Best FFP Scopes for the Money reviewed

Hunting is one of the arts that is taking shape in the world today. This is because most people take it as a hobby and they do it most during camping. Getting the best FFP scope for the money enables one to get the best hunting experience.

The fact that this is what many people love and like, it means that they are ready to invest in it fully.

Table showing the best FFP scope for the money

This table will give a quick summary of the descriptions and the dimensions of the best ffp scopes as well as their costs.

ProductMagnificationImageUniquenessCheck Price
Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II First Focal Plane Riflescopes10x32mmCan be used for both close range and long range shooting[su_button url="https://geni.us/VortexPSTGenII" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button]
Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes4-16x44mmMulticoated lens[su_button url="https://geni.us/vortexdiamondback" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button]
Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP)6-24x50mmHigh Clarity[su_button url="https://geni.us/athlonargosbtr" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button]
Bushnell Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Reticle-223 Riflescope with Target Turrets and Throw Down PCL, Matte Black, 1-4x/24mm1-4x24mmMultilayer Prisms[su_button url="https://geni.us/bushnellbtr-1" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button]
Bushnell Tactical Elite SMRS 1-8.5x 24mm Illuminated BTR-2 FFP Reticle Riflescope, Black Matte1-8,5x24mmHD Clarity[su_button url="https://geni.us/bushnellelitebtr2" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button]
Trijicon AccuPower 1-8x28 Riflescopes1-8x28mmMulticoated lenses[su_button url="https://amzn.to/2UWvDB1" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button]
Monstrum Tactical 6-24x50 Rifle Scope with First Focal Plane (FFP) Rangefinder Reticle and Adjustable Objective Lens6-24x50mmSide Parallax adjustment[su_button url="https://geni.us/monstrumg3" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button]
Nikon Prostaff 5 SF FFP M BDC Rifle Scopes, 3.5-14X40mm3.5-14x40mmCan be used at dust or dawn[su_button url="https://amzn.to/3gLvf06" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button]
Leupold Scopes 172339 VX-3I LRP Riflescope, 4.5-14x50mm (30mm)4.5-14x50mmLighweight[su_button url="https://amzn.to/3BkAZWr" target="blank" background="#3c8922" size="5" wide="yes" center="yes" radius="round" "]Check Price [/su_button]

What is the difference between the First Focal Plane and the Second Focal Plane?

People may ask, why the two focal plane scopes are different whereas they are supposed to do the same type of work. The difference between them is so simple.

Both have crosshairs but the first focal plane cross hairs increase in size as one zooms into the target while the second focal plane the crosshairs on the reticle remain the same as one zooms into the target.

This can be an advantage and a disadvantage at the same time. It is an advantage because one is able to see the target image properly. The disadvantage is that the zooming can be extensively obscuring some of the image parts and so the view will not be as clear.

If for example one is a long-range shooter, there is a need to have a suitable scope that will enable him or her to get the accurate shot or target. In the recent past, there has been a growing need for focal planes. However, there are two types. These include the first focal plane and the second focal plane.

People have their own preferences and in this article, we will let you know more about the best FFP for the money.

This is including the properties of each of them and the pros and cons so as to give a good insight to the buyer in that even as one makes the purchase, they will be sure of what they are buying.

Also, in the case that you have a budget, you will not have to strain in getting a good first focal plane for the money that you have.

When focusing and hunting on a long-range, this is the best scope because it can be able to give a better view.  This goes in handy when dealing with the best binoculars for birding.

Pros and cons of the First Focal Plane scope (FFP Scope)

The best first focal plane is able to give you an accurate reading even as you make the target. For the first focal plane, the reticle is positioned far from the shooter unlike the second focal plane reticle where the reticle is closer to the shooter.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • Long range and short scope
  • Gives accurate readings
  • Crisp adjustment
  • Clear images because of the increasing zoom width of the cross hairs
  • Focal plane reticle

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • Excessive zooming can hide some of the image parts

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

[su_frame]Some people always ask, which is the best between the two. To me, I think that the best between the two is from a person’s judgement. This is because as a hunter, there are those preferences that you have in mind for the scope that you need at that moment. That is what will determine the type of scope that you need. However, the guiding factor and the thing that you should be very keen to look at is the features that each of the focal planes has.[/su_frame]

A Review on some of the Best FFP for the money

This article is quick to give a guide on some of the top-rated best FPP scopes for the money in the market that have varying prices and features. When you go to make the purchase, you will not have a hard time. The choice of the FFP will depend on one’s preferences.

This is because we will have given you an outlook on the various choices that you have at your disposal.

