The long range event organised regularly by optics specialist GPO (German Precision Optics) and its German sales partner AKAH (Albrecht Kind GmbH) with the support of Steyr Arms on the Seetal Alps in Styria has become something of a tradition. For several years now, the three companies have been grateful to be able to use part of the military training area located there to show business partners and media representatives products from their portfolio as well as one or two new products in practice. Using guns from the Austrian manufacturer Steyr Arms for the presentation of GPO target optics was an obvious choice, as AKAH is also responsible for their distribution. However, the focus at this event was primarily on the riflescopes and observation optics as well as rangefinder models from GPO, and this year in particular two new hunting riflescopes: the GPO Spectra 8x 2-16x50i and the GPO Spectra 8x 1-8x24i, which we would like to present to you in more detail in this report and in the video linked below.
Also new this year were two spotting scopes that GPO added to the cataloh to round off the portfolio and in response to customer requests. These are the GPO Passion 16-48x65 APO (RRP: €749) and GPO Passion 20-60x85 APO (RRP: €849) spotting scopes, which are sure to please not only hunters and long-range shooters, but also birdwatchers and nature observers. However, in order not to go beyond the scope of this report, we will only present the new spotting scopes in more detail in a later article. You can get some first impressions of the practical use of the scopes, guns and ammunition provided by Lapua via AKAH at the event in our video linked above. But for now, let's concentrate on the two new riflescopes from GPO and a useful accessory.
The most important features of the new, versatile GPO Spectra 8x 2-16x50i G4i hunting riflescope
German Precision Optics (GPO) expands its successful 8x zoom series and presents the new Spectra 8x 2-16x50i G4i Fiber, a high-performance riflescope for the discerning hunter. This scope complements the successful GPO Spectra 8x 1.3-16x44i, which has already been extensively tested here on all4hunters.com, with a faster version with an objective lens diameter of 50 mm and impresses with its optical performance as well as its mechanical precision and versatility.
The Spectra 8x 2-16x50i is based on the proven optical construction kit of the 1.6-13x44i and offers exceptional image quality with brilliant color rendition, high transmission, excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and high resolution. The generous field of view of over 20 meters at 100 meters at 2x magnification allows for fast target acquisition. This makes these scope suitable not only for the classic high seat but also for driven hunting or stalking.
Thanks to the generous magnification range of up to 16x, the parallax adjustment from 10 meters and the option of retrofitting with the GBT ballistic turret, the new riflescope is also ideally suited for precise long-range shots. The larger objective lens diameter also ensures a greater light yield well into the twilight. And it does so without additional technology, even though the scope is designed to fulfil both ergonomic and mechanical requirements when used in conjunction with night hunting clip-ons. The recommended retail price of the GPO Spectra 8x 2-16x50i is €1,199. The riflescope is expected to be on sale at the end of July/beginning of August 2025.
Details of the new GPO Spectra 8x 1-8x24i G4i driven hunting scope
The new Spectra 8x 1-8x24i G4i is primarily aimed at hunters who rely on driven hunting and fast target acquisition at close range. It replaces the previous 1-8x24i model and, like the new Spectra 8x 2-16x50i, comes with a fine illuminated dot projected into the crosshairs by fiber optics. The driven hunt riflescope also impresses with its large field of view of 41 meters at 100 metres at 1x magnification. This favours intuitive aiming with both eyes open – an essential advantage for short reaction times and fleeting wild boar, for example.
Thanks to the high image sharpness right up to the edge, brilliant color fidelity and high contrast performance, the compact riflescope offers an optical performance that can otherwise only be found in significantly larger systems or more expensive models. As usual with GPO, the mechanical robustness is reliable, shock-resistant and designed for tough everyday hunting. Like the GPO Spectra 8x 1.3-16x44i and the 2-16x50i, the driven hunt model is compatible with the optional GBT ballistic turret, which allows additional precision for variable shooting distances. As a result, the new Spectra 1-8x24i is sure to arouse the interest of many sport shooters from dynamic rifle disciplines such as IPSC Rifle. The new driven hunt riflescope will be available in stores at the end of July/beginning of August 2025 for 999 euros (RRP).
Video: The tried-and-tested GPO Spectra 8x 1.3-16x44i shares these advantages with the new Spectra 8x 1-8x24i and Spectra 8x 2-6x50i models
The optionally available GBT ballistic turret – A helpful accessory for the new Spectra 8x riflescopes
The ballistic turret for the new Spectra 8x riflescopes is what can confidently be described as a very useful and affordable accessory. For anyone who frequently shoots at varying distances, the estimated 89 euros (RRP) is certainly a worthwhile investment. The quick reticle adjustment, which is very easy to retrofit, enables extremely precise and at the same time fast elevation correction in 1 cm increments to 100 meters – which corresponds exactly to a 0.1 MIL adjustment. The clearly perceptible clicks allow effortless adjustment to changing distances and thus supports a quick reaction to changing shooting situations – whether on the shooting range or in hunting use. A major advantage is the user-friendly design: the adjustment is intuitive and reliable, so that even less experienced hunters can quickly achieve accurate results. The system is also impressive thanks to its sophisticated mounting options: the ballistic turret can be attached to both the new Spectra 8x models and the tried-and-tested Spectra 8x 1.3-16x44i in just a few simple steps – even in the field.
You can find out more about the new GPO Spectra 8x 1-8x24i and Spectra 8x 2-16x50i riflescope models on the German Precision Optics website.
Further information on the current Steyr catalog can also be found on the Steyr Arms website and in the online shop of wholesaler AKAH, which also has further information on the GPO products for you there, but only supplies them via specialist dealers.
And finally, a big thank you to Gert Mürmann for his support with video and photo material for this report.
