Nikon has announced the release of their BDC reticle in the First Focal Plane. Touted as the “Distance Lock” function, the FFP scopes are now available across a variety of scopes with different capabilities.

Specifically, the FFP version of the Nikon BDC is available in the following optics:

• – MONARCH 3 3-12x42SF Matte BDC FFP
• – MONARCH 3 4-16x42SF Matte BDC FFP
• – MONARCH 3 4-16x50SF Matte BDC FFP
• – PROSTAFF 5 3.5-14x40SF  Matte BDC FFP
• – PROSTAFF 5 3.5-14x50SF Matte BDC FFP
• – PROSTAFF 5 4.5-18x40SF Matte BDC FFP

All the scopes feature Nikon’s fully multi-coated optics, 1/4 MOA adjustment (a nice touch), and a quick-focus eyepiece. All optics take full advantage of Nikon’s Spot-On ballistic application which at First Focal Plane means one does not have to be at maximum magnification to get the the benefits of the calculator.

My take? Its a nice addition to Nikon’s scope line (which I do own a privately purchased 3-9x with the reticle, but this is a classic example of when Marketing people get a little aggressive on branding. Having to call something as simple as First Focal Plane as a new branded function is going a bit over the top.

My interest in the marketing label aside, FFP is a great touch, especially at this price point. The basic ProStaff 3-12x optic is expected to retail for $359.95 with the top-end Monarch 4-16×50 looking for only $659.95