I kinda understand(alright, not really, but I have accepted it as fact)how a lower magnification in a given objective size will be brighter in low light conditions than a higher magnification in the same objective size.

My question is this, Why can I see deer better in low light with my scope set on 9x vs 3x? I realize it looks bigger, but it also appears brighter to my eyes. Any one else notice this? Can anyone explain it?

From what I read everywhere the deer should look like daylight at 3x and be much darker at 9x. It appears backwards to me. The scopes in question are a nikon monarch 3-9x40 and a burris fullfield II 3-9x40.