RE: variable magnified reticle...
I have Zeiss and Swaroxski scopes that have first plane reticles. They are not for everyone but I sure do like them on certain rifles. They work very well in low light situations due to the recticle getting easier to see. Seems that most european makers offer them while the other dont.
One thing about the scopes with a first plane reticle is that there is absolutely no shift in impact while going through the power ranges, this cant be said with scopes with a second plane reticle.