Long-range shooting heavily depends on the stability of your spotting scope. Spotting scope tripods are fundamental to keeping the scope firm. Today’s post seeks to unravel the best spotting scope tripods for long-range shooting.
If you struggle to hold your spotting scope comfortably and stably, you need to invest in a spotting scope tripod. A spotting scope tripod will keep the scope stable and ensure that you see the targets even at the highest zoom level. A tripod will also take the weight of the spotting scope off your hands and make your glassing sessions more comfortable.
Whether you use your spotting scope for birding, wildlife viewing, hunting, target shooting, or any other outdoor excursion, getting a quality tripod will help you get more out of your expedition. But finding the right product for your needs is not that easy.
What Should I Look for in a Spotting Scope Tripod?
While a spotting scope tripod might seem like a relatively simple piece of equipment at a first glance, there are multiple things you should look for when making a purchase.
Firstly, sturdiness and stability are very important. The multitude of spotting scopes available on the market today offer different levels of stability and sturdiness depending on the quality of materials used. Ensure that you get a sturdy and stable tripod that will make your glassing expeditions fun and comfortable.
The next thing to look for is the legs. Spotting scope with carbon fiber or aluminum legs is durable, sturdy and lightweight. However, aluminum tripods are more cost-effective compared to their carbon-fiber counterparts.
Furthermore, look at the tripod head. The most important element of a tripod head is panning and tilting. Make sure that the tripod you get offers smooth panning and titling. It should also have a quick-release plate for quick and easy installation and removal of the spotting scope.
Lastly, look for a spotting scope tripod that has an adjustable height. With height adjustment, you will have the flexibility to use it when standing, kneeling, or in a seated position.
7 Best Spotting Scope Tripods- Our Picks!
Today, there are so many tripods on the market and sorting through all the products available is taxing and time-consuming. We have put up this review to help make your selection and buying process simpler. These tripods ate lightweight, wind-resistance and well-built to last long.
Without much ado, let’s take a look.
1) Vortex Optics Ridgeview Carbon Tripod Kit
Vortex is a household name in the optic industry. It not only makes high-quality optics but also quality accessories like the Ridgeview Carbon Tripod Kit. Adding this tripod to your optic regimen will help you glass comfortably for long sessions and make the most out of your outdoor expeditions.
The tripod has a maximum height of over 6 feet and is ideal for glassing through optics such as binoculars and spotting scopes while standing. It is also built with a high 22-pound payload capacity so it will work well with spotting scopes of any size.
Another feature that you will like about the tripod is the head. It is a 2-way pan head that provides the ability to either pan or tilt so you can find and track targets at different elevations. Better yet, it has an Acra-Swiss compatible quick-release plate which makes setup and breakdown quick and simple.
The tripod is suitable for use in any terrain. It has rubber feet that ensure solid and sure footing. It also comes with three adjustment angles that let you adjust the angle of the leg independently on uneven grounds.
This tripod is lightweight for comfortable carrying in the field. It also folds into a compact size for easy storage during transportation. Ridgeview Carbon Tripod is arguably one of the best spotting scope tripods as it features all the essential features needed to deliver superb performance.
Features
- Carbon fiber legs
- 2-way pan head
- Rubber feet
- 22-pound max load capacity
- Adjustable height from 8.3 to 73.8”
- Three-leg section with a center column
- Detachable counterweight hook
- Acra-Swiss compatible quick-release plate
Pros
- Smooth and precise adjustments
- Lightweight and portable
- Stable footing on uneven grounds
- Sturdy and stable even when fully extended
Cons
- The center pole tensioner is made of plastic
2) Leupold Carbon Fiber Tripod Kit
The Leupold Carbon Fiber Tripod is created for nearly any outdoor expedition. It is very easy to set up, sturdy and very easy to use. It also has a manageable weight of 4.9 pounds for easy carrying in the field. Leupold Pro Guide CF-436 Tripod delivers maximum versatility and performance making it one of the best spotting scope tripods.
This tripod is built for durability. It is created with robust and dependable components to give you many years of use and ensure that you have a steady mounting platform. It also boasts carbon fiber legs which enhance durability without adding a heavy load to your gear loadout.
