tenex
reality-based
An object in an 8x binocular will look about as bright (minus transmission losses) as the same object looks to the naked eye IF the naked eye is moved 7/8 of the distance closer to the object, so that the object appears to be the same size as it appears through the binocular. Try it.
Thanks, Henry. This is so basic I figured it had to be just a difference in the use of words. I'll still say binos are brighter in low light, meaning brighter from where one stands to use them, without imagining something else that probably isn't going to happen. Actually, I'm realizing that I need a break from worrying about questions like this. Good viewing to all!