First Focal Plane (FFP) scopes are now the top choice for hunters who want to stretch the distance, handle varying terrain, and make fast, confident shots at any magnification. Whether you’re chasing elk, deer, coyotes, or hogs, the right FFP optic lets you use your reticle’s holdovers perfectly—no matter your zoom setting. But not all FFP scopes are created equal. Some are made for tactical use, while others shine for real-world hunting. This guide covers what you need, how to choose, and the very best FFP scopes available in 2025.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP
- Best Value: Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 FFP
- Best Premium: Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 FFP
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For in an FFP Hunting Scope
- Magnification Range: 3-15x, 4-16x, or even 4.5-22x covers woods to open-country shots. Higher magnification is useful for long-range, but don’t sacrifice field of view.
- Reticle Style: Look for simple, uncluttered FFP reticles with easy-to-see hash marks. BDC or MOA reticles are ideal for hunting. Illuminated options help in low light.
- Low-Light Performance: Big objective lenses (44mm+) and fully multi-coated glass matter for dawn, dusk, and heavy cover.
- Turret Design: Zero stops are a huge plus. Capped windage turrets are nice for hunting, but exposed, lockable turrets are good for dialing at distance.
- Weight: Keep your scope light if you do a lot of hiking. Ultra-heavy tactical scopes can be tiring in the field.
- Durability: Shockproof, fogproof, waterproof—your scope should survive a fall and all-weather use.
- Warranty & Support: Lifetime warranties are a must for hard-use gear. All scopes below are covered.
Detailed Product Reviews
Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP
Who it’s for: The serious hunter who wants a “one and done” FFP scope for any game, anywhere.
- Extra-sharp HD glass with excellent light transmission
- Weight-conscious (21.7 oz), balances well on hunting rifles
- RevStop zero system and locking elevation turret
- XLR-2 illuminated FFP reticle with holdover hash marks
- Side parallax and fast-focus eyepiece
Pros:
- Elite clarity and low-light ability
- All the hunting features without “tacticool” weight
- Superb tracking and rugged construction
- Vortex VIP Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Limited field of view at max power
Final Verdict: One of the best FFP hunting scopes ever built—if you want to buy once and hunt forever, this is the one. See it on Amazon.
Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 FFP
Who it’s for: Hunters who want all the core FFP features with great glass, but don’t want to spend a fortune.
- ACSS Apollo or Mil-Dot FFP reticles
- Side parallax adjustment and exposed turrets with zero reset
- Superb for deer, antelope, or coyotes out to 600 yards+
- Shockproof, waterproof, and comes with a lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Top value for real-world hunting
- Clear glass, great reticle choices
- Not overly heavy (23.5 oz)
Cons:
- No illuminated reticle on some versions
- Not as bright as $1,000+ optics at last light
Final Verdict: The best FFP scope under $500 for hunters—reliable, clear, and packed with features. See price and reviews.
Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 FFP
Who it’s for: Those who want top-tier glass, legendary reliability, and unmatched tracking—all in a lightweight package.
- Professional-grade optical system with glare reduction
- ZeroLock elevation turret with tactile click feedback
- Multiple reticle options (TMR, PR-1 MOA/MIL, illuminated available)
- Just 26 oz—light for this power and class
- Made in the USA, Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee
Pros:
- World-class glass and tracking
- Lightweight for this tier of FFP scope
- Superb field use reviews
Cons:
- High-end cost
- Overbuilt for those who never shoot past 300 yards
Final Verdict: For Western hunting, elk, or mountain trips—this is the pro’s choice. Check it here.
Athlon Ares BTR GEN2 4.5-27×50 FFP
Who it’s for: Hunters who want long-range capability for Western or open-country game.
- Wide magnification—great for 500-1,000 yard shots
- Advanced zero stop and precision-tracking turrets
- Illuminated reticle for low-light conditions
- 30mm tube for lots of adjustment
Pros:
- Long-range power and reticle precision
- Excellent tracking and repeatability
- Value compared to Euro brands
Cons:
- Heavy (over 30 oz)
- Overkill for short-range woods hunting
Final Verdict: Perfect for big country, open prairie, or if you want to push your hunting to the next level. See latest price.
Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16×44 FFP
Who it’s for: Hunters who demand top European glass and reliability for lifetime use.
- True FFP reticle with fine hash marks
- Bright, crisp glass and superb color
- Capped turrets and streamlined design
- Waterproof, fogproof, built for hard use
Pros:
- Superb glass and light transmission
- Smooth, precise adjustments
- Well-balanced for hunting rifles
Cons:
- Pricey
- Limited reticle choices in some regions
Final Verdict: If you want a “buy it for life” FFP hunting scope, Zeiss delivers in spades. Check on Amazon.
Burris XTR II 4-20×50 FFP
Who it’s for: Hunters who want tactical precision in the field—ideal for long shots, dialing, and wind holds.
- SCR MOA or MIL reticles, easy for fast holdovers
- High-grade, rugged build and Burris forever warranty
- Zero stop and easy-reset turrets
- Illuminated reticle
Pros:
- Outstanding tracking and reticle clarity
- Built for abuse
- Very good price for specs
Cons:
- Bulky and heavier than hunting-only scopes
- Complex reticle might be too much for some
Final Verdict: A strong option for hunters who want tactical-grade reliability and repeatability in the field. See price.
Comparison Table
| Name | Magnification | Key Features | Weight | Price Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 | 4.5-22x | Lightweight, illuminated FFP, zero stop, elite glass | 21.7 oz | Check Price |
| Primary Arms GLx 4-16×50 | 4-16x | ACSS/Mil reticle, value, side parallax | 23.5 oz | Check Price |
| Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18×44 | 3.6-18x | Elite glass, ZeroLock, USA made | 26 oz | Check Price |
| Athlon Ares BTR GEN2 4.5-27×50 | 4.5-27x | Zero stop, long range, illuminated | 30+ oz | Check Price |
| Zeiss Conquest V4 4-16×44 | 4-16x | European glass, capped turrets | 22 oz | Check Price |
| Burris XTR II 4-20×50 | 4-20x | Illuminated, tactical ruggedness | 30+ oz | Check Price |
FAQ
What is an FFP scope and why is it better for hunting?
FFP (First Focal Plane) scopes keep your reticle “true” at any zoom—your holdover and windage marks always match the ballistic data, no matter your magnification. This is perfect for hunters who may need to take quick shots at varying distances.
Is FFP necessary for most hunters?
It’s not strictly necessary, but it’s a major advantage if you hunt in varied terrain or shoot at changing ranges. For “set and forget” close-range woods hunting, SFP is fine, but FFP is ideal for versatility and long shots.
Does FFP make it harder to see the reticle at low power?
In some models, yes—the reticle can appear finer at low zoom, especially in thick brush. This is why illuminated FFP reticles or bold reticle designs are helpful for hunting.
What magnification do I need for big game hunting?
For most North American big game, 3-15x, 4-16x, or 4.5-22x is perfect. Higher zoom is helpful for open country, but stick with quality glass and a field of view you can actually use.
How much should I spend on an FFP scope?
All scopes here are $500+ for good reason—this is a key investment. But value models like the Primary Arms GLx offer nearly all the benefits at a fraction of the price of top-tier glass.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The right FFP scope opens up your hunting rifle to all distances, all terrain, and fast, confident shots. The Vortex Razor HD LHT 4.5-22×50 FFP is the best overall performer, while the Primary Arms GLx wins on value, and the Leupold Mark 5HD leads for premium, made-in-USA reliability. Every model here is proven, durable, and ready for your next adventure—choose with confidence, and you’ll never look back.
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