Moreover, the tripod is designed with a pan/tilt head that provides smooth tracking for scanning targets and following fast-moving prey. It also uses a twist-lock leg adjustment for easy and accurate modifications during use. Above all, the leg sections in this tripod are sealed to keep dust and dirt out.
Features
- Carbon fiber legs
- Twist-lock leg adjustment
- 3 section legs
- 1/4in – 1/2in socket mount adapter
Pros
- Solid construction
- Excellent adjustability
- Easy to use
- Manageable weight
- Created to be ideal for nearly any shooter
Cons
- Expensive for a budget buyer
3) Carson TriForce Series 3-Way Fluid Panhead Tripods
The Carson TriForce 3-Way Fluid Panhead Aluminum Lightweight Tripod is one of the best spotting scope tripods for anyone on a budget. It has a height that extends up to 62.6” and three-section, locking legs with quick-release locks.
It has a 3-way fluid pan head that offers smooth 360-degree movement and its payload capacity is 6.6 pounds. It also comes with a quick-release plate that makes setup and breakdown a walk in the park.
Furthermore, this lightweight and sturdy tripod boast two bubble levels for proper leveling and retractable spiked feet to ensure that your view is perfect all the time.
It is also equipped with a hook where you can put the case of your spotting scope and keep it off the ground. Better yet, you can add some weight to this hook to add stability when the need arises.
This tripod also comes with a handle for maximum portability and pivoting non-slip rubber feet on every leg to ensure secure footing on different surfaces.
Overall, the Carson TriForce 3-Way tripod is a great companion for bird watching, hunting, photographing, or Digiscoping with binoculars, cameras, monoculars, and more, not just spotting scopes. The versatility is one of the attributes that makes Carson TriForce Panhead one of the best spotting scope tripods.
Features
- Three snap-locking leg sections
- Non-slip pivoting rubber feet
- Two bulls-eye bubble levels
- Three-way fluid head with quick-release plate
- Geared elevator with a weight hook
- 6 pounds payload capacity
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Stable and fully adjustable
- Lightweight
- Built to take in any abuse
Cons
- No carry case included
4) Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber 4-Section Tripod
The Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber 4-Section Tripod is a good choice for larger and heavy spotting scopes. It has a load capacity of 15.4lbs, a weight of 3.6lb for easy portability in the field, and an extendable height of up to 63”. The high level of performance makes it one of the best spotting scope tripods for long-range shooting and hunting.
The setup process of this 4-section tripod is quick and easy. This is thanks to the Manfrotto’s Quick Power Lock System that lets you extend the tripod legs fully with one hand only. After use, the tripod is easy to fold down into a compact size.
Another innovative aspect that makes this tripod stand out is the 90° column that is easily accessible with one-finger operation. It also comes with a rotating leveling bubble that is easy to read irrespective of the angle at which the tripod is positioned.
Further, the tripod comes with leg angle selectors to ensure stable footing on uneven ground or rough terrain. It is also equipped with an easy link plug that allows for instant and easy connection between the tripod and accessories such as LED lights for macro photography.
Features
- Leg angle selectors
- 4lb load capacity
- Carbon fiber legs
- 90 ° column feature
- Easy link plug for instant accessory connection
- Quick power locks for legs
- Extendable height up to 63”
- Rotating leveling bubble
Pros
- Easy to set up and take down
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Versatile and easy to use
- Comfortable to hold in extreme temperature changes
- Sturdy, high-build quality
Cons
- The locking mechanism is not sturdy
5) Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod
Our next tripod recommendation for spotting scopes is the Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod. This is a full-size tripod that is designed to support spotting scopes of all sizes and weights, binoculars, camcorders, or SLR cameras. The tripod offers great value and is one of the best spotting scope tripods for long-distance shooting.
The tripod has three-position leg angle adjustment settings that allow for an expansive height range. These legs are made from sturdy and durable aluminum and include foam padding that adds comfort and protection in extremely hot and cold environments.
