In looking up scope evaluations on both forums and videos, I have seen repeated mention about how well whatever particular scope is being discussed-gathers light. My understanding of lenses and the physics used to describe them is exceedingly weak, but as far as I remember, the amount of light a scope, or any lens for that matter, gathers light is entirely determined by the size of the objective lens. Regardless of the kind of glass, the coatings on the surfaces of the individual lenses, or the price point of the scope, the amount of light it gathers, I think(correct me if I'm wrong), is entirely determined by the front lens. Therefore, light gathering doesn't really need to be an issue in the evaluation. If you want to know how much light the lens gathers, just look at the size of the front element. That is the only thing that determines how much light enters the scope. And as far as what percent of the gathered light is actually transmitted to the shooter's eye, it seems to me, that without highly controlled, scientific measurement, a true ability to discern the difference between say, 90% transmission and 92% for example, cannot be observed by the human eye/brain. I think we shooters are very prone to confirmation bias and prejudice with regard to how much we may have paid for a scope and/or the reputation the name brand has that is associated with a scope. I would love to get your feedback on this subject.