Editor’s choice

1. Vortex Optics Viper PST Gen II 3-15×44 First Focal Plane Riflescopes 1000



[amazon box=”B084ZSVCMD” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fvortex%2Dviper%2Dpst%2Dgen%2Dii%2D3%2D15x44%2Driflescope%2Dblack%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]


From the Vortex company, this is one of the best ffp scope for the money that has very unique and outstanding features that are worth the money.

The first feature is durability.

This first focal plane scope is made of aircraft-grade aluminum which is a high-grade quality material that can last for ages.

This is especially because the scope is available in a single piece and does not need installing and reinstalling its parts to make it work.

Many people who do not have the skill and the technique of putting parts of a scope or any equipment together, can destroy it so fast. It is also waterproof and fog proof due to the O-ring seal and the argon purge in it.

This first focal plane scope gives clear and precise images. This is because of the magnification that it has.

The magnification power of this first focal plane rifle scope is between 3x -15x. With this power, one can make a short range target or a long range target comfortably. Thanks to the turrets on the scope that are meant for adjustment.

Clarity is also enhanced by the advancements that are made on the glass of the scope lens.

This is by having a multicoated lens that increases light dispersion meaning that there is a certain amount of light is reaching the eye and therefore there are no blurred images. Also, the dispersion of light is enhanced by the extra dispersion glass on the lens.

There is an Amortek coating that is meant to protect the lens from oil, dirt, and any scratches meaning that the images that are seen using the scope are as clear as possible. It is indeed one of the best ffp scopes.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • Can be used for both close range and long range shooting
  • Durable
  • High clarity level

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • It requires precise adjustment

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

2. Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical First Focal Plane Riflescopes


[amazon box=”B086BXQGRK” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fvortex%2Ddiamondback%2Dtactical%2Dffp%2D4%2D16x44%2Dmoa%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]

Vortex is a remarkable brand when it comes to the manufacturing of spotting scopes and other products.

With this Vortex optics first focal plane riflescope, you are guaranteed quality and durability all in one scope. It has an extra-low dispersion glass with fully multi-coated lenses, which ensures light transmission even in darkness for bright and clear images.

The first focal plane glass ensures that the suspensions are accurate in different zoom ranges to ensure that the quality of your vision is not compromised.

The single-piece design is an added advantage for the scope. This guarantees that it will last longer and will not have possible challenges to maintain. It also makes it easy for you to carry the scope for any hunting adventure.

The scope guarantees quality vision for up to 100 yards. Additionally, it has a rugged design that is shockproof and waterproof. This ensures that it makes a perfect addition even in rainy conditions.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Extra-low dispersion glass
  • Fully multi-coated lens optics
  • Waterproof and fog-proof design

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • The lens glass is not crisp sharp

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

3. Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope, 6-24 x 50 First Focal Plane (FFP) 30 mm Tube, Illuminated APMR MIL Reticle, 400

[amazon box=”B0157N4640″ button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fathlon%2Doptics%2Dargos%2D6%2D24x50%2Dside%2Dfocus%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]


Another best ffp scope for the money is from Athlon company. This is according to the reviews that people have about Athlon Optics, Argos BTR, Riflescope.

It has all power settings that allow one to adjust the magnification and view the image at the power that is most convenient for them.

As one adjusts the power, the reticle is able to zoom in and out so as to give the desired image size. The magnification of this scope is from 6x-24x.

It has fully multicoated lenses that enable sufficient light transmission and this means that there is a limited amount of light that reaches the eye.

Also, there are brightness settings meaning that the hunter can be able to adjust the scope to the level that is comfortable to their eyes.

The scope is also protected with the scope covers that come with it during the purchase.

The scope is water proof and is thermal stable because of the argon purging in it. This means that it can be used comfortably during the rainy season.

Additionally, it is made of the aircraft aluminum grade that enhances the durability of the optic. It also provides mechanical strength and stability to the optic.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • High-quality glass
  • High clarity level
  • Durable

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • Inability of turrets to lock properly

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

4. Bushnell Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Reticle-223 Riflescope with Target Turrets and Throw Down PCL, Matte Black, 1-4x/24mm

[amazon box=”B00ABP5UXG” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fbushnell%2D1%2D4x24mm%2Dthrowdown%2Dpcl%2Dffp%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]

Bushnell is another company that is known for the production of high-quality optics that are affordable. Bushnell Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Reticle-223 Riflescope is another type of first focal plane scopes that has excellent features.

It has a magnification power of 1-4 x. The illuminated bar reticle has 11 settings in that one can be able to adjust the brightness and the light levels up to the level that is most favorable.

