10 Best Spotting Scope Tripods (2024)

When attempting to adjust the magnification of your spotting scope with your hand alone, you’ll discover it’s exceedingly challenging to maintain a steady device for accurate observation. The image incessantly wavers and blurs, making it arduous to focus properly. Without a good tripod, you can hardly use the higher magnifications on your device.

However, spotting scope tripod quality is often overlooked, but it is nevertheless an indispensable tool. Anyone who has invested in an expensive and high-quality spotting scope should not fall back on a weak tripod. Because the performance of the spotting scope is significantly influenced by the quality of the tripod.

In this article, we’re going to unveil the top 10 best spotting scope tripods currently available in the market. We’ve used them over the years and gathered expert opinions, incorporating them into a comprehensive grading system. This allows you to discern which features truly bring substantial value.

Best Spotting Scope Tripods Reviews for 2024

Let’s see our ranking of the top 10 best spotting scopes in 2024:

• 1. Vortex Optics TR-HCY High Country II – Best Overall
• 2. Celestron 93612 Ultima Pan Tilt Head – Editor’s Preference
• 3. Nikon 16749-Black Compact – Excellent Construction
• 4. Vanguard VEO 2 PRO 233CO – Best Carbon Fiber Tripod
• 5. Orion Paragon-Plus XHD – Heavy-Duty Tripod Stand
• 6. Davis & Sanford TR684C-36 – Good Value for the Money
• 7. Bog DeathGrip Tripod – Best for Hands-Free Operation
• 8. Celestron 82050-Black TrailSeeker – Best Portable Tripod Stand
• 9. Vortex Optics Pro-2 GT Tripod – Wide Adjustability
• 10. Amazon Basics WT3540 Tripod – Cheap & Lightweight

1. Vortex Optics TR-HCY High Country II

Vortex stands as the preeminent optics brand worldwide, renowned for designing top-tier spotting scope tripods from premium aluminum and carbon fiber materials. This tripod is ready to serve a diverse range of users, whether avid hikers or steadfast photographers seeking stability and quality.

The TR-HCY High Country II tripod made is of aluminum which is 30% lighter than most tripods. It is also robust compared to other similar spotter tripod stands. Thanks to a 2-way Pan Head, you can easily switch out your long-range tools. The plate also fits solidly on the top so that user can easily change their device frequently if needed.

It has a maximum 22 lbs load capacity, so you can put small to large spotting scopes on it. This model also has a detachable counterweight hook for convenient use. It has three tripod leg sections that can be adjusted out to 70°, 49°, or 25°, to accommodate the tripod’s height according to your needs.

The tripod head also swivels well at any height level and is damped to prevent flopping around with a heavy item on top. This model is so secure; you set up your scope without worrying falling off. Overall, the Vortex High Country II delivers outstanding durability and stability while putting your device on it. 

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2. Celestron Ultima Pan Tilt Head Tripod

Celestron is another popular brand in the world for producing high-quality spotting scopes and accessories, especially very well-known in European and American optics markets. The brand offers several models of Aluminum tripods and monopods. However, Celestron Ultima Pan Tilt Head Tripod deserves the second position on our ranking because of its stability and lightweight design. It can be frequently used with spotting scopes, binoculars or cameras.

It has a quick-release plate that will attach to the 1/4″-20 tapped mounting block. The quick-release plate is also very handy and larger than on many other scopes. You can smoothly pan the horizon or tilt the viewing angle up and down with two-directional adjustments – even flip your optic sideways.

This model is widely customizable and the configuration will fit any viewing conditions. Because the three legs sections allow this tripod to work with virtually any user or terrain. The extendable center column provides even more height when you need to view at 180-degree angle.

Overall, the Celestron 93612 is a versatile and easy-to-use spotting scope tripod, it is perfect for just about any application. It is guaranteed a very long time service life. The package also comes with a protective carrying case for storage and transport.

