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Posted: 10/25/2012 8:31:19 AM EDT
This is a topic about which I'm very confused. I understand HOW they work, I just don't think I really understand the benefits of having one versus the other. I've been told that a FFP optic is better to have because it makes estimating range really easy. Also, I've heard that with a SFP scope the reticle can obscure your target at close range or not be large enough at long range. However, if it was that simple I doubt anyone would even make SFP scopes. So what am I missing? Can someone help educate me? I'm buying my first long range scope for my new AR 5.56. I'm willing to spend at least $2000-2500, maybe more if it's worth it. I've been looking at the Schmidt Bender Zenith 3-12x50 FD9, the Zeiss Varipoint 3-12x56 T* and the Swarovski 2-12x50 Z6i 30mm. The Schmidt is around $2600 and the Zeiss is around $2200. The Swarvoski is being discontinued and is on sale for $2400 (was almost $3000). Does anyone have any experience with any of these scopes? They are all FFP with an illuminated reticle (all have a red dot at the center, which I REALLY want). I've also been looking at some of the "zero stop" models. How beneficial would those be? Any input or help would be greatly appreciated!!! 
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First Focal plane when you look through the scope and dial down the power from max power to lowest power the reticle appears to become smaller, actually what is happening is it is milradian based so one mil is 3.6 inches at 100 yds or 36 inches at 1000 yds. So by realizing that if you drew a 3.6 inch long mark on a piece of paper at 100 yds no matter what power scope you looked at it with it would still only be 3.6 inches, but if you had a really powerful scope like 20x it might look like you were standing right next to it and if you had a 1x scope it would look just like it was 100 yds away which it still is. So then the question is how does this become useful in the real world. If I know that a man is 72 inches tall that would be 2 mils at 100 yds and 1 mil at 200 yds etc. There is a slide rule type device called a "Mildotmaster" that takes the math out of figuring out the distance of a known size object. The other value of a FFP scope with mil based reticle is that one can use the mil marks below center to use for known hold over points EX. we know that one mil is 3.6inches at 100 yds so if we look at ammo manufacturers info or run a balistic chart on our ammo
HOT LINK we can use that balistic trajectory info and the mil marks as known hold over points. With First Focal Plane these hold over marks work at every power where a Second Focal Plane scope they only work at the Maximum Power of the Scope or the one power where it is set to Mil Dot rangefind with some its 10x or 12x. Alternatively a lot of guys who are varmit hunters like a second focal plane because they dont care about that and want the reticle to stay the same size. The down side of FFP is that at the lowest power the reticle can appear quite small. Given my choice I prefer FFP but own both. I particularly like SWFA.com Super Sniper 5-20x50 FFP and their 3-9x42 FFP and consider them very good values for the features they offer. Nightforce, US Optics and Heinsoldt are all very nice also but more expensive. |
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The value in FFP is not for estimating range. How many of us use the reticle to do that? Not many because we have laser rangefinders now to do it. Keep it simple.
The value is your holdovers and hold unders work at any power. Not just one. Range estimation is just another plus. I will also say that a lot of people make out the thickness of each reticle into something its not. Don't let that sway your decision. All of the scopes you listed are excellent quality, no doubt. But, you mentioned this was for a long range gun. Be sure you select a scope that has some type of mil-based reticle with wind holds. A standard mildot is the minimum requirement IMO. A GenII style would be better. If this is long range scope, and you have no wind holds on the horizontal lines of the reticle, the scope is almost useless. Matching turrets and reticle is also a great thing to have but its not a deal breaker. Zero stop is a nice feature but not necessary. Choose a good scope with the correct reticle/ turrets and you will be a lot happier. BTW I prefer mil/mil. |
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At the risk of gross oversimplification, a FFP reticle is better for long range shooting, and a SFP reticle is better for close range. Exactly where the two cross over is up to the individual.
At long ranges, you can use the reticle to both estimate the range of a target, or provide a way to hold under/over and /left/right of the actual point of aim. Yes, you can also use the elevation and windage knobs to correct for POI, but it's quicker to use the mil or MOA marks on the reticle for a fast shot. At the other extreme, you don;t need holdover or range estimation at CQB distances, you need a large reticle that's fast for the eye to pick up. That's where the SFP reticle is better, because it doesn't get smaller at low magnifications. Which one is better depends on what you're doing. |
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