Scopes don't gather light, they transmit it. Also, larger objective lens do not necessarily mean more light transmission. Try to get good / great glass and coatings. That's where it's at. I'd be checking the Sightron line myself. I just put their SII 4X32 on a slug gun...it's very compact, light and has great ER. They had a rebate for $50 (ends today I think) so the scope was about $135. Good deal. Good luck.