The Ultimate Hunting and Shooting Companion: Introducing the Steiner Predator 8 2-16x42mm Rifle Scope

For serious hunters and precision shooters, the choice of a rifle scope is paramount. It's not merely an accessory; it's a critical tool that directly impacts success, shot placement, and overall enjoyment in the field. When seeking an optic that combines versatile magnification, exceptional clarity, and rugged durability, many enthusiasts ask: "What's the best scope for low-light conditions?" or "Which rifle scope offers both wide field of view and long-range precision?" The answer for many discerning individuals points directly to the Steiner Predator 8 2-16x42mm Rifle Scope, specifically model 3002. This advanced optic is engineered to excel in diverse environments, from dense timber to expansive plains, ensuring you have the edge when it matters most.

Imagine being on a challenging hunt as dusk settles, or preparing for a precision shot in a tricky crosswind. These scenarios demand an optic that not only gathers maximum light but also provides an intuitive, reliable reticle for accurate holdovers. The Steiner Predator 8 2-16x42mm, with its state-of-the-art features, addresses these critical needs head-on. It’s designed to transform your shooting experience, making difficult shots more manageable and low-light encounters more productive.

Unparalleled Optical Performance for Every Scenario

At the core of the Steiner Predator 8's superior performance is its advanced optical system. Featuring high-contrast glass, this scope delivers bright, razor-sharp images with exceptional color fidelity. Unlike many scopes that mute colors or suffer from chromatic aberration, the Predator 8 ensures that targets stand out vividly against their background, a crucial advantage when identifying game against foliage or distinguishing between targets at long distances. This "best-in-class optical clarity" means you'll spot details others might miss, giving you more time to assess and execute your shot.

The generous 42mm objective lens works in harmony with Steiner's "industry-leading light transmission." This isn't just a marketing claim; it means the scope funnels an impressive amount of available light directly to your eye. For hunters who operate during the critical low-light periods of dawn and dusk, this is a game-changer. The ability to distinguish targets clearly in dim conditions extends your effective hunting window, increasing opportunities for success. Forget about having to pack up early or wait longer for sufficient light; the Predator 8 helps you make the most of every minute in the field.

The Versatile 8x Zoom System: Adaptability Redefined

One of the defining characteristics of the Steiner Predator 8 is its "versatile 8X system." This translates to a broad magnification range of 2-16x, offering incredible adaptability for various shooting distances and situations.

• At 2x magnification: You gain an exceptionally wide field of view, critical for close-range engagements, tracking moving targets, or navigating dense brush. The ability to see a massive 62.07 feet at 100 meters at the lowest power setting provides excellent situational awareness, making it ideal for fast-paced scenarios like driven hunts or when quickly acquiring a target that has just appeared.
• At 16x magnification: The scope provides ample power for detailed observation and precise shot placement at extended ranges. Whether you're counting antler points on a distant buck or zeroing in on a small varmint, the 16x top end ensures you have the clarity and magnification needed for confident long-range shooting.

This wide 8x zoom ratio eliminates the need for multiple scopes, making the Predator 8 a true "do-it-all" optic for hunters and shooters who encounter a variety of conditions and target distances.

Illuminated E3 Ballistic Reticle: Precision in Any Light

The Illuminated E3 Ballistic Reticle, positioned in the Second Focal Plane (SFP), is another cornerstone of the Predator 8's design. Let's break down what this means for you:

• Second Focal Plane (SFP): In an SFP scope, the reticle remains the same size relative to your view as you change magnification. This means the subtensions (the markings on the reticle used for holdovers or range estimation) are accurate only at a specific magnification, typically the highest setting (16x in this case). This design is favored by many hunters because the reticle always appears thin and uncluttered, even at high magnification, preventing it from obscuring small targets.
• E3 Ballistic Reticle: The E3 reticle is designed to provide quick and intuitive holdovers for windage and elevation, making on-the-fly adjustments simpler without having to dial the turrets for every shot. This is especially useful for hunting scenarios where speed is crucial. It simplifies the process of compensating for bullet drop and wind drift, enabling faster follow-up shots or adjustments for varied distances.
• 11 Brightness Settings: The reticle features a highly versatile illumination system with 11 distinct brightness settings. This comprehensive range ensures optimal visibility in any lighting condition imaginable. From bright, sunny days that typically wash out illuminated reticles to the deepest twilight or even night-time use with external illumination, you can fine-tune the reticle's intensity for perfect contrast against your target. The illumination helps in rapid target acquisition and precise aiming, especially when aiming at dark targets or in low light.

Precision Adjustments and Customizable Ballistic Turret

Accuracy is nothing without precise and repeatable adjustments. The Steiner Predator 8 delivers with its tactile and responsive turrets.

