Second Focal Plane reticle position

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General features of Second focal plane scope

Riflescopes with a reticle placed in their second focal plane (SFP) are the predominant type of rifle scopes on the market. Second focal plane scopes have the reticle placed in the eyepiece, at the so-called second optical focal plane.

Such arrangement produces the effect that the reticle is seen the same size at all magnification settings. You can clearly see this effect in the picture below:

second focal plane and first focal plane reticle

First focal plane and second focal plane reticle position

Second focal Compare to the First focal plane

Second focal plane rifle scopes are especially popular since their reticles are thin on higher magnification and offer greater precision. Second focal plane reticles also have the advantage that, at low magnification, they are thicker compared to First focal plane reticles and easier to see. These two main benefits are the reason Second focal plane rifle scopes gained such popularity.

Reticle in second focal - plane

There are, however, also some drawbacks of rifle scopes with such optical construction. Reticle subtensions change with the change of magnification, and because of that, distance calculations with the reticle are only possible at one specific magnification setting. Similarly, it is possible to use holdovers for correction of bullet drop only at one specific magnification, which makes this technique very difficult to use. The last, but minor, a drawback is that low-quality riflescope can have a shift of the point of impact with the magnification change.

Video presentation of Second - focal plane scope

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Sightmark Citadel 1-10x24 SFP

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Sig Sauer Tango-MSR LPVO 1-6x24mm

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Elcan Specter DR 1/4x32

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VIDEO

CQB riflescopes are a subcategory of wide-angle riflescopes. They are available with reticle either in first or second focal plane. CQB riflescopes are equipped with tactical reticles which have holdover lines displayed under the center of the reticle. Horseshoe-shaped reticles are very common, especially with first focal plane CQB riflescopes. These are the only wide-angle riflescopes with tactical turrets. They are equipped with 30mm or 34mm tube but cannot be ordered with a rail underneath. Some of the premium class riflescopes, such as Kahles K16i, have the front part that surrounds the objective lens strengthened. Riflescopes from this subcategory usually come with a throw-lever for easier and quicker magnification adjustment. If not, it can be purchased extra in most cases. CQB riflescopes are mainly used by police, military and IPSC shooters. Main Differences between hunting wide-angle riflescopes and CQB scopes are in the reticle and turrets. Also, CQB scopes cannot be ordered with a rail underneath.

1x magnification
CQB reticle
tactical or capped turrets

Second Focal Plane reticle position

VIDEO

General features of Second focal plane scope