I'm in double digits of each cited glass,obviously with all of both flavors being MIL/MIL. Hint.
By default of mass alone,the 2-12x is a better Utility glass,due the 10 ounces weight difference (25.5 vs 35.5). I reckon the 30mm and 34mm tubes skew same,for like reasons. Hint.
I'd reference the 2-12x as Killing Glass and the 4-16x as Giggle Glass for Play Toys. The 2-12's reticle and illumination are bolder,to quantify same. I quit trying to shoot "through" the 2-12's reticle,for tiny Agg's and simply subtend to TDC of the center dot and can due tidy work,as per whim. The Barkin' Arken reticle's floating center point,is VERY easy to shoot "through" and that by design. Hint.
2-12x out the kitchen window. Hint.
4-16x a bit farther from the porch. Hint.
Sighted in a NIB Arken yesterday,aboard a beloved 223AI and was done with a 250yd zero in (2) shots,then confirming come-up's in the morning's atmosphere. Athlon behaves in the same manner,meaning I've never had a tracking,repeat or zero retention issue in a fair representation of both(double digits). Hint.
To delve a bit more into Utility Killing,the 2-12's boast locking windage and elevation turrets,which the Barkin' Arken do not...though both have sound mechanical zero stops,on their elevation turrets. Both have 35 MIL's+ of elevation travel,which do not suck and trounces many. Hint.
The 2-12's erector is (10) Mil's per revolution,though the 4-16's is (8) for same. Given a choice,I'd prefer (10) per spin on the '16x,but I tend to pay attention to things a smidge,so it hasn't been anything approaching an "issue". Hint.
Now delving a different direction,the added ass of the '16x do soak recoil and I find it a viable benefit,upon multiple platforms. Namely upon several 7mm RemMags and 280's,slated to 180 ELD duties. It even enhances follow through on Rimfires. I've not set one atop a Play Toy and regretted or thunked about removing it. Hint.
Just sayin'.................