Last updated on March 5th, 2024
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.
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.
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.
Conclusion
The Steiner Predator 8 is built to be used all over the world in harsh conditions and I would have no hesitations taking this optic with me into New Zealand’s southern alps for a week of hunting. Standout strengths are the hybrid reticle, ballistic elevation turret and the low weight. Well done Steiner on engineering an all-round excellent hunting optic.
Specifications
Field of View at 100 meters 1.6m – 12.6m / 5.2ft – 41.3ft
Eye Relief 95mm / 3.7 inch
Exit Pupil 8, 5mm 2mm
Length 14.7 in
Weight 25.2 oz
Diopter Adjustment Range -3dpt / +2dpt
Wind/Elevation Click Value 1/4 MOA
Elevation Range at 100 m. 40 MOA
Wind Range at 100 m. 40 MOA
Parallax/Focus 20m to INF / 20y up to INF
Nitrogen Filled Yes
Operating Temperature Range -13°F to +145°F
Waterproof/Fogproof 3 ft.
Battery CR2032
Warranty Heritage™ Warranty
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