your targets from their backgrounds.
The lenses are also boosted by Armortek coatings. In my experience, these coatings are excellent for promoting lens longevity, as they protect lenses from water and dirt damage across the board.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
All that said, I did find that the Viper PST Gen II scope’s illumination dial didn’t click. That’s a small downside, as it means you’ll need to watch the dial turn as you switch different reticle illumination settings. It’s certainly not a major issue or something that should stop you from picking up this scope if it’s attractive.
Key Features
- 5-25x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Supremely durable
- Has good laser-etched adjustment turrets
- Excellent lenses overall
- Good illumination reticle with 10 settings
Cons
- Illumination control dial doesn’t click
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Eye Relief | 3.4” |
| Weight | 31.2 oz |
| Magnification | 5-25x |
| Field of View | 4.8’-24.1’ |
The Bottom Line
In the end, the Viper PST Gen II scope is a stellar first focal plane rifle scope with many excellent features and good value for money.
My rating: 4.5/5
6. Monstrum G2 1-4×24 First Focal Plane Scope with Illuminated BDC Reticle 
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Monstrum’s G2 1-4×24 FFP scope is also a good choice if you’re in the market for a new first focal plane optic, particularly if you need something budget-friendly.
My Feeling After Using This Product
The G2 FFP scope first caught my eye thanks to the generous eye relief, which caps out at 4.5 inches at maximum magnification. Granted, this is not a very high magnifying scope – indeed, it’s a short-range first focal plane optic, which is a bit of a rarity in the market. This could be a good choice if you prefer FFP reticles but still need a close-range hunting accessory.
In any case, the scope overall is durable thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum construction. Naturally, it’s totally fog proof and waterproof, and it offers excellent value for money exits accessories. These include a honeycomb filter sunshade, lens covers, a carrying bag, a cleaning cloth, and even Picatinny scope mounting rings. That makes it easy for you to mount this scope to your rifle out of the box.
I was also impressed by the illuminated reticle, which can be seen even in bright daylight environments.
Product Highlights
The reticle is a BDC or bullet drop compensating variety. The special BDC holdover points allow you to estimate bullet drop at long distances. I appreciated this feature, even though it’s not necessarily required given the low maximum magnification the optic provides.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
As I tested the G2 FFP scope, I did find that the illumination control dial felt a little stiff in my hands. I would recommend using a bit of oil or lubricant on the dial to see if you get a little more responsiveness out of this control.
Key Features
- 1-4x magnification
- 24mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Very durable
- Highly affordable
- Excellent illuminated BDC reticle
- Comes with plenty of accessories
Cons
- Illumination control dial feels stiff
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Monstrum |
| Eye Relief | 4”-4.5” |
| Weight | 16 oz |
| Magnification | 1-4x |
| Field of View | 6’-20’ |
The Bottom Line
I would recommend the G2 FFP scope for fans of first focal plane reticles who also need a short-range scope for an upcoming hunting or target shooting engagement.
My rating: 4.3/5
7. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-16×44 First Focal Plane 
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Lastly, I’d like to point out this quality Vortex Optics first focal plane rifle scope, which is middle-of-the-road price-wise but is more notable for other key reasons.
My Feeling After Using This Product
The Diamondback FFP scope is a great choice if you prefer mid to long-range magnification settings, as it goes up to 16x (a perfect range for use with first focal plane reticles). The scope is bolstered right out of the gate with extra low-dispersion glass and multiple coatings that protect the lenses. I found the sight picture and color clarity offered by this scope to be truly notable, even among the other scopes on this list.
I was also pleased that the Diamondback FFP scope was protected by nitrogen purging, giving it fog proof, waterproof, and shockproof performance. It’s relatively lightweight since it is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which guarantees long-term durability and excellent value for money.
Further testing found that the windage and elevation adjustment turrets are tactile, smooth, and easy to use. The scope includes a parallax adjustment knob, so you can compensate for this variable if you zoom in all the way to 16x magnification.
Product Highlights
Out of everything, this scope impressed me the most thanks to its precision glide erector system. In a nutshell, the erector system is a special way of arranging the components that guarantee smooth swapping of zoom values and magnification powers. It’s precise, accurate, and consistent. Most importantly, it’s repeatable.