For quick power changes, it is possible to use the Power change lever that is on the scope. The scope has a low light performance meaning that one can be able to work with it well even at dusk.

The scope is durable considering that it is made of aluminum alloy with an anodized finish.

The scope has a high level of accuracy when one is aiming at 600 yards. It has a nitrogen purging that makes it free from moisture. It is O- ring sealed to prevent dust entry.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • Durable
  • Has adjustable eyecups
  • Has multilayer prisms for image clarity

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • Huge

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

5.Bushnell Tactical Elite SMRS 1-8.5x 24mm Illuminated BTR-2 FFP Reticle Riflescope, Black Matte


[amazon box=”B07F7WY3SG” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fbushnell%2D1%2D8%2D5x24mm%2Dsmrs%2Delite%2Dtactical%2D34mm%2Dtube%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]


Working on a budget should not limit your desire for quality object viewing when you are out hunting. Therefore, Bushnell provides you with this elite tactical riflescope with quality optics and stunning HD clarity.

This guarantees that you can spot your target from any distance and maintain exceptional image clarity.

The material used is durable and passes through 100%t testing to ensure that the scope meets your expectations.

It has an ultra-wideband coating and fully multi-coated optics, which ensures sufficient light transmission for enhancing vision.

Additionally, the multi-coated optics design gives your eye a relief and will not stress you while getting your target.

It also features a high magnification lens with up to 8,5x. The adjustable style also ensures that the scope is ideal for both small and large game hunting.

With this scope, you can also adjust the reticle to enhance the clarity and brightness of your images.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • 100% tested material quality
  • Stunning HD clarity
  • Ultra-wideband coating lenses
  • Multi-coated optics
  • Adjustable objective

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

6.Trijicon AccuPower 1-8×28 Riflescope


[amazon box=”B00VXLTVAA” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Ftrijicon%2Daccupower%2D1%2D8x28%2Driflescope%2Dmoa%2Dsegmented%2Dcircle%2Dcrosshair%2Dw%2Dred%2Dled%2D34%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]


Trijicon AccuPower riflescope is designed to provide you accuracy in your range shooting.

It features superior quality lenses that ensure you get a clear and bright image with substantial clarity. Therefore, when you are hunting, you will have clear shoots and will not confuse your target even while moving.

The scope is powered by a CR2032 lithium battery. Therefore, your observation quality will not be tampered with even after using the scope for an extended period.

Additionally, with this battery, your scope performance will not be determined by preexisting weather conditions.

The scope uses the first focal plane design, which allows you to acquire your target fast then apply the magnification.

It has an adjustable reticle crosshair, ensuring that your aim and shooting is accurate even from a distance.

The scope is made of aircraft-grade aluminum housing, which is super strong and durable. This ensures that the scope will provide you with years of exceptional performance.

The material is scratch and rust-resistant, ensuring that the scope will retain the original looks for years.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • Aircraft-grade aluminum material
  • Adjustable reticle
  • Multi-coated lenses
  • All-weather rugged construction

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • Slightly expensive

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

7. Monstrum Tactical 6-24×50 Rifle Scope with First Focal Plane (FFP) Rangefinder Reticle and Adjustable Objective Lens


[amazon box=”B07WZXSWMT” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fmonstrum%2Dg2%2D6%2D24x50mm%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]


This is another type of the best rated first focal plane scope. It has a very good precision or clarity because of the magnification power that it has of 6-24x.  The diameter of the objective lens is 44mm and it has a good eye relief of 4-4.5 inches.

The other unique feature about this scope is that it contains a range finder reticle that is easy to read given the range information. Because the range information remains the same even with magnification, it is easy to use this scope.

The adjustable objective lens help in the elimination of parallax making the image has a sharp and crisp focus. The reticle illumination can be viewed in either a red or green color.

There are also settings for brightness intensities meaning that visibility is better either in low light environments or in environments that have bright light. It comes with Picatinny scope rings, a sunshade, and lens covers.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • High clarity
  • Contains a range finder
  • Comes with a sun shade and lens covers
  • Has side parallax adjustments

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • It is abit costly

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

8. Nikon Prostaff 5 SF FFP M BDC Rifle Scopes, 3.5-14X40mm


[amazon box=”B016GSUAY0″ button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fv%2F16365%2Dnikon%2Dprostaff%2D5%2D3%2D5%2D14x40%2Dsf%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]

From Nikon, this is another type of the best FFP scope for the money. This has a magnification power of 3.5 -14x and an objective lens of 40mm diameter.

Has a side adjustment so as to get maximum windage and elevation for the best focus.

