GPO Spectra 8x 2-16x50i Rifle Scope

SPECTRA 8x 2-16x50i Review

The SPECTRA 8x 2-16x50i is a top-tier riflescope crafted for hunters and shooters who demand adaptability. Whether you’re glassing woodlines on a driven hunt, stalking quietly at dawn, or lining up a distant shot at last light, this scope delivers across the board thanks to its flexible magnification, bright transmission and rugged construction. It’s a refined, high-performance optic suited to varied hunting and shooting environments.

Performance & Key Features

The optical performance and feature set deliver high value:

• Strong light-gathering thanks to the 50 mm objective and 90 % transmission — excellent in low light or twilight conditions.
• Wide field of view at low magnification for fast target acquisition, with 16× magnification available for long-range precision.
• Parallax adjustment from 10 m to infinity plus illuminated reticle make it versatile for close-range stalking and long-range shooting alike.
• Broad adjustment range for windage/elevation supports precision shooting and ballistic corrections over varied distances.

Build Quality & Handling

The SPECTRA 8x 2-16x50i feels robust yet manageable in the field. The 30 mm tube gives strong mechanical stability, and at 718 g it remains reasonably lightweight for a high-performance scope. Its balanced dimensions and included throw lever help keep handling smooth and intuitive — even when changing magnification on the move.

Is the SPECTRA 8x 2-16x50i Easy to Use?

Yes — this scope is designed for intuitive, no-fuss operation in real hunting conditions. Switching between 2× and 16× is smooth and quick, and the wide field of view at low magnification simplifies rapid scanning and target acquisition. Parallax adjustment and reticle illumination are straightforward, and the included throw lever enhances ease of use — even under stress or while wearing gloves.

Key Takeaways of the SPECTRA 8x 2-16x50i

The SPECTRA 8x 2-16x50i stands out as a versatile, high-grade riflescope — combining excellent light-gathering, a broad zoom range, robust build quality and practical features ideal for serious hunting. It excels where adaptability matters: stalking, driven hunts, twilight shooting and long-range precision. If you’re looking for a single optic that reliably performs across changing conditions and varied distances, this capable scope is a strong, long-term investment.

SPECTRA 8x 2-16x50i FAQs

How does the zoom range perform for different hunting scenarios?

The 2×–16× zoom gives exceptional flexibility: at 2× you get a wide 20.5 m field of view at 100 m — ideal for scanning terrain and acquiring moving game. When you need precision at distance, 16× magnification lets you refine aim and identify targets clearly. This makes the scope suitable for both dynamic movement hunts and long-range precision shots.

Is it suitable for low-light or twilight hunting?

Absolutely. The 50 mm objective lens and 90 % light transmission help to gather more ambient light, boosting visibility in low-light conditions such as dawn, dusk or dense forest cover. Combined with the illuminated reticle, it remains highly usable when natural light diminishes — though, as with all optics, extreme darkness will still limit visibility.

How sharp and clear is the image throughout the zoom range?

Thanks to its refined optical construction, the image remains sharp, with good colour rendition and edge-to-edge clarity across the zoom range. Whether you’re glassing at low magnification or zoomed in for detail, you’ll get reliable optical performance suitable for target identification and accurate shooting.

Does the scope support close-range as well as long-range shooting?

Yes — the parallax compensation from 10 m to infinity allows the scope to stay focused on targets both near and far. Whether you’re stalking at close quarters or lining up a distant shot, the scope accommodates varied distances without compromising clarity.

How user-friendly are the adjustment controls?

The turrets offer generous adjustment range (±320 cm at 100 m) for windage and elevation, allowing precise ballistic adjustment or zeroing for long-range shots. Parallax control, magnification changes and reticle illumination are straightforward, and the included throw lever helps make zoom transitions swift — even in cold weather or under pressure.

Is this riflescope a good choice for mixed hunting styles?

Yes. Its versatility — from wide field-of-view scanning to long-range precision — combined with strong low-light capability and stable build, make it excellent for a mix of driven hunts, stalking, and daylight or twilight shooting. It’s especially appealing for hunters who want a single scope that performs well across diverse situations.

Are there any limitations to consider?

While the scope is versatile, its broad magnification and feature set mean it's less specialized than dedicated extreme long-range scopes or ultra-lightweight close-range optics. Shooters looking for maximum field-of-view at very low magnification or maximum long-range reach beyond 16× may consider more niche optics — but for most hunters the balance here is hard to beat.

For more options, explore the full range of GPO rifle scopes here.