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3. Nikon 16749-Black Compact Tripod Stand

If you ask me which is your favorite binocular brand, my answer is obviously Nikon. However, the tripods from the NIKON brand are less known all over the world but are popular in nature enthusiast communities. We have used this tripod stand several times with our binoculars and Vortex Spotting scope.

It is a compact tripod from Nikon. However, it is strong enough and, at the same time not too bulky. With a ball head, it weighs only about 2.3 lbs (without the spotting scope), which requires a strap for transport. However, this weight makes it very stable even with strong wind.

The 360-degree ball head is pretty versatile, which makes it easy to swap spotting scope, binoculars and camera. You can switch between camera and spotting scope quickly and easily. Foot release latches are also convenient, but require some force and tend to loosen, causing general foot unscrewing problems!

The height is quite suitable for large observers. The four-section aluminum alloy legs can be extended nearly 50 inches when fully extended. However, the maximum load capacity for this tripod is 5.5 lbs, which is pretty much low compared to the Celestron or Vortex spotting scope tripods.

However, the flaw is the noise caused by the opening of the feet if you want to go too fast: this is not ideal when trying to approach shorebirds! Despite its small flaws, with good maintenance, you will be satisfied with Nikon 16749-Black Compact Tripod Stand.

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4. Vanguard VEO 2 PRO Carbon Fiber Tripod

Vanguard tripods may not be as ubiquitous as some other brands, but they are a global company honored for their high-end spotting scopes, binoculars, and various other camera devices. The brand enjoys a highly satisfactory reputation, even with its robust and weighty spotting scopes.

The VEO 2 PRO spotting scope tripod is lighter than the Celestron, so they are a little less stable. Its total height is 57.5 inches. It features 360° degree 2-way pan head with a quick release plate. The backup safety lock and bubble level improve stability. The fixing head is easy to use. It can be tilted -60° backward or 90° forward. You can adjust the legs among 20°, 45° and 80° degrees angles.

The feet are very quick to deploy, thanks to the “Twist-to-Unlock” system. The VEO 2 PRO model is also strong and easy to unfold. To improve stability, the package comes with spiked feet. The Tripod Bag and Allen Wrenches are also included in the delivery, so you won’t need to spend extra money in the future.

If you’re tall and looking for a tripod that weighs less than 1kg, you should consider the Vanguard VEO 2 PRO Carbon Fiber Tripod (also available aluminum).

However, this model is more expensive. Although it is taller, you can adjust the feet independently for different uses. However, there are a few possible positions that are good.

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5. Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty

For entry-level spotting scopes or binoculars, we recommend the Orion Paragon-Plus XHD (a well-known brand across the Atlantic). It is an inexpensive and versatile tripod. It primarily functions as a spotting scope tripod with a reinforced central column.

Three aluminum-tube adjustable tripod legs with lever lock’s mechanism graduated reference marks for quick and easily repeatable setup. For smooth, controlled motion, it has two-way fluid pan head with tension adjustment knobs on both axes. It also has a standard screw-on mount on a centering balance rod with about a 1-1/2-inch base.

Orion Paragon-Plus XHD tripod measures 34 inches when folded, and 68 inches when fully unfolded. It weighs 9 lbs when fully assembled, which is pretty much heavy. The extensions of the feet have latches. It is not suitable for a very large spotting scope, but quite worthy for a 60mm to 8mm model with a 20x-60x eyepiece.

When you adjust the height, the head remains stable because the center column cannot rotate. This is useful if you are sharing your spyglass with someone of different heights. This model is also great for chasing open star clusters, even from less than inky-black urban skies.

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6. Davis & Sanford TR684C-36 Carbon Fiber

Davis & Sanford (D&S) tripods are not widely used under spotting scope. They are mainly bought from camera dealers who offer the famous Tiffen filters. However, we specifically chose this tripod for creating content for our YouTube channel and were surprisingly impressed with its performance and stability.

