First focal plane reticle position

VIDEO

General features of First focal plane riflescopes

First Focal plane reticle position was a predominant riflescope design in the past. Today, such reticle arrangement can only be found in tactical riflescopes and in a few classical European hunting riflescopes.

Reticle in the First - focal plane scope

The main feature of First focal plane reticles is their subtensions do not change with the magnification change. That means reticle subtensions in such riflescope can be used for distance estimations or bullet drop correction at any magnification setting. This is of paramount importance in tactical scenarios; thus, all real tactical scopes have First focal plane reticle placement.

Clicks in First focal plane

Usually, the first focal plane riflescope features the clicks matched with reticle subtensions and are named MIL-MIL scopes. Another benefit of the First focal plane riflescope is the point of impact does not change with magnification change.

Compare to SFP - second focal plane

The majority of new hunting scopes are not produced as First focal plane riflescope; however, these reticles are thick on the highest magnifications and cover more target space than Second focal plane (SFP) reticles. With super-zoom scopes with a zoom ratio of 6 times or more, this feature became even more noticeable, since the First - focal plane reticles in such scopes are thin on low magnifications and thick on high magnifications.

first focal plane VS second focal plane

Reticle position in first focal plane (ffp) riflescope VS second focal plane (sfp) riflescope (Source: Revija Lovec)

Video presentation of First focal plane reticle

Filters

Sort

MAKstorm 4x30i HD

$1,339.00

Add to compare

Filters

Sort

VIDEO

As the name suggests, prism scopes (sometimes also referred to as prismatic scopes) are composed of glass prisms – like binoculars. As a result, they are a much more compact optic. These compact, robust devices work similarly as red dot sights but are usually equipped with an illuminated reticle in the shape of a dot or a cross, surrounded by a circle. BDC reticles for .223 are common in prismatic scopes.

The magnification for these products is lower, and fixed: 1x, 2.5x, 3x, 4x, or 6x. Nearly every prism scope has a Picatinny mount built-in on the bottom part of the housing.

Prism scopes give the user an option of choosing between green and red illumination. All in all, these scopes are a great choice as they give the user a brighter and extremely sharp image, providing quicker target acquisition times.

General properties of Prism scopes

a compact, robust scope
prisms in the interior of the scope
illuminated reticle
fixed magnification (1x, 2.5x, 3x, 4x or 6x)
scope with diopter adjustment

Prism Scopes

Steiner and Burris Prism scopes

Why are prism scopes better for astigmatism?

Prism scopes are a great substitution for red dot sights for people with astigmatism because they have a dioptre that can be adjusted for personal differences in vision. If a user with astigmatism uses a red dot, they cannot see a clear image of the reticle, the dot may glow or appear dispersed into a different shape.

This is where prism scopes come to the rescue, as you can adjust the dioptre setting so that your eye can see a crisp reticle because there is no distortion.

Also, people who wear glasses do not have to deal with the obtrusive reflection of the dot. This is a great fix, the only downsides are a smaller eye-box and the lack of unlimited eye relief.

Prism Scope

Steiner S332 3x Prism Scope

What is the difference between prism scopes and red dots?

The most significant difference between Prism scope and the Red dot is that red dot sights feature 1x magnification, while prism scopes can have various magnification powers: 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, or 6x.
Prism scopes are lightweight and small, yet still bigger than red dots. They have reticles in a shape of a dot or a cross, surrounded by a circle, which is different from reticles in red dots, which have, as the name suggests, only a dot in the center.
The latter are unusable without battery-powered illumination, while prism scopes (with an etched reticle) work without batteries.
Prism scopes also oftentimes allow the user to switch between a red or green illumination, while red dots usually do not offer the same option (it is mostly only red).

Overall, red dot sights are used for close distances, while prism scopes for close to medium distances. But if you ever find yourself using a prism scope with 1x magnification, keep in mind that it can also be used as an alternative to a red dot.

Burris prism scope

Burris RT-3X Prismatic

First focal plane reticle position

VIDEO

General features of First focal plane riflescopes

Reticle in the First - focal plane scope

Clicks in First focal plane

Compare to SFP - second focal plane

Reticle position in first focal plane (ffp) riflescope VS second focal plane (sfp) riflescope (Source: Revija Lovec)

Video presentation of First focal plane reticle

MAKstorm 4x30i HD

VIDEO

General properties of Prism scopes

Why are prism scopes better for astigmatism?

What is the difference between prism scopes and red dots?

Payment methods

Shipping methods

Shopping

Contact us

Certificates

Follow us on

FAQ and Media

First focal plane reticle position

VIDEO

General features of First focal plane riflescopes

Reticle in the First - focal plane scope

Clicks in First focal plane

Compare to SFP - second focal plane

Reticle position in first focal plane (ffp) riflescope VS second focal plane (sfp) riflescope (Source: Revija Lovec)

Video presentation of First focal plane reticle

MAKstorm 4x30i HD

VIDEO

General properties of Prism scopes

Why are prism scopes better for astigmatism?

What is the difference between prism scopes and red dots?

Your wishlist