This is a guide covering the best spotting scope tripods.
The best spotting scope tripod is one that works for your standard use case.
A tripod designed specifically for a spotting scope will typically have a pan/tilt head that allows for easy adjustment of the angle and position of the spotting scope. It also will be sturdy and durable enough to support the weight of the spotting scope, and withstand outdoor conditions such as wind and rain. A tripod that is lightweight and easy to transport is also a good option for spotting scopes, as it allows you to take it to different locations.
It’s important to keep in mind that not all tripods are created equally.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick overview:
- ⭐ Best Overall Spotting Scope Tripod
- 🔭 Best Lightweight Spotting Scope Tripods
- 🔭 Best Heavy-Duty Spotting Scope Tripods
- 🔭 Best Premium Spotting Scope Tripods
- 💸 Best Budget Spotting Scope Tripod
How to Choose the Best Spotting Scope Tripod?
Weight: A lightweight tripod is easier to carry and transport, but may not be as stable as a heavier tripod. Consider the weight of the tripod and the spotting scope, as well as how you plan to use the tripod.
Stability: Look for a tripod with a wide base and sturdy legs. This will ensure that the tripod is stable and can hold the weight of the spotting scope without tipping over.
Height: Consider the maximum and minimum height of the tripod, as well as whether it can be adjusted to your desired height.
Head: Look for a tripod with a pan/tilt head that allows you to adjust the position of the spotting scope easily.
Material: Tripods are made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, carbon fiber, and wood. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum is lightweight and affordable, carbon fiber is lightweight and durable, wood is heavy but very stable.
Budget: Look for a tripod that fits your budget, but also consider the long-term durability of the tripod. A high-quality, durable tripod will last longer and be worth the investment in the long run.
Brand reputation: Look for a reputable brand that offers a warranty on the tripod and has good customer service in case you need help or have any issues with the tripod.
Table of Contents
12 Best Spotting Scope Tripods
1. Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Padded foam legs keep your hands away from hot or cold metal, depending on your climate
- Smooth three-way pan and tilt gives you plenty of versatility when shooting
My Cons With This Tripod:
- The unit is durable but heavy so it’s great for outdoors but maybe a pain to carry
- Leg extenders are not quick releasing, meaning you have to take a little extra time to maneuver them
The Bushnell 784030 tripod is a full-size tripod perfect for extended sessions in the outdoors.
While this tripod may be overkill for shooting in your backyard or, say, a wedding venue, it’s the kind of equipment you’d be happy to have in the Appalachian Mountains for wildlife and nature photography.
It can withstand the bumps and wear and tear that hiking brings with it.
2. AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Good value
- Two bubble levels give you a fair amount of control over the straightness
My Cons With This Tripod:
- It can topple over easily if not careful
- The pivot controls can be difficult to maneuver
If you’re new to photography, then AmazonBasics products are often your best friend.
The quality, while leaving a bit to be desired, is good enough to let you flex your photographic muscle without making a huge investment.
Just remember that, once you grow out of this tripod to upgrade to something better.
3. Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod
My Pros With This Tripod:
- The rubber feet give this tripod extra slip resistance
- The entire tripod is incredibly sturdy and durable due to its anodized aluminum material
My Cons With This Tripod:
- It can be a bit heavy
- Some slight wobbling can occur due to its weight
If you’re a seasoned professional looking for the “best of the best” and aren’t afraid to pay for it then the Vortex Optics Pro GT is the tripod for you.
It’s rugged, it’s flexible, and it’s easy to adjust.
Once you attempt to adjust this tripod and it pivots for you like it’s on bearings you’ll realize just how much spending the extra money is worth.
4. RetiCAM Tabletop Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head
My Pros With This Tripod:
- It has a short footprint but can extend surprisingly high
- Three-way pan and tilt give you the maneuverability that most tabletop tripods lack
My Cons With This Tripod:
- Many consumers report that it’s difficult if not impossible to get this tripod complete level
- Because of its small size, it could be dangerous to affix a large and/or heavy camera
The biggest and best tripod isn’t always the best choice, especially if you’ve found a niche in food or product photography.
Sometimes a tabletop tripod is exactly what you need. However, tabletop tripods tend to be afterthoughts.
The RetiCAM Tabletop tripod is designed for professionals and has the features that’ll give you what you need during a professional shoot.
5. Orion Paragon HD-F2 Heavy Duty Tripod
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Spiked legs add extra durability
- The heavy-duty frame is made of aluminum so its lightweight
My Cons With This Tripod:
- The legs will slip when extended even when locked
- The pan head lock slips a bit
While ruggedness tends to mean extra weight, the Orion 5378 Paragon HD-F2 offers durability in a lighter frame due to its aluminum body.
Lightweight can also mean less stability, but thanks to the Orion’s spiked feet you can really dig into the terrain and keep your tripod from slipping.
The Orion could be a great asset for long shoots in rugged terrain.
6. Celestron 82050 TrailSeeker Tripod
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Super transportable—a great lightweight spotting scope tripod
- The quick-release plate makes removing your camera easy
My Cons With This Tripod:
- Its light frame means its less sturdy
- Pan and tilting can be a little finicky
Sometimes photographers would rather sacrifice durability for transportability.
That’s where the Celestron 82060 Trailseeker comes in.
The Trailseeker’s legs extend out in four sections rather than three, making it more compact when completely condensed.
Moreover, the whole tripod fits snugly into a shoulder bag making it even easier to carry with you.
