Best Spotting Scope Tripods | Full-Size & Tabletop Type
Only spending a lot of money to buy a spotting scope, you will not give you the best spotting experience. You need to purchase a spotting scope tripod of equal quality. Now, the million-dollar question is, how do you know which one will be the best for you?
That’s why; I have put together quite a few spotting scope tripods at different price points to help you find the perfect one. Don’t forget to check out the buying guide before adding any of them to your favorite list.
In a hurry?! Here are my top picks
TYPES OF SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPODS
Two different varieties are there – table-top spotting scope tripods and full-size spotting scope tripods.
Table-top spotting scope tripods are best for shooting prey. The height of the table-top options generally roams around 8 inches to 18 inches, and they don’t come with telescoping legs. You can use such lightweight shooting tripods by keeping them on a table or shooting bench.
Full-sized spotting scope tripods come to serve those who prefer using a spotting scope or binoculars in a standing position. Their heights typically measure between 26” to 57”; some of them with a center column even could be stretched to 72”.
Aside from the table-top and full-sized tripods, you can look for a compact tripod for a spotting scope. Instead of bending yourself or standing for long, you can comfortably use such medium-height compact tripods while sitting in a chair.
REVIEWS OF THE TRIPODS FOR SPOTTING SCOPE
Select your required tripod type here,
FULL-SIZE TRIPODS FOR SPOTTING SCOPE
Here is the list of my favorite full-sized spotting scope tripods. Have a look!.
1. JOILCAN SPOTTER SCOPE TRIPOD - BEST SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD FOR HUNTING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Joilcan MH1 is a full-sized tactical spotting scope tripod; designed for supporting spotting scope and binoculars, including camcorders and DSLR cameras. You should definitely have this camera equipment in your bag because of it's wide variety of features.
Now I'll explain them one by one.
Firstly, you can turn this lightweight spotting scope tripod into a selfie stick or standalone monopod in no time; that can be extended up to 65”. The quick-release latches on the legs and two-way pan/tilt head add extra convenience; while watching the target.
Along with the heavy-duty Aluminum legs, the center column stick makes it heavy to carry around but keeps your tripod steady, even during a storm or heavy wind.
The padded grips on each leg prevent the tripod from getting too cold or hot in extreme weather conditions. These are things; that ensure the stability and convenience you need, making it the best spotting scope stand among all.
What I liked about this SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD:
2. CELESTRON 82050 SCOPE TRIPOD - BEST SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD FOR MOUNTAIN HUNTING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The CELESTRON 82050 has sturdy and durable Aluminum construction. In hunting situations the weather conditions are always not preferable to us. Sometimes you’ve to fight against heavy wind, which can cause a tripod to wobble a bit. That’s why this CELESTRON 82050 features a balance hook on the center column. Here you can hang extra weight in the center of the leg for additional stability when it’s needed.
In addition, it has a two-way quick-release fluid pan head; that helps you effortlessly get the best panoramic view. You only need to set the tension to the legs, head, and panning handle correctly, though it’s pretty challenging to set the tension precisely at the right spot. It needs patience, but it’s not rocket science.
Considering how easy it is to use and the stability of this tripod, you really fall in love with it. The convenient carrying case with the shoulder strap makes you always ready to go wherever you need.
What I liked about this SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD:
3. VANGUARD VEO 2 235AP HEAVY-DUTY SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The VANGUARD VEO 2 235AP is a compact spotting scope tripod, but larger than a typical table-top tripod but smaller than the full-size options. It is perfect for use while sitting on a chair.
It lets you individually adjust the height and angle. You can put it in 5 different heights from 15” to 56” and at 3 different angles - 20°, 45°, and 80°.
The heavy-duty adjustable frame is perfect for using it on any terrain. The level locks keep the legs in place and ensure better stability.
The Arca compatible QS-60S QR latch securely attaches the scope, whereas the two-way pan head with tension adjustment control knob delivers smooth and controlled motion.
The only thing you need to keep in mind is to make sure that all the locking knobs and panning handles are as tight as possible. All in all, I think this is a reasonably lightweight tripod for spotting scope available this year.
What I liked about this SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD:
4. VORTEX SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD - BEST SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD FOR BIRDING
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This full-sized tripod of Vortex Optics comes with a sturdy aluminum frame. It has three sections to allow it to be compact like the previous one. So you can use it from a standing position and while sitting.
It has an Arca-Swiss compatible quick-release system; that ensures easy and quick device mount. The two-way pan head is also smooth, as you expect.
You only need to ensure the pan/tilt tension handle is not too tight or too loose and be alert about the terrain you plan to set it on. Try to securely place it on the ground by evenly putting weight on the center column. Thus you can get the best stability from such a tripod.
In the end, I must say that terrain conditions and wind speed could make it tricky to hold your aim exactly where you want. But it’s overall a decent option according to the price and the best tripod for vortex spotting scopes.
What I liked about this SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD:
"Many people don’t like to carry around heavy-weight but demand the equal stability; that the above-mentioned heavy-duty full-sized tripods offer. So, now it’s the turn of compact table-top tripods. The following options are the best tabletop tripods for spotting scope as they are reasonably lightweight, but won’t get unstable in the wind; won’t break the bank, as well."
