Diamondback 4-12x40 vs. 4200 3-12x40

[calvin118]

I'm trying to decide between a Vortex Diamondback 4-12x40 ($200) and a Bushnell Elite 4200 3-9x40 ($220). The question I have is whether the increased quality of the glass (I understand the 4200 series is equivalent to Vortex's Viper series) outweighs the increased magnification for my purposes. I plan to use it for target shooting, and hope to work out to 500 yards or so. I might also do some varmint hunting in the future. It would be mounted on a 5.56 AR. The $20 difference is not important.

Thanks all for your help.