Last updated on April 26th, 2026
Getting hands on with alpha class optics is always a good time. Steiner released the Predator 8 series last year and I got some time behind the optic with my Sako 85 Finnlight II. The Predator Series are designed primarily for hunting and include features made for that purpose, including a simple reticle and a streamline profile.
Quick Take
The important thing with the Steiner Predator 8 is not just the spec sheet. For an optic, the real value comes down to glass quality, reticle usefulness, tracking or control feel, mounting setup, and whether it suits the rifle you actually plan to use it on.
- Check the role first: hunting, range work, competition and general-purpose rifles all reward different scope features.
- Do not buy on magnification alone: useful reticle design, eye box and repeatability matter just as much.
- Mounting still matters: good rings and correct height can make or break the setup.
Steiner optics are renown for their high quality construction and impressive glass. These two factors have made Steiner a popular choice for hunting and military applications where durability and optical quality are priorities. Just like I was with the Steiner Ranger 6, I was excited once again to use another Steiner optic, I ended up liking this one so much it made our Top 8 Hunting Scopes of the year list.
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This model is the 3-24×50 which offers a massive range of magnification and large objective lens. There are three different variants available including 2-16×42, 3-24×50 and 4-32×56. A notable change from the previous Predator series is the addition of the three separate adjustable rings on the turret that can be set to desired shooting distance.
Construction
As with all Steiner optics I have used they are built to take a hit in the field and the Predator 8 was no exception. The 30mm maintube is waterproof and nitrogen filled making it fog proof which is a must have for a hunting optic. Steiner’s Heritage warranty is lifetime on the scope and 3 years on the electronic components and is also transferable between owners.
Not too heavy the Predator 8 comes in at 25.2oz / 714g and when combined with my Finnlight II, made carrying it for long periods of time on foot an easy task.
Hunting optics tend to have larger objective lenses to aid in capturing more light and the 50mm objective lens on the 3-24×50 variant I had certainly benefited from that.
Glass
Crisp glass was expected and no surprises here, its a bright and clear image. The high quality Germany made glass helps with the high light transmission and provided a clear, high contrast view. There is a total of 95mm/3.7inch of eye relief which is plenty and particularly good if you wear glasses.
High magnification provided a good field of view and I didn’t observe any chromatic aberration and at low magnification there was no tunneling. Overall the glass quality plays a big factor at bumping this into the price point it sits in.
Reticle
The E3 reticle is used in the 3-24×50 and 2-16×42 variants with the higher magnification 4-32x also having the SCR reticle as an option. The SCR reticle has extensive hash marks on the vertical and horizontal stadia lines, the E3 as shown below (left) is alot simpler. These are very capable reticles and a nice hunting and long distance combination offering some holdover capability for elevation and windage.
The reticle is illuminated with 11 brightness settings, taking a single CR2032 battery. All of the Predator 8 series are in the second focal plane.
Turrets
The integrated customizable ballistic turret allows you to dial on the three different numbered, movable rings, which can be set to specific distances. The ballistic turrets allowed me to quickly change elevation to specific distances without first looking at a DOPE (data of previous experience) card. Saving time where possible is always important when carefully taking a shot hunting. Zero stop is also included to assist when returning to zero after dialing up.
Turret clicks were positive with ¼ MOA click values on both windage and elevation. Parallax setting, located on the left side is adjustable between 20m out to infinity.
FAQ
Is the Steiner Predator 8 worth it?
The Steiner Predator 8 is worth considering if its magnification, reticle, glass quality and adjustment system match how you actually shoot. For hunting, the biggest question is whether it gives you a clearer aiming solution than the optic you would otherwise buy.
Who is the Steiner Predator 8 best suited to?
It suits shooters who want an optic for hunting and are willing to choose based on real features rather than brand name alone. Check the reticle, turret layout, weight and warranty before deciding.
What should I compare with the Steiner Predator 8?
Compare it against optics in the same role and price bracket. Look closely at glass clarity, turret tracking, reticle usability, low-light performance, weight and how easy it is to get support or accessories locally.
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