7. Vanguard Alta 233AO Aluminum Alloy Tripod
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Feels and performs solid – built to last
- Ideal for glassing — a secure locking mechanism can hold the spotting scope in place
- Tripod offers great weight capacity and can collapse easily when you want it to
My Cons With This Tripod:
- Can be jerky when panning
- Heavier weight capacity of 11 lb/5 kg
This is a solid full-size tripod ideal for those who need a tripod that can support your heavy-duty spotting scope.
This type of tripod is intended to support heavy-duty spotting scopes with an objective lens diameter of 80mm.
It comes with a nice carrying case and a quick-release plate for fast set up.
The foam legs allow for a comfortable carrying experience, which is great if you are taking it on a long trip.
This is an overall great tripod for your spotting scope that made of durable and high-quality aluminum.
8. Vortex Optics High Country Tripod
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Both sturdy and lightweight — great for backpacking adventures
- Great for spotting scopes but also works for binoculars
- Rubberized feet prevent it from slipping
My Cons With This Tripod:
- Narrow legs can wobble a little but still very durable even in stronger wind conditions
This tripod is the lightweight counterpart of the Vortex Optics GT Tripod.
It’s intended to support scopes with an objective lens diameter of 45mm to 60mm.
The ballhead is easy to adjust and scan.
It is a lightweight, compact, and resistant tripod that’s built to be taken alongside traveling journeys.
The legs can also be splayed down very low, which is ideal for hunting and target shooting.
9. Manfrotto Element Traveller
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Legs are easy and quick to adjust
- Comes with a nice carrying bag
- Looks very sleek
- Durable build
My Cons With This Tripod:
- Ballhead can have a little bit of trouble rotating smoothly and it can come loose if not locked into place properly
- Height can be a little shorter if you are on the taller side
- Lock-legs can jam a bit if not careful
This tripod is easy to mount and dismount. It’s ideal for supporting objectives of 45mm to 70mm.
The removable center column allows for the tripod to get low to the ground and the rubberized grips on the twist lock prevent any slippage.
This is a portable tripod that’s suited for hikes, backpacking journeys, and overall travelling adventures.
The tripod provides good stability and it’s easy to mount and dismount.
10. Bushnell Titanium Tripod
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Excellent load capacity and great maximum height
- Features a reversible center column
- Easy and fast to setup
- Easy to secure, attach, and detach
- Works in prone position
My Cons With This Tripod:
- A bit heavy for long hiking distances
- Does not come with a carrying bag
This is a great tripod for spotting scopes and binoculars that works effortlessly with objective lens diameters of 45mm to 70mm.
The three-position leg angle adjustment allows you to set it up really low for maximum stability (useful for prone shooting applications).
The legs can be maximally extended to about 63 inches.
The three-leg angles are excellent for setting up your tripod really low for maximum stability, which is ideal for prone shooting positions.
Overall this tripod is lightweight, and extremely durable.
It’s titanium construction provides an excellent balance between portability, sturdiness, and durability.
11. Gitzo Lightweight Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Fluid, smooth, and easy to control ballhead stays secure and locked in
- Lightweight and offers great payload
- Compact and easy to carry/pack
My Cons With This Tripod:
- Does not come with carrying case
This tripod is for those who are serious about their gear and willing to invest a lot of money.
It’s best at supporting spotting scopes with an objective lens diameter of upwards to 75mm.
This tripod folds up quite small and extends quite high and the center column is removable and can be used to view from the ground level.
This is a different high-end tripod that’s excellent for professionals.
Overall it’s great for birdwatching, target shooting, and hunting. You can also it for still and video photography!
12. Manfrotto MK190X3-2W Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Includes a rotating bubble-level
- Has great height
- A smooth panhead
- Sleek looking carrying case
My Cons With This Tripod:
- Can be shaky if left unattended
This tripod is not only great for birdwatchers but also be used for photography and capturing videos.
It is a great multi-functional tripod and is best suited for optics with 80mm or less. Some optics might make it less stable.
This tripod can easily adapt in different conditions and is easy to use in rougher terrains. The specifications and extra features of this tripod make it shine in terms of durability, stability, and an excellent height range when in full extension.
13. KobraTech 70″ Tripod for Camera and Phone
My Pros With This Tripod:
- Built-in monopod
- Versatile
- Phone mount
- Bluetooth remote shutter
My Cons With This Tripod:
- n/a
The Apex A70 tripod by KobraTech is an excellent mid range tripod option.
It has everything you need in a tripod, but our favourite feature is the built-in monopod that can be quickly removed and used for extra versatility.
As a cherry on top it also comes with a phone mount and Bluetooth remote shutter.
FAQ
What is a Spotting Scope Tripod Used For?
A spotting scope tripod is used to support and stabilize a spotting scope, a small telescope designed for long-distance viewing of objects such as birds, wildlife, landscapes, and astronomical phenomena.
Can Any Tripod be Used as a Spotting Scope Tripod?
Not all tripods are suitable for use with a spotting scope. While any tripod can technically support the weight of a spotting scope, some tripods may not provide the stability, adjustability, and durability needed for optimal use.
Concluding Remarks
Those were my 12 picks for the best spotting scope tripods for the money!
Personally, I would recommend the Vanguard Alta 264AO for its sleek design, flexibility, and great value and the Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod.
I’d also recommend the Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod is another excellent tripod that’s rock solid and well-made.
Whichever option you pick from the list I hope you have a great time using your spotting scope tripod!
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