It was designed for compact and large-diameter spotting scopes. Its 8-layer Carbon Fiber Legs feature quick twist-lock 31mm-4 sections post sections. The maximum height can be reached up to 68 inches with a minimum height of 9 inches and folds down to 19 inches.

The total weight of this tripod with head is 4 lbs and takes a maximum capacity of 18 lbs in weight. You can easily carry it in your backpack. You can even easily and quickly break it down for optimal storage and transportation.

The TR684C-36 heavy-duty spotter tripod provides optimal stability on a variety of terrains. And with quick twist leg locks and the option for rubber or spike feet, it can be easily repositioned to allow you to get the perfect shot every time.

This model can also be the perfect choice for DSLR & mirrorless cameras for Portrait, Landscape, and General Photography. However, this tripod stand will accept any head with a 3/8-16 thread. For the price, Davis & Sanford TR684C-36 is very good value for money.

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7. Bog DeathGrip for Hands-Free Operation

Bog offers a wide range of video kits that represent an optimal tripod/head combination. There are several key advantages you can get when choosing this tripod and head kit. Competence, quality, and pursuit of constant innovation make these products the perfect solution for all nature lovers looking for the optimal standing kit for their spotting scope.

You can be sure that the Bog DeathGrip tripod and head will fit together perfectly, but with almost all models you have the option of either swapping the head or the video tripod or of using it with many other Bog products. You can choose between different versions and each version is designed for specific requirements.

Compared to other tripod stands with double tubes, this system has higher torsional rigidity and therefore offers excellent protection against jerky pivoting movements. Thanks to the aluminum tubes and magnesium castings used, it is extremely light.

The variable fluid control and the weight compensation system of the head also ensure shake-free and precise recordings. Bog DeathGrip has a particularly large height range from 9 to 59 inches. Therefore, it is an extremely versatile tripod that doesn’t require any additional accessories.

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8. Celestron 82050-Black TrailSeeker Tripod

Celestron TrailSeeker spotting scope tripod offers you high stability with a very low weight. In addition, the TrailSeeker series is very compact. Just take your tripod out into nature, and you will find the right stage there – you, your tripod, and your camera/binoculars are the audience.

A big advantage of the Celestron TrailSeeker tripod stand is its high load capacity. Depending on the model, they carry an optimal weight of 5-10 lbs. So just put on your camera or spotting scope for nature observation. It sits so stably that you can enjoy absolutely calm observations with it.

It can be pulled out to the desired height, if the height is not sufficient, you can simply pull out a central column as well. So that the tripod always feels comfortable in the hand, there is a black foam area in the upper area. Even in cold temperatures, you always have a firm grip on the tripod.

Like many other ultralight tripods, this model consists of aluminum tubes. Each of these can be pulled out 3 times. It is equipped with a 3/8 “screw and a mounting plate. So you can freely decide which photo head you want to use. Simply screw on the head and it is mounted.

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9. Vortex Optics Pro-2 GT for Spotting Scope

Vortex Optics Pro-2 GT tripod impresses with its excellent workmanship. The large tripod legs have a tube diameter of 20mm. Why is that important? Well, this makes the tripod strong, but the tube material makes it very easy to transport. This is exactly what the tripod is made for. Simply take it out of the compact bag, fold down the three legs and it offers you a stable stand.

Each leg consists of 3 individual segments. If you want it to be particularly high: Pull out the central pole and reach a height of 67.1 inches. No matter how the tripod always cuts a fine figure. With a folding length of only 24.6in, you can take this tripod with you almost anywhere. It is hardly noticeable in the matching tripod bag.

Who would think that this little bag hides a whole tripod? The pleasant thing is that you take the tripod out of the compact carrying case and in less than a minute it is set up and fully extended.

There are also three thick foam rubber handles where your hands come into most contact with the tripod. Even if it’s cold, you don’t necessarily need gloves. The soft handles make reaching around the legs as comfortable as possible.

