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Dual Focal Plane scopes

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Category: Scopes
Forum Name: Rifle Scopes
Forum Description: Centerfire long gun scopes
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=42102
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 06:44
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Topic: Dual Focal Plane scopes
Posted By: Abitnutz
Subject: Dual Focal Plane scopes
Date Posted: September/18/2015 at 03:25
Hi, I'm a newb so forgive me. I did a search as best I could and come to the conclusion that a) I didn't know how to ask. b) There isn't mush discussion about what I'm interested in.

I have a Vortex Viper PST 2.5-10x32 FFP, my only FFP scope and I just got a Zeiss Tera 3-9x50 open box from competitor...(just too cheap with rebate to pass up). Those are the only two semi-quality scopes I own. The rest are of the "Gee Whiz! A 6-24x50 for only a $100.00" Simmons type scopes. I am starting to see the light...pun intended. Of course, I lust after the big names, Schmidt & Bender, etc. I don't hunt anymore, or shoot competitively. I just go to the shooting range for the day and hammer away at various targets and objects that are fun to obliterate. I also really, really appreciate quality anything. Yes, I'm retired or just tired...can't decide which.

Ok, thanks for sticking with me this far. I'd like to know about Dual Focal Plane scopes. Are they the coming thing? Just a brief fad? Or perhaps have some endemic problem that makes them of limited use.

I saw the Burris XTRII 1.5-8x28 DFP, the Weaver 1-7x24 DFP  and the Bushnell 1-6x24...all seem to bee in the $900 to $1,100 range. Finally there is the Valdada 1-10x26 DFP at a very large $2,600. The Valdada and Weaver have adj side focus. The Burris and Bushnell are fixed....not sure I like that at all. These are the only ones I could find in current production. I know that Night Force did make one but I don't think they do anymore...that may be a sign.

So is there something that keeps DFP scopes at the lower magnifications? It used to be that 10x was a large magnification but not as much now.

Also, the objective lens on all of them seem quite small. Is there a reason they are only 24mm to 28mm? Why can't they be 44mm to 50mm? I admit, my basic knowledge is sorely lacking and there may be an obvious reason for this that I don't get yet. The 1x-10x ratio on the Valdada is extremely cool and I'm not familiar with any other scopes that have this great a spread....maybe March?

Would say a 2.5-25x50 DFP be out of the question for some obvious reason? Other than cost that approaches national debt numbers.

Thanks...





Replies:
Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: September/18/2015 at 07:31
the only use I have seen for dual focal plane is with a SFP dot that maintains its size through all magnifications and a FFP mil or MOA reticle that can be used throughout the magnification range for ranging.  To me it has applications across tactical to hunting… useable for target shooting, but doesn't seem especially advantageous there.

I believe the current "interest" came about from the Squad Common Optic concept from the Army… still being evaluated.


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Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: Rainman
Date Posted: September/18/2015 at 18:08
My limited experience with DFP scopes is a Burris XTR II 1.5-8x mounted on an LWRC AR in 5.56.  My assesment is the same as Kickboxer's.  The FFP reticle is intended for precision and the illuminated SFP circle dot is for faster close quarters work at shorter ranges.  DFP seems to be an attempt at a "do everything" scope concept for duty style rifles.  I haven't used mine enough yet off hand to know if 1.5x will effectively cover both eyes open close range work or if an offset red dot sight will still be required. Otherwise I am impressed with the optical quality and features of my XTR II. 

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"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, promoted by mainstream media, which
holds forth that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."


Posted By: Abitnutz
Date Posted: September/19/2015 at 01:04
I'd really like to try one and the Burris or Weaver. I'm leaning toward the Weaver as it has adjustable focus. The Burris and Bushnell don't. Maybe I'm making too much of that in a scope that is only 8x.

I lust after the IOR Valdada...are they as good as folks say they are? a 1-10x ratio is quite something.

I really wish they would all offer a larger objective. What's with them only having 26mm or 28mm?

I'm trying to figure out why a 2.5-25x50 DFP isn't a good idea. I mean the Valdada already cost $2,600+-. It seems that every possible combination of feature/option is available by someone anymore...


Posted By: Rainman
Date Posted: September/19/2015 at 02:05
I was tempted by the Weaver because of the 1x bottom end and side focus.  However, price won out. The Burris XTR II scopes have been around long enough now that you can find some deals, as in under $800 shipped for my 1.5-8x and SWFA will price match what they can verify.  I like my Weaver 3-15x Tactical and it has performed well, however, Weaver may not have sufficient volume for prices to drop into the bargain range.  I have no experience with Valdada but agree that they have some seemingly attractive products. Their prices fall into the range where for the same money you can buy well known products with proven quality, durability and customer service track records so I'm not sure the possible reward is worth the gamble, just my opinion.  At this point DFP scopes seem to be geared toward the AR platform with an attempt to keep them as compact and light as possible probably accounting for the small objective lenses and 6 to 10x top ends.

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"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, promoted by mainstream media, which
holds forth that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."



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