This fully-featured, stand-up tripod also features a 3-way pan head with a large mounting platform. This makes it easy for you to rotate the spotting scope at different angles until you achieve a comfortable viewing position.
Features
- Rubber leg tips
- Sliding center column with tension control
- 3 padded foam leg cushions
- Adjustable leg angle settings
- Sturdy and durable aluminum legs
- 3-way pan head with a large mounting platform
- 8lbs max load capacity
Pros
- Quality construction
- Inexpensive
- Excellent fit and finish
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- It doesn’t have quick-release levers
- Heavy so it’s not ideal for people who move a lot.
6) Zeiss Professional Tripod
Gracing the list of the best spotting scope tripods is the Zeiss Professional Tripod. This is a carbon fiber tripod that is specially designed for use with a series of Zeiss binoculars and spotting scopes.
It has a variable height adjustment up to 72.4” to accommodate all users irrespective of their height and a maximum load capacity of 7.7lbs. Besides, the tripod will accommodate most users when standing upright or you can lower it to a minimum height of 24.8” and use it while sitting or kneeling.
With this tripod, both the set-up and break-down processes are quick and easy. This is made possible by the easy-to-use twist locks that only require a quarter rotation to unlock and re-lock the leg sections in place. Besides, the top section of each leg is wrapped with padding that provides a soft cushion when you are carrying the tripod on your shoulder.
Another facet that makes this tripod stand out is its lightweight design. The carbon fiber, 3-section design makes it both compact and lightweight for easy transportation in the field, and easy stowage when you are not using it.
The tripod also features a pan and tilt head that you can use to adjust the spotting scope’s position. The head is also equipped with a dual lock design to help you control both the pan and the tilt controls separately.
Features
- Padded legs
- Twist locks for secure yet easy adjustment
- Carbon fiber 3-section design
- Pan and tilt head
- Rapid center column
- The maximum load capacity of 7.7lbs
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lightweight and portable
- Stable
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Expensive for the budget buyer
7) Celestron 82050 TrailSeeker Tripod
The best spotting scope tripods should be stable, durable and easy to use. With the TrailSeeker Tripod from Celestron, you get all these and much more. It is designed to provide perfect support for spotting scopes of any size and weight, cameras, small telescopes as well as binoculars.
This tripod is built to offer unmatched durability. It has sturdy aluminum legs that adjust in height from 18.9 inches to 70.5 inches to accommodate users of different heights. The four-section legs can also be set to three different angles to ensure stable footing on uneven grounds.
Moreover, the tripod has a two-way fluid pan head with a quick-release plate for quick and easy installation and removal of the spotting scope. For added stability, the tripod comes with a center hook so you can attach a weight when the need arises.
The tripod is also equipped with a center column that is easy to extend when you need extra height.
Features
- Sturdy aluminum legs
- Extendable center column
- Two-way fluid pan head
- Quick release plate
- Built-in compass
- Retractable hook for mounting weights
- Four-section legs
- Tripod case and shoulder strap included
Pros
- The legs are adjustable in both the height and angle
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and easy to fold
- Sturdy, durable and stable legs
Further Reading
- Best Spotting Scopes for Elk Hunting
- Spotting Scopes for Backcountry Hunting
- Best Spotting Scopes with Reticle
- Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
Considerations when Buying Best Spotting Scope Tripods
Choosing a spotting scope tripod is not something to do on a whip. Here is a quick rundown of the features you should consider when making your selection.
Weight
The first thing to consider is the weight of the tripod. A heavy tripod may have a solid construction and multiple features built in, but be less portable. In the field, you will have a hard time carrying it together with the spotting scope or any other gear you may have carried.
If you want to have an easy time in the field, invest in a lightweight tripod. It will be easy to carry around. A light tripod will also have the added advantage of being easy to set up.
Load Capacity
Different spotting scope tripod tripods have different load capacities. This is an important factor to consider especially if you have a big and bulky spotting scope.
Before making any purchase, check the tripod’s maximum load capacity. The higher the load capacity a tripod has the better. It will accommodate the spotting scope comfortably and stably as well.