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10. Amazon Basics WT3540 Tripod with Bag

If you are looking for an affordable tripod for your next adventure, the Amazon Basics WT3540 could be the best option for you. Thanks to the innovative opening and closing mechanism, it is incredibly quick and easy to use. Simply pull your legs down; they automatically clamp in any position – without screws, buttons or levers. To slide it in, all you need to do is press the leg release.

Its large installation area and numerous professional features make this tripod ideal for use outdoors under difficult conditions. It has a built-in handle, a two-part center column for low or normal shooting angles, and three fixed leg angle settings. And its “inverted” leg construction ensures that the worst dirt cannot get inside the legs on site.

It is characterized by high-quality materials, technical competence, innovation and elegant design. The construction is combined with plastics, aluminum, and steel. It provides comprehensive solutions and supports photographers in expressing their creativity in the best possible way.

The 3-way pan head provides smooth and precise movements for capturing shots from different angles. Overall, this is a high-quality spotting scope tripod under $30, which is the ideal companion for professional enthusiasts to make a perfect photography experience. It also comes with a convenient carrying bag.

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Buyer’s Guide: Best Spotting Scope Tripods

While we’ve already highlighted the top spotting scope tripods of the year, choosing the ideal one depends primarily on two crucial factors: the specific spotting scope in question and the intended usage environment. By carefully considering these aspects, you’ll be able to select the right model and ensure an enjoyable and effective experience.

Load Capacity

When choosing a tripod stand, the first thing is you should pay attention to the permissible load capacity. This especially plays an important role when doing digiscoping. A camera attached to the spotting scope and the adapter add significantly to the weight of the overall construction.

The tripod must be able to withstand this and still be sufficiently stable without wobbling. This can be a problem with unstable tripods. For example in windy conditions, despite the tripod, the picture shakes and does not allow for sharp pictures.

A payload of up to around 1 kilogram is sufficient for a small compact spotting scope. For heavier spotting scopes, it should be more than 1.5 kilograms and correspondingly more for heavier equipment.

Weight and stability

When you go on long hikes in nature and need to carry the tripod with you, you are happy if it is as light as possible and does not pose a significant burden. Light tripods are often not stable enough so you have to fall back on heavier, more massive constructions. But then they are bulkier and more strenuous to carry.

Therefore, you usually have to find a personal compromise between weight, size and stability. Even if the lightness of your accessory remains appreciable, you will have to make sure that it is heavy enough to be useful to you.

Operation and swivel range

You want to be able to follow the objects, especially when observing animals and birds, but also when observing the landscape. For this, you need tripod heads that can be swiveled horizontally and vertically in order to aim at and follow the movement of the object.

Here, tripods vary notably, particularly in their maximum swivel range. This pertains to how far the spotting scope can be rotated using the attached tripod handle on the movable tripod head.

Working height of tripods

Do you observe while sitting or standing? And how tall you are?

These are the questions you should ask yourself before buying a tripod for your spotting scope.

You can only use it comfortably when your tripod has reached your working height. For example, if you measure 1.80 meters and observe through a spotting scope with an angled view, predominantly standing in nature, you should be able to look comfortably through your spotting scope with a slight head tilt. This is not possible if the tripod is too small.

In the worst-case scenario, you have to bend far down in order to observe. A poor posture during the use of a spotting scope and tripod is quickly unpleasant possibly even causing pain in your back or neck.

Observation situation

Include your observation situations in the decision against a tripod. If you observe “indoors” on the shooting range, there are fewer weather conditions such as wind, so less stable spotting scopes are sufficient. However, if you are observing over long distances in the open field, you should invest in a sturdy tripod.

Price and budget

The price range of spotting scope tripods extends from low double-digit amounts to 1,500.00 dollars and more. The tripod head is not always included in the price. Light, stable, and easy-to-use tripods are usually more expensive.

However, that does not mean that you have to spend four-digit amounts on a decent tripod. If you are looking for a tripod for shooting sports, you can confidently invest less. Even ambitious hobby nature watchers can get a solid and easy-to-use tripod for their spotting scope from around 30 to 200 dollars.

