32mm vs. 40mm scopes, how much light difference?

[lswoody]

How much light gathering difference is there between the 2? I noticed that between most brands the 32mm is cheaper. Is there enough difference to matter? Thanks, Scott Woody

[KYFRED]

The easy answer is 20-25%. A 32mm scope is 20% of a 40 mm objective. However the two more influential issues are the type of glass and the magnification. I'd rather have a 32MM pentax, Nikon, Leupold, Swarovski or Kahles than I would a 40 mm Simmons, Tasco or BSA. I know the dollars are night and day, but the glass is significantly better. Magnifcation requires or absorbs light. Overmagnification can offset the light tramsmitted by a larger scope.

[blueeyedhuck]

lots of difference....the extra money is well worth paying for the 50mm though in my opinion