I've never used an illuminated reticle, so I can't really comment on that. However, I've always found that using a 40mm scope, I can see better than with the naked eye. Early season when the leaves are still on the trees, it gets dark earlier than shooting time in the woods. My problem is seeing the deer, not so much the reticle. Now that the leaves are gone, I can see fine during first/last light especially if the moon is bright.