• .25 MOA Adjustments: Each click of the windage and elevation turrets translates to a precise .25 MOA (Minutes of Angle) change in point of impact. This fine adjustment capability allows for incredibly accurate zeroing and makes precise corrections for bullet drop and wind a straightforward process.
• Generous Adjustment Range: With 55 MOA of both windage and elevation adjustment, the Predator 8 provides ample travel to accommodate a wide range of cartridges and shooting distances, even for extended long-range scenarios.
• Customizable Ballistic Turret: This is a standout feature for the dedicated shooter. The integrated customizable ballistic turret allows you to set specific range markers, ensuring rapid and precise dialing for known distances. Once configured for your specific load, you can confidently dial in the required elevation adjustment, eliminating guesswork and significantly speeding up target engagement at varying ranges.
• Zero Mode: The "Zero Mode" function offers a reliable mechanical stop at your chosen zero setting. This means you can quickly dial down for closer shots or make adjustments for wind, then return to your absolute zero with confidence, even in the dark or under pressure. This feature is invaluable for maintaining consistent accuracy in dynamic shooting situations.

Built for the Toughest Environments: Steiner's Legendary Durability

A high-performance optic is only as good as its ability to withstand the rigors of the field. Steiner is renowned for building optics that are exceptionally tough, and the Predator 8 (UPC: 840229106035) is no exception.

• Robust 30mm Tube: The 30mm main tube provides a robust platform for the internal components, contributing to the scope's overall strength and stability. This larger tube diameter also typically allows for greater internal adjustment range compared to smaller tubes.
• Fog Proof: Nitrogen-filled and sealed, the scope is completely fog proof, preventing internal condensation that can obscure your view during rapid temperature changes or in humid conditions.
• Water Proof: Ready for any weather, the Predator 8 is waterproof, ensuring its internal components remain protected even in heavy rain or accidental submersion.
• Weather Proof: This encompasses resistance to a broad spectrum of environmental challenges, from extreme cold to intense heat, dust, and general harsh outdoor conditions. It means the scope is designed to perform reliably whether you're hunting in a blizzard or a desert.
• Shock Resistance: Built to withstand the recoil of powerful magnum calibers and accidental impacts, the Predator 8 maintains its zero and optical integrity even under significant stress.

Weighing in at a manageable 23.40 ounces and measuring 13.50 inches in length, this scope strikes an excellent balance between robust construction and practical portability, making it suitable for a wide range of rifles without feeling cumbersome. The comfortable 3.70 inches of eye relief ensures safe and comfortable viewing, even with heavy recoiling firearms.

Who Is the Steiner Predator 8 For?

This scope is a top-tier choice for a specific kind of user:

• Serious Hunters: Especially those pursuing deer, elk, or other large game in varying terrain and light conditions. Its low-light capabilities, wide field of view, and ballistic reticle make it an ideal companion for success in the field.
• Predator Hunters: The 2-16x magnification and illuminated reticle are perfect for engaging coyotes, foxes, or other varmints at varying distances and times of day.
• Precision Target Shooters: While primarily designed for hunting, its precise adjustments and clear glass make it suitable for target practice and improving marksmanship skills at the range.
• Anyone Seeking a Versatile, High-Performance Optic: If you want one scope that can handle both close-range snap shots and extended-range precision, without compromising on clarity or durability, the Predator 8 is an outstanding investment.

The Steiner Predator 8 2-16x42mm (model 3002, UPC 840229106035) is more than just a rifle scope; it's a meticulously engineered optical instrument designed to elevate your performance. Its blend of high-contrast optics, the versatile 8x zoom system, the intelligent E3 Ballistic reticle with superior illumination, and its renowned Steiner toughness, makes it a formidable choice for any serious shooter. Whether you're navigating dense forests or aiming across vast plains, this scope provides the clarity, precision, and reliability you need to make every shot count.

Find your Steiner Predator 8 2-16x42mm Rifle Scope at DEGuns.com, where you can explore a wide range of premium optics and shooting accessories.

Steiner Predator 8 2-16x42mm Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Steiner
Model	Predator 8 (Model 3002)
Magnification	2-16x
Objective Lens	42mm
Tube Diameter	30mm
Reticle	Illuminated E3 Ballistic
Focal Plane	Second Focal Plane (SFP)
Color	Black
Field of View	7.70-62.07 ft @ 100 Meters
Adjustment	0.25 MOA
Eye Relief	3.70 inches
Battery Type	CR2032
Windage Adj.	55 MOA
Elevation Adj.	55 MOA
Length	13.50 inches
Weight	23.40 ounces
Exit Pupil	8.50mm - 2.70mm
Parallax Adj.	20 yds - Infinity
Diopter Adj.	+2 / -3
Brightness	11 Settings
Proofing	Fog / Water / Weather Proof
UPC	840229106035
SKU (Steiner)	149702