Read: Best Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting
Head
There are three tripod heads to choose from. They include ball, pan and fluid heads.
Ball head spotting scope tripods are designed to move freely in any direction. In most cases, the all-around observation makes these types of tripods a good choice for birding and wildlife spotting.
Pan head spotting scope tripods will move the optic in either two or three directions. They provide more stability than the ball head counterparts and make small adjustments much easier.
Fluid heads spotting scope tripods are essential pan heads but have a special drag function that makes it easy for you to follow the target. The best spotting scope tripods with fluid heads are a good choice for wildlife observation.
Portability
Before you make a spotting scope tripod purchase, take into consideration where you will be using it mostly. For traveling or hunting, you should get a tripod that folds into a compact size.
This will make it easy to pack together with the other gear you have and make transportation easy. A carry bag is also very important for both transportation and storage.
Read: Best Vortex Spotting Scopes
Height
The next thing to consider is the height of the spotting scope tripod. To have a comfortable time in the field, you must find a tripod that has the right height.
Consider the positions you will be using the spotting scope in, whether it is standing, bending, or seated and decide accordingly. Most spotting scope tripods have adjustable heights that make them more convenient to use in different positions.
Material
The durability of a spotting scope tripod is determined by the material used to make it. Premium tripods are crafted from carbon fiber which is durable and lightweight.
Another popular material is aluminum which is lightweight and durable, but more cost-effective than carbon fiber. Other manufacturers use aluminum and plastic to create ultra-light tripods.
Cost
Lastly, consider the cost. With the best spotting scope tripods, you can pay $100 or less for the budget options and as high as $400 and above for the premium, carbon-fiber models. Look at the features that the spotting scope presents and find one that blends with your budget needs.
Read: Best Hunting Binoculars under 500
Essential Features of Spotting Scope Tripods
There are three essential features that every spotting scope tripod should have. These features are stability, versatility and quick-release plate.
Versatility
If you are an outdoorsy person, a versatile spotting scope tripod will give you greater value for your money. Most tripods are compatible with spotting scopes, binoculars, monoculars, small telescopes and cameras for added versatility.
Another versatility aspect is adjustable height. A tripod that has an adjustable height will accommodate various users, irrespective of their height.
Quick Release Plate
A tripod that comes with a quick-release plate is very important. It makes it easy for you to attach the spotting scope and detach it quickly after use.
Stability
One of the main reasons for getting a tripod is to provide a stable platform where you put your spotting scope. If the spotting scope tripods are not stable, then will be of no use.
The stability of any tripod is determined by the quality of construction and the type of materials used. So, ensure that you get a product that is well-made using premium-quality materials.
Furthermore, the feet of the tripod’s leg should be covered with a material such as rubber to ensure solid footing on unstable grounds. Some spotting scope tripods also come with a bubble level for checking if you have mounted it properly.
Read: Best Rangefinder Scopes for Rifles
How Tall Should a Tripod Spotting Scope Be?
A spotting scope tripod should be tall enough to ensure that you have a comfortable view of the spotting scope from any glassing position. If you are using the spotting scope in a standing position, you shouldn’t have to lift your legs or bend to see a target. Additionally, if you are taller than average, you should get a tripod that is also taller than average.
Is it Better to have a Straight or Angled Spotting Scope?
Choosing between a straight or angled spotting scope is mainly a matter of individual preference. However, straight spotting scopes are more popular among hunters. Many hunters prefer the straight eyepiece design which requires little to no adjustments during use.
On the other hand, angled spotting scopes are more versatile and comfortable to use during prolonged glassing sessions. They are also the best for Digiscoping and group sharing among users of different heights
Why Do I Need a Spotting Scope Tripod?
Spotting scopes are often big, slightly heavy and cumbersome to hold and carry around. Having a tripod will take the weight off your hands and make extended viewing sessions more comfortable. A tripod will also enhance the scope’s stability.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this post has given you some insights into the best spotting scope tripods. Being activity-specific and knowing how and where you intend to use the tripod will help you make the right buying decision. Take a look at the features that make a spotting scope tripod a good purchase, and decide appropriately.