FAQs

Which spotting scope tripod is right for me?

It depends primarily on two factors: the camera and where and how it is to be used. It is important to note that the load capacity of the tripod head can differ from that of the tripod. In both cases, the information should be treated with caution and should not be exhausted.

As we previously mentioned, around 1-1.5kg is sufficient for small to medium spotting scopes. For large and heavy devices, they should be more than 2 kilograms and correspondingly more for heavier equipment.

If you like to take pictures close to the ground, you should make sure that the minimum height is low or that the center column can be turned around. With the reversed center column, you can hang your spotting scope or camera upside down under the tripod.

Which material is right for spotting scope tripods?

For spotting scope tripods, lightweight yet durable materials like aluminum and carbon fiber are ideal choices. Aluminum tripods offer a good balance of affordability and sturdiness, making them suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, carbon fiber tripods are exceptionally lightweight, making them perfect for those who prioritize portability and ease of transportation.

If you compare carbon and aluminum tripods, the weight varies by around 20 percent, depending on the tripod model. However, carbon tripods are more expensive than aluminum.

Should you use compact and lightweight spotting scope tripods?

Light tripods are not good in windy nature because vibrations and movements affect the overall performance. Most tripods are therefore equipped with a hook on the center column to which an additional stabilizing weight can be attached. In order to achieve a small pack size, the individual legs of compact tripods are equipped with several links – often more than four.

However, the more limbs the legs have, the more unstable and prone to vibrations the construction becomes. Professional users and we normally rely on larger models with fewer links.

Clamp or rotate – which tripod is better?

There are two fundamentally different ways of locking the individual segments of the tripod legs: screw locks and clamp locks. Which form of closure is better depends on the user’s preference. We find the screw caps to be quicker to use, however, some people prefer clamping levers.

Most manufacturers offer models with both types of closures, but recently screw-type closures have become more common.

How to use a spotting scope tripod properly?

• To minimize noise when you unfold the legs, hold your tripod horizontally, then open the latches and unfold the segments.
• To increase the stability of your tripod, hang a heavy object from its center. For example, hang your backpack on it!
• Wrapping the feet with rubber bands will prevent them from making noise.
• If you plan to use your tripod in a humid environment, choose a model with feet without opening at their base, and waterproofed on the inside (with nylon for example).

Should I prefer brands spotting scope tripods or no-name brands?

Various spotting scope manufacturers are also active in the accessories market. For example, brands such as Celestron, Vortex, and BARSKA offer tripods from their own production. However, the manufacturers who specialize exclusively in photography equipment and observation devices are of interest. These brands include, for example, Nikon, Bushnell, and Athlon. Brands such as Vanguard or Gosky are probably less well-known. But here too, it can be worthwhile to get information on individual devices.

Tripod Alternatives for Spotting Scopes

As an alternative to a tripod, you can of course place your spotting scope on a calm surface. If you are traveling by car, the roof of your vehicle is a good option. In a high seat, hunters can also use the window ledge as a support.

Possibly a small table is also suitable as an object in nature. A grain cushion can support it or be bedded on it so that the device does not tip over. However, operating elements such as the zoom (with zoom eyepieces) and the focus can be operated rather poorly than fairly in all of the alternatives mentioned.

Placing or supporting spotting scopes with other aids usually turns out to be mere improvisation.

The bottom line is that there are no particularly suitable alternatives to a tripod for your spotting scope.

Conclusion

Selecting the best spotting scope tripod hinges on a combination of factors. Your choice should be meet to your specific spotting scope model and the environment in which you plan to use it. Prioritize quality and compatibility, and you’ll be equipped for countless rewarding moments in the field.

These articles might be interesting for you:

• 10 Best Spotting Scopes Under $300 – Our Buying Guide
• Best Spotting Scopes for Target Shooting (In-Depth Reviews)
• Our Favorite Spotting Scopes Under $400 in 2024
• Best Spotting Scopes Under $1000 (Reviewed & Tested)