I'm looking at Vortex Diamondback scopes at Cabelas. Nothing too fancy. I am probably going to get the 3.5-10X because it is on sale. I was looking at the 4-12 and noticed the regular price is only $199 vs $249 for the 3.5-10. Any idea why the price would be less for different magnifications even if the reticle is the same? The $249 price is also the regular price for the 1.75-7X. I wonder if it has to due with the fact that one of the limits is fractional power??? Thoughts?

The 4-12x has a 40mm objective and the 3.5-10x has a 50mm objective.

I saw that after I posted my question. I guess anything other than 40mm is higher priced.

The bigger the objective lens, the more it goes up. 40 costs more than a 32, which costs more than a 20 or 24. 50 costs more than a 40. The bigger the objective, the more light you can get. So it's a big plus to have a bigger optic. But for most normal uses, 50mm would be great, but 40mm works just fine.

VTex Diamondabacks also come in 2 "grades"...the standard DBack has a 3.3"-3.5" eye relief and IMO is a an upgraded Crossfire II, and the DBack HP has Viper coatings, 3.9" - 4.0" eye relief, w/42mm objective bell and only comes in ummm 3 power ranges as I recall. The DBack HP 4x16 also has an A/O Side focus feature.
Ron