Here's another perspective on light gathering. How about a fixed power scope? My next scope may well be a fixed 4X Mid priced scope. I purchased a Weaver K2.5X for a BLR81 that I wanted to use for shorter range "bush" applications. The image is crystal clear and very bright. The eye relief is very good as well. When purchasing, I compared the images with a few high priced variable scopes and this little Weaver was kicking butt. Of course the 2.5 power is very limiting. Its got me thinking that a fixed 4X might be just the ticket though. I'm not talking varmint but for deer it just may do the job very well. The variables I have are almost all set in the 4 - 5X area. They better...ever lost a deer because your scope is set too high??