I have the leupold 1.5-5X20 on a .375 and a .458 lott and like them very well. The .375 Ruger Hawkeye African shoots very well at 200 yards with the 270 grain Hornady. I am vert happy with it. I shouldnt think light gathering would be a big issue hunting buffalo and plains game. Cats would probably be an altogether different matter. I am taking those rifles with me to zimbabwe for buffalo and mixed bag plains game. Best of luck!