STEINER
I
count myself as very lucky to be in the Hunting & Fishing industry! I
was living the dream recently when I was 'tasked' to take out the new
Steiner Predator 82-16x42 rifle scope for a test and review. I was
especially excited as Steiner carry such a solid reputation in optics
and the listed spec's in the Predator 8 suggested something pretty special.
To give some background, Steiner started production in 1947, initially
making cameras and later progressed into hunting optics, creating major
innovations along the way such as the MakrolonTM material for binocular
housing (more comfortable and durable in the hand) and were the first to
introduce Nitrogen filling to prevent fogging of the lenses during temperature
changes. This innovation and reputation for excellence did not go under the
radar of Beretta which subsequently purchased Steiner and added it to its
family of companies. With the Beretta empire and its funding for research and
development behind it, Steiner has now gone on to introduce more market
leading technology and innovation.
The new Predator 8 scopes certainly look and act the part, and with two
models available, the 2-16x42 I tested, plus the 3-24x50, meaning they will
cover most NZ hunting requirements from long distance shooting to bush
hunting. As said, our mission was testing the 2-16x42, and given they are part
of the Beretta family, we thought it would be particularly appropriate to pair it
with a favourite rifle of mine in a brand that is also a
key member of the Beretta family, namely my Sako, in 223.
First impressions were good, I particularly
liked their turret with fine gauging and the
illuminated reticle.
We found the illumination was particularly valuable
as our review firstly involved sitting out at dusk and continually
watching and comparing the Steiner to a variety of other scopes as the light
changed. I find that one of the better times to actually register scope variation
is on the change of light. All can be "good" during the day, but the change of
light is critical, and the Predator 8 was excellent in "holding light". Steiner
claim 92% light transmission, which is one of the best on the market.
STEINER
DASAX
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For our comparison, we had a mix of more expensive and cheaper scopes,
and it certainly proved true, that the more you pay, the better the optics. The
tested model has an RRP of $2799, so definitely fits the quality spectrum and at
this level offers good value for money.
The run down on the scope itself and its features are as follows;
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• Integrated customisable ballistic turret
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STEINER
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STEINER PREDATOR 8 SCOPE REVIEW
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SETTING THE
BENCHMARK!
BY KIM ELLETT HUNTING & FISHING NZ, GISBORNE
High-contrast glass with best-in-class optical clarity
Extra-wide field of view
TEST
FIRED
Industry-leading 92% light transmission
Versatile 8X system
Illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings
1/4 MOA clicks
Rear focal plane E3 Ballistic reticle, with cascading sub-tensions and
windage dots to help with tricky holdovers.
To add a little more information, I found the turret is easily set up with
marks that can be adjusted for desired ranges, and a zero stop to ensure you
never get lost in your revolutions. The scope offers good eye relief, clarity, light
transmission, and again, it has that illuminated reticle, so it ticks a lot of boxes.
The Predator 8s also come with covers, a feature which helps keep lenses clear
of dust and moisture, and protects your investment.
Of course we wouldn't properly be living the dream without taking the
Predator 8 on a hunt which timed perfectly with the need to top up on summer
venison for the BBQ. The combo proved as perfect as I'd predicted, and I was
pleased to head home with a fat bush edge yearling. To conclude, the two
Steiner Predator 8 models more than cover our needs as NZ hunters, and with
their 2-16x42 or 3-24x50 options, both at a priced under $3000- they hit the
spot for those looking at the upper end of the market! Go check them out and
compare for yourself at your local Hunting & Fishing New Zealand store.
"I FIND THAT ONE OF THE BETTER TIMES TO
ACTUALLY REGISTER SCOPE VARIATION IS ON THE
CHANGE OF LIGHT. ALL CAN BE "GOOD" DURING THE
DAY, BUT THE CHANGE OF LIGHT IS CRITICAL, AND THE
PREDATOR 8 WAS EXCELLENT IN "HOLDING LIGHT".
STEINER CLAIM 92% LIGHT TRANSMISSION, WHICH
IS ONE OF THE BEST ON THE MARKET."
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