Hunters are very familiar with Nikon because this is a company that produces quality scopes to serve the purpose that they want at that time.

Also, it has the zero adjustment turrets that are spring-loaded that are meant to avoid the parallax and this is what most people look out for.

The glass making the scope contains many layers of reflective compounds that are meant to prevent reflections at any time of the day and that is what makes the images to be seen clearly.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • High quality image
  • Good quality glass
  • Can be used at dusk or dawn

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • Inability of turrets to lock properly

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

9. Leupold Scopes 172339 VX-3I LRP Riflescope, 4.5-14x50mm (30mm)


[amazon box=”B07RW8M6X2″ button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fleupold%2Dvx%2D3i%2Dlrp%2D4%2D5%2D14x50mm%2D30mm%2Dside%2Dfocus%2Dtmoa%2Driflescope%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]


This is also one of the top-rated best FFP scope for the money that has unique features. The most interesting one is the diamond coat on the exterior lens surfaces.

These are meant to provide the best light transmission so as to avoid light reflections. It has a mixture of Argon and Krypton gases in it which act as shock absorbers for the scope. It is also lightweight.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • Light weight
  • Durable
  • High quality images

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • Expensive

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

10. Primary Arms 4-14 X 44 FFP Scope ACSS HUD .308 BDC Reticle PA4-14XFFP308

[amazon box=”B00T6KBXYC” button_text=”Check Price On Amazon” button_detail=”https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=15098&u=1953732&m=4355&urllink=www%2Eopticsplanet%2Ecom%2Fprimary%2Darms%2Dprimary%2Darms%2D4%2D14x44mm%2Driflescope%2Dacss%2Dhud%2Ddmr%2D308%2Dreticle%2Ehtml&afftrack=”]


This is one of the best FFP scope for the money that is very affordable considering the incredible features that it has.

The first focal plane rifle scope has a high level of clarity because it is illuminated at the center means that the images are able to be viewed clearly from the word go.

It is good to understand between the FFP  scope Vs SFP scope.

A unique feature about it is that it has brightness settings of up to six different levels. That means that each and every hunter will have an opportunity to adjust the brightness level to where they feel comfortable viewing the image.

This is amazing especially if one has got eye problems. It also has a magnification power of 4-14x. It allows a quick focus and is suitable for.308 loading.

It is durable given that it made of high quality aluminum and anodized matte which means that it can be able to serve the hunter for a very long period of time. It is also water proof and shock proof.

[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#74da32″]

Pros

  • Durable
  • Has adjustable eyecups
  • Has multilayer prisms for image clarity

[/su_list][/su_column] [su_column size=”1/2″][su_list icon=”icon: minus-circle” icon_color=”#da3d32″]

Cons

  • Inability of turrets to lock properly

[/su_list][/su_column] [/su_row]

Factors to consider when looking for the best FFP scope for the money

Durability is key.

Hunting is an outdoor activity. That means that there is a possibility of encountering different environmental hazards or other conditions that may be very harsh. This calls for a hunter to have that scope that can withstand all these conditions.

The fact that the rifle can fall down during the hunting moves means that one should be armed with a scope material that will not be damaged after the fall. Also, it is good to look for a scope that is made of durable material such as aluminum.

The best FFP scope for the money needs to be that scope that will serve you for ages.

The price is also something to look at.

All the first focal plane scopes have a different value. That means that your pocket is the one that will dictate the purchase that you are going to make.

However, this is not supposed to be the main determiner. The features that you need in a scope are the ones that should determine the decision that you are to make.

Illumination is another aspect to look at.

No one wants a scope that will limit them from hunting at dusk or at night. That is why illumination is important. Most of the first focal plane scopes are however illuminated with green or red color.

Weight will also always be an issue.

Many hunters want to carry light materials in their hunting journey so as to ensure that they are comfortable and they are moving swiftly.

In that case, it is good to look at the dimensions of the scope and see whether you can bear the weight even as you buy it.

The ease of adjustment is also crucial.

Look at that scope that has side adjustment turrets and other knobs for windage and elevation. With this, you can be sure that you will get the focus that you want regardless of the position and angle that you are in.

Parting Shot

From the above article, it is clear that one can be able to find the best FFP scope for the money according to the budget that he or she has. The above focal plane scopes are of varying prices. We did not arrange them according to price but we chose those that have the best features and those that will be able to give you the service that you need during the hunting journey. Most people will prefer a certain scope for another one especially because of the unique feature that it has. This article was extensive in providing the best knowledge that will help you in making the best decision for the purchase. This is in terms of getting the quality first focal plane scopes and also sticking to your budget.

Leave a Comment