The Ultimate Comparison of FFP vs SFP Scopes: Which One to Choose for Hunting/Tactical Scenarios?
The Ultimate Comparison of FFP vs SFP Scopes: Which One to Choose for Hunting/Tactical Scenarios?
Blog Article
In the selection of rifle sights, FFP (First focal plane) and SFP (second focal plane) are two types that have attracted much attention. Understanding their differences is crucial for making appropriate choices in hunting and tactical scenarios.
FFP Scope: Features and Advantages
The reticle of the FFP sight is located between the objective lens and the magnifying assembly, at the first focal plane. When adjusting the magnification, the reticle and the target image will be zoomed in or out synchronously.
Advantage
- Full-magnification accuracy: At any magnification, the actual distance represented by the scale on the reticle remains unchanged. For example, with the FFP sight equipped with a precision scale, whether it is low-power target search or high-power precise aiming, the precision scale can be accurately used for ranging, trajectory correction and wind deflection adjustment. This is extremely crucial in long-distance shooting and scenarios where the trajectory needs to be calculated quickly based on the split, ensuring that the shooter can shoot accurately at different magnifications.
- Quick aiming: When switching magnification, there is no need to readjust the relationship between the split and the target. For instance, in hunting scenarios, after spotting distant prey, switching from low-magnification observation to high-magnification shooting ensures that the reticulation always accurately corresponds to the target, reducing aiming time and enhancing shooting efficiency.
Disadvantage
- At low magnification, the reticulation is difficult to distinguish: At low magnification, the scale on the reticle will appear smaller. In a strong light environment, it may be difficult to clearly see the division details, which affects the aiming accuracy.
- Higher cost: Due to the greater difficulty in optical design and manufacturing, FFP sights are usually more expensive than SFP sights.
SFP Sight: Features and Advantages
The reticle of the SFP sight is located behind the magnifying component, at the second focal plane. When the magnification changes, the size of the reticle remains unchanged, and only the target image will be magnified or reduced.
Advantage
- Clear and easy to read: The size of the reticle is fixed. Under the commonly used medium and high magnification, the reticle scale is clear and easy to read. For scenarios where frequent switching of magnification is not required and shooting is mainly carried out at specific magnification, such as mid-range hunting or tactical shooting, it can provide a clear aiming reference.
- High cost performance: The relatively simple optical structure makes the SFP sight have a lower cost and a more affordable price, making it suitable for users with limited budgets.
Disadvantage
- Magnification changes affect accuracy: At different magnifications, the actual distance represented by the reticle scale will change. After switching the magnification, the aiming needs to be recalculated or adjusted, which increases the operational complexity and may affect the shooting speed and accuracy.
- Functional limitations: Some sharing-based functions, such as trajectory compensation (BDC), are usually only accurate and effective at specific high magnifications and may not function properly at low magnifications.
Choices in the hunting scene
FFP scope
When hunting large prey and possibly requiring long-range shooting, the FFP scope has obvious advantages. For instance, when hunting antelopes in an open grassland, after spotting the target from a distance, one can quickly switch from a low magnification to a high magnification, and precisely measure the distance and aim by using a split, without having to worry about the impact of magnification changes on the split. However, if the hunting environment has complex lighting and the shooting is mainly at close range or a fixed magnification, the problem of difficult resolution at low magnification of FFP may cause inconvenience.
SFP sight
For close-range hunting of small prey, such as hunting hares in the jungle, the fixed and clear division of the SFP scope can meet the demand, and its price advantage makes it an economical choice. However, if the magnification needs to be frequently switched during the hunting process to deal with targets at different distances, the accuracy issue of the SFP scope when the magnification changes may reduce the success rate of hunting.
Choices in tactical scenarios
FFP scope
In tactical shooting competitions or military operations, when it is necessary to respond quickly to targets at different distances, the FFP scope enables shooters to maintain the consistency of the division function when switching magnification, quickly perform aiming and trajectory correction, and improve shooting efficiency and accuracy. However, in close-range and rapid shooting scenarios, the high cost and low resolution of FFP may not be the best choice.
SFP sight
In scenarios such as urban close combat, if medium to high fixed magnification shooting is mainly used, the clear division and relatively low cost of SFP scopes are advantages. However, when it is necessary to frequently change the magnification to deal with complex environments and targets at different distances, the accuracy problems caused by the magnification changes may affect the tactical execution effect.
FFP and SFP sights each have their own advantages and disadvantages. In hunting and tactical scenarios, factors such as actual needs, budget, shooting habits, and environmental conditions should be comprehensively considered to weigh the pros and cons of both, so as to select the most suitable scope and improve shooting performance. Report this page