In my experience, this is an underrated feature, as the last thing you want is to accidentally slide past your intended magnification setting when you need to zoom in on your target immediately. Thanks to the precision glider erector system, you’ll never need to worry about this compromising the next shot you intend to take.
Common Problems and How to Deal with Them
Even though the Diamondback FFP scope has a lot going for it, it also has one big flaw: the sight picture can be kind of dark during lowlight shooting. For example, if you take the scope into the field at dusk or dawn, you may find that the color clarity I mentioned above isn’t as stellar as I represented.
Unfortunately, there’s no real fix to this, as it’s likely something to do with the scope model itself. Still, you can still use this during bright daytime hunts and target shooting exercises without major issues.
Key Features
- 4-16x magnification
- 44mm objective lens
- FFP scope
Pros
- Phenomenal durability
- Good adjustment turrets
- Excellent lens quality overall
- Smooth, consistent, repeatable magnification swapping
Cons
- Lens clarity can degrade in lowlight environments
Basic Parameters
| Manufacturer | Vortex Optics |
| Eye Relief | 3.8” |
| Weight | 23.1 oz |
| Magnification | 4-16x |
| Field of View | 5.7’-26.9’ |
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Diamondback FFP scope is a good first focal plane scope for target shooters and hunters who primarily operate during the bright daylight hours.
My rating: 4.7/5
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of a first focal plane scope?
The size of a reticle in the first-focal plane (FFP) does not alter in relation to the scope’s vision. As a result, the reticle’s reference markers for windage and elevation will function regardless of the scope’s power setting.
Second-focal plane (SFP) reticles, on the other hand, are static. With an SFP scope, the reticle does not expand or contract in respect to the target when you zoom in and out. As a result, any reticle holdover and windage markers will only work at a single magnification setting (typically the highest), severely limiting the scope’s utility.
Which power setting is best?
Precision rifle scope magnification ranges cover a lot of ground. They usually reach a nadir at 4X. Magnification values of 35X or higher are found at the top of the scale. For long-range work, a 5-30X scope is suitable.
You don’t need to turn up the magnification all the way when shooting out to a mile (1,760 yards). Maintaining a more moderate scope setting (say, 15X to 20X) achieves a decent balance. This results in a bigger field of view, a larger exit pupil, and a little more forgiving eye box, all of which improve with lower magnification. At the same time, the reticle will be simple enough to understand that you will be able to make quick adjustments to your grips while shooting.
Does a FFP scope have downsides?
The reticle on FFP scopes might be difficult to see and utilize at low power settings, according to one critique. With some reticles, this is certainly the case. Scope makers have attempted to solve this in a couple of ways. One way is to make the crosshairs thicker outside of the center area. At lower power levels, that larger line is easy to pick up, which is especially useful in low light.
Illuminating the reticle is another option. This adds weight and cost to an optic, yet it can save a shot in certain situations. Between each level of illumination, the best illumination systems have a “off” setting. This allows the shooter to instantly turn off the illumination, regardless of the illumination level.
FFP reticles are measured in milliradians (mils) or minute-of-angle (min-of-angle) (MOA). It is up to the shooter to decide which system to utilize. In the following article, we’ll go over the basics of mil and MOA reticles.
Should you max it out?
When shooting from an awkward position, one issue that can develop is that your eye may not be centered in the scope. If your eye is off-kilter and you haven’t corrected the parallax focus, the reticle on the target can change and cause a miss.
The best technique to concentrate the parallax is to set the scope to the greatest magnification setting and then focus until the target is sharp. Then, before taking the photo, reduce the power level.
The shooter focuses the reticle and target at the same distance by adjusting the parallax—also known as taking the parallax out of the sight. You should be able to wiggle your head about and the crosshairs should stay in the same location on the target after adjusting the parallax.
Concluding my Best FFP Scopes Guide
All in all, each of these FFP scopes is a terrific pick in its own right. You’ll have great success with any of them, but the right one for you depends on your preferences, budget, and desired magnification settings. Hopefully one of my choices matches perfectly with your needs. Thanks for reading!
Mike Fellon was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped pursuing his hobby ever since.