Spotting scopes are multi-functional sighting tools, they are used for a wide range of outdoor activities including birding, and in our post today, we shed light on the best spotting scope tripod for birding.
When outdoors watching birds, the spotting scope you are using is only as good as the tripod you mount it on. Having a stable and quality tripod is important to make the most out of your birding excursions. It will stabilize your views through the entire magnification range and help you achieve the best views of these magical creatures.
Mounting a spotting scope on a tripod is also vital for glassing comfort. It takes the weight of the spotting scope off your hands and makes long glassing sessions more comfortable. While there are many spotting scopes on the market, few brands bundle them with a spotting scope. If the spotting scope you have didn’t come with a tripod, you should buy one separately.
In this buying guide, we will take you through the best spotting scope tripods for birding available on the market. But first things first, let’s have a look at the design features that make a great spotting scope tripod.
What Makes a Great Spotting Scope Tripod?
The vast zoom range that spotting scopes boasts necessitates the need to use a tripod. A great spotting scope tripod for birding is made of several features which include:
Adjustable Height
A great spotting scope tripod should have an adjustable height. That way, you are able to use it in different positions from standing to seated, kneeling, and half-kneeling.
Portable Design
For bird-watching expeditions, you need to have a tripod that is packable and portable. A tripod with a folding mechanism will be easy to pack and carry everywhere you want.
Leg Lock-Out Mechanism
Another feature that the best spotting scope tripod for birding should boast is the leg lock-out mechanism. This keeps the tripod in place and prevents accidental adjustability during use. The lock mechanism should also be quick to deploy and lockout.
Weight
Last but not least, birders should pay particular attention to the overall weight of the tripod. Spotting scopes usually weigh a few pounds and a tripod will only add to that weight. It is therefore important to get a product that is lightweight for more convenient portability.
7 Best Spotting Scope Tripods for Birding
Today, spotting scope tripods are designed to pair specifically with a spotting scope for birding, hunting or target shooting.
So, without any further delays, here is a list of the very best tripod for birding that are available on the market.
1) Vortex Optics High Country II Tripod Kit
Vortex Optics High Country II Tripod is by far the best spotting scope tripod for birding. It is compatible with a multitude of spotting scopes from different brands not just Vortex. It is also designed to offer incredible durability in a lightweight package.
This tripod is good for all users, no matter the height. The three legs are extendable in height from 11.3” to 62.5”. Furthermore, each of the legs can be adjusted out to three angles 70°, 49°, and 25°.
Another impressive feature of this tripod is its lightweight construction. It weighs 4.0 lbs only for convenient portability. Other than that, it has a 22 lbs max load capacity and a detachable counterweight hook where you can attach a weight and make the tripod more stable.
The in-the-field adjustments are ultra-smooth and precise for added convenience. This is made possible by the 2-way pan head and the quick-release system that makes it easy to mount and dismount the spotting scope.
Specifications
- Tripod & Bipod Material: Aluminum
- Length: 8.3 in
- Weight Capacity: 22 lb
- Tripod Closed Length: 11.3 in
- Height: 11.3 – 62.5 in
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 4 lb
Features
- 22lbs max load
- Sturdy aluminum design
- 2-way pan head
- Detachable counterweight hook
- Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release system
- Three leg sections
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Great value for the price
- Stable and sturdy
Cons
- Too light for heavy spotting scopes
2) Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod
Vanguard has built a name in the field of optics thanks to the top-grade products it manufactures. The Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod is outstanding both in stability and loading capacity.
It has unmatched versatility which enables more glassing angles than any other similarly priced tripods. This is made possible by the multi-angle central column system that moves from 0 to 180 degrees.
Moreover, the tripod has a Swivel Stop-n-Lock System that positions the central column in place securely, while maintaining great stability. The smooth fluid-like SBH-100 ball head rotates all round and includes a quick-release plate for easy mounting of the spotting scope.
The tripod is built with a magnesium die-cast canopy and aluminum legs that extend to a height of 68.2”. It also features a removable accessory hook, anti-shock ring and non-slip, spiked rubber feet that ensure secure footing on different surfaces.
Specifications
- Height:715-1730mm
- Weight:2.44kg
- Leg Sections: 3
- Leg Diameter(mm): 26
- Head Specs: SBH-100
- Bubble level(pcs): 1
Features
- 26mm 3-section aluminum alloy legs
- Smooth fluid-like SBH-100 ball head
- Removable accessory hook
- Multi-angle central column
- Premium magnesium die-cast canopy
- Anti-shock ring
Pros
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Good for heavy use
Cons
- None
3) Bushnell Advanced Titanium Tripod
Third on our list of the best spotting scope tripod for birding is the Bushnell Advanced Titanium Tripod. This tripod has a three-position leg angle adjustment, a three-way pan head, and two pan and tilt handles. It also features a gearless reversible center column for ease of use.
The selling point of this tripod is solid construction. It is made of Titanium, a metal that is synonymous with durability. Furthermore, the tripod is built light for ease of portability. It weighs 3.5 lbs only but it is sturdy enough to house spotting scopes of all weights.
To accommodate users of different heights, this tripod has an extendable height of up to 63”. The legs extend and retract with ease for added convenience. The tripod is also built with a stable mounting ability which is responsible for ensuring secure footing.
Specifications
- Pan Head: 3 way
- Head Type: Panhead
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Material: Titanium
- Maximum Height: 63 in
- Folded Length: 23.6 in
Features
- Three-way pan height
- Extendable height up to 63inches
- Titanium construction
- Gearless reversible center column
- Two pan and tilt heads
Pros
- Stable mounting ability
- Excellent build quality
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight
Cons
- None
4) Zeiss Professional Tripod
Next up, we have the Zeiss Professional Tripod. Built from carbon fiber, this tripod provides unmatched stability and flexibility. It is light enough to be easy to carry around, yet ultra-sturdy to ensure stable mounting ability.
The tripod has a height range of 24.8-72.4”. This feature gives you the flexibility to use it in different viewing positions. Furthermore, it accommodates all users, irrespective of height. Over and above that, the tripod has a maximum weight of 7.7lbs which is sufficient for most spotting scopes.
To complement the sturdy carbon construction, the tripod features a pan and tilt head with safe and precise clamping mechanism. It also boasts a quick-release tripod balance plate for straightforward mounting of the spotting scope.
Specifications
- Weight: 5.4 lb
- Height: 24.8-72.4 in
- Material: Carbon Fiber
- Head Type: Pan and Tilt
- Closed Length: 27.5 in
- Max Weight Capacity: 7.7 lbs
Features
- Carbon fiber tripod and bipod material
- 7lbs max weight capacity
- Slide-able quick-change plate
- Pan and tilt head
- 24.8-72.4 inches extendable height
Pros
- Lightweight
- Sturdy even in windy conditions
- Quality construction
Cons
- Comparatively costly
5) Amazon Basics 50-inch Lightweight Camera Mount Tripod
Amazon Basics 50-inch Tripod is your ideal choice if you are on a budget. It costs much less than any other tripod on this list, but built with every feature you need in a tripod. It is simple to set up and sturdy enough to hold the weight of your spotting scope and stay stable.
This tripod is built with a 3-way pan head with 360-degree swiveling. During use, you will be able to tilt the spotting scope into different angles until you get the perfect shot. Moreover, the quick-release mounting plate included makes it easy to mount and remove the optic from the tripod.
Another facet that makes it the best spotting scope tripod for birding is lightweight design. Made of strong yet ultra-light aluminum, the tripod transitions easily from one spot to the other. A carrying case is also included for ease of transportation.
What’s more is that each leg can be adjusted individually or together to a full height of 50 inches. The tripod also features rubber feet that guarantee stable and secure footing.
Specifications
- Item Weight: 1.22 lbs
- Material: Aluminum
- Height: 43-127cm
- Tripod Head Type: Pan Heads
- Max Weight Capacity: 4.40 lbs
Features
- 3-way head
- Quick-release plate
- Rubber feet
- 3-section, lever-lock legs
- 4 pounds maximum weight capacity
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design
- Easy to set up
- Sturdy and stable
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- None
6) UBeesize 67” Camera Tripod
The UBeesize 67” Camera Tripod is compatible with multiple optical devices including spotting scopes. It collapses to a tabletop height of 20.1” and extends to 67.3”. This makes it an ideal choice for users of different heights.
Not only is the tripod extendable in height but also designed with multiple shooting angles. Thanks to its versatile central mechanism, you can set the optic at different angles until you acquire the perfect shot.
Moreover, this tripod is built with durability in mind. It combines high-quality aluminum alloy and ABS resin materials to maximize durability and longevity. The quality construction coupled with the non-skid horseshoe pad ensures stable footing during use.
The other essential features included are an accessory hook, a spirit-level design, and a rotary lifting rocker.
Specifications
- Item Weight: 3.10 lbs
- Maximum Height: 150 cm
- Material: Aluminum
- Max Weight Capacity: 11.00 lbs
Features
- Multiple shooting angles
- Non-skid horseshoe pad
- Built-in spirit level
- Accessory hook
- High-quality aluminum alloy and ABS resin construction
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Multi-functional
- Easy to set up
- Light and stable
Cons
- None
7) Aureday 74” Camera Tripod
Lastly on our list of the best spotting scope tripod for birding is the Aureday 74” Camera Tripod. It has 4kg maximum load and 18.8” storage height for convenient portability. Additionally, the tripod has an extendable height of up to 74”.
Thanks to the versatile central mechanism, the tripod adjusts to multiple shooting angles with ease. Furthermore, it allows for 360-degree panoramic shooting to help you discover your potential when Digiscoping.
In terms of construction, the tripod is made with aluminum alloy and ABS resin. The quality construction guarantees unmatched durability and stability. On top of that, the tripod has rubber feet that ensure secure footing during use. It also comes with a travel bag so you don’t incur an extra cost to purchase one separately.
Specifications
- Height: 20.87 to 74in
- 360° rotating phone holder
- Tripod Head Type: Ball Heads
- Max Weight Capacity: 6.60 lbs
Features
- 4kg maximum load
- 8” storage height
- 74” maximum height
- High-grade aluminum alloy construction
Pros
- Versatile
- Easy on the wallet
- Sturdy and stable design
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cheap carrying case
Read Also
- 6 Best Spotting Scopes for Long-Range Shooting
- 7 Best Spotting Scopes for Digiscoping
- 5 Best Spotting Scopes under $300
How to Choose a Spotting Scope for Birding
When shopping for the best spotting scope tripod for birding, here are the essential features you should take into account.
Stability
The first thing that the best spotting scope tripod for birding should have is a stable design. Generally, the materials used to make the tripod determine how stable it is. A good tripod will also have rubber feet to ensure secure footing during use, and an accessory hook where you can mount a weight to add on stability.
Quick Release
Irrespective of what type of tripod you decide to settle for, you should consider getting a model that accepts a quick-release plate. Such tripods make it easy for you to mount and dismount the spotting scope.
Adjustability
Another important feature that the best spotting scope tripod for birding should have is adjustability. Being able to adjust the tripod height gives you the flexibility to use it in different glassing positions. Furthermore, a tripod with an extendable length is ideal for users of different heights.
Payload Capacity
The payload capacity of tripods varies from one product to the other. It is important to get a tripod with the highest payload capacity possible. That way, you are guaranteed that it will stay stable during use. For spotting scopes, we recommend that you get a product that has a payload capacity of at least 10 pounds.
Weight
Weight is another important thing to consider. If you will be carrying the tripod from one point to the other over a significant distance, it is vital that you find the lightest tripod possible. The last thing you would want is a bulky item that weighs you down as you move around. Lightweight tripods also have the added advantage of being easy to set up.
Spotting Scope Tripod Pricing
The price of spotting scope tripod varies from one item to the other. Majorly, the pricing is determined by the quality of construction, materials used, and brand. Be ready to pay at least $400 for the high-end models made from materials such as carbon fiber. Such tripods are lightweight yet durable enough to last for a long time.
If you are on a budget, expect to pay about $200 for the mid-tier tripods and about $100 for the budget models. Tripods in this price range are often made from aluminum alloy and may or may not come with the high-end features found in top-tier models.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have found this article to be insightful. The best spotting scope tripod for birding is durable, lightweight, stable enough to withstand windy environments, and easy to make adjustments during use. Look at the features that each tripod brings to the table and choose one that will help you achieve the most out of your spotting scope.