TABLETOP TRIPODs for spotting scope
Here is the list of my favorite table top spotting scope tripods. Have a look!.
5. NEEWER SPOTTING SCOPE TABLETOP TRIPOD
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The product highlight of this tripod demonstrates how versatile it is. Isn’t it? Despite being compact in size and height, it still offers the best possible height adjustment levels.
It doesn’t matter how you level the tripod height or how smooth the mounting head is; if the mounted device doesn’t sit exactly level, it will make the tripod head a bit difficult to rotate.
That’s why; the bubble level is there alongside the quick-release mount to help mount your scope as level as possible and ensure smooth panning.
This tripod is built for durability and stability. The non-slip rubber feet and Aluminum design provide years of service for hunting enthusiasts and travel photographers.
What I liked about this SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD:
6. GOSKY TABLETOP TRIPOD FOR SPOTTING SCOPE
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Gosky Heavy Duty Adjustable Table Top Tripod comes with a heavy-duty metal built frame to sit steadily on its anti-slip vinyl feet. The fixed height three legs fold-out design is meant for using it on any kind of flat surface of a stable platform.
The limited fixed height is a major drawback of this tripod. It has a previous record of being damaged easily, as well. I found the mounting pad and scope base don’t squarely fit together, and the tripod mount is weak enough to sustain with large equipment.
Despite having such setbacks, I still prefer this tabletop tripod as it has the best tripod head for a spotting scope. Thanks to the ball head mount; that provides better stability; faster and more accurate panning than the other mounting system.
What I liked about this SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD:
7. RETICAM TABLE TOP SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TRIPOD FOR SPOTTING SCOPE
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The Reticam tabletop tripod is very lightweight and offers the standard ¼ tripod mount to support any spotting scope or optical device.
The Aluminum frame is lightweight yet durable and sturdy enough against different weather conditions. The rubber feet keep it securely in place, but they can’t make it stand steadily on uneven surfaces.
Like other high-end options, it also has a quick-release mounting system with a bubble level for a fast setup. Moreover, it is the only one among the tabletop options; that has the three-way pan/tilt head and expandable center column for extra smooth panning and height.
Looking at its performance along with the expenditure, you can sense it is a clear winner in the segment of device adaptability, ease of use, and affordability.
What I liked about this SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD:
8. VANGUARD VS-82 TABLETOP SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD - BEST BUDGET SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This vanguard spotting scope tripod is a simple and compact spotting scope shooting tripod; that can stand up on a table or flat surface. The 2-section legs with a center column offer a maximum height of 9”, which is good enough for watching the target from behind the table.
It offers front-to-back tilt and full 360-degree panning. The rubber feet keep the tripod in place. Considering all specs and features, it can be said that it is one of the best spotting scope tripods for the money.
What I liked about this SPOTTING SCOPE TRIPOD:
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A TRIPOD FOR SPOTTING SCOPE
Choosing the types and sizes of the tripod is totally depends on your preference. If you prefer using a tripod from a standing position, go for a full-sized tripod, or else you can choose compact or table-top tripods.
The tripod head is another important part. Generally, fluid pan head, pan-and-tilt head, and ball head are common among the best tripods for a spotting scope. The ball head gives you the freedom of adjusting your line of sight with its unlimited range of motion.
On the other hand, the pan/tilt head lets you tilt up/down and pan across your field of view. The fluid mechanism on the pan/tilt head ensures smooth rotation. Other key advantages of this head are stability and the requirement of small adjustments.
The construction material matters a lot specifically in the segment of weight and stability. The rust-resistant aluminum tripods are cheaper to buy and weighty enough to sustain under heavy wind.
Some of the major advantages of carbon fiber tripods are their better stiffness, damping power, lightweight design and thermal conductivity.
Handling a Carbon fiber tripod on a cold morning or under the scorching sun is pretty uncomfortable. It even could negatively affect your shoot. Though most of the tripods feature a weather-proof grip on the legs and pan/tilt handle, still handling a carbon tripod is little difficult.
So, it would be a wise decision to go with Aluminum construction.
FAQ
Yes, you can use a regular camera tripod, but a sturdy and durable spotting scope tripod will provide a solid base for your spotting scope.
The spotting scope mostly gets used for hunting in difficult terrain and weather conditions. So most of the best hunting tripods for binocular and spotting scope come with heavy-duty and sturdy construction.
Most of the good tripods for spotting scope come with a universal ¼”-20 threaded screw mount or quick-release mounting plate, which help you mount the spotting scope on the tripod in no time.
But before purchasing, don’t forget to check spotting scope–tripod compatibility, though you could attach the spotting scope using a compatible adapter.
If you’re looking for the proper mounting steps, follow this video:
CONCLUSION
Most hunting enthusiasts often overlook the spotting scope tripods. They just run after getting the best spotting scope. It’s totally wrong.
Without a stable tripod; meant for a spotting scope, you never get the sharp view; that you expect. Mounting the spotting scope on a decent tripod is one of the most important parts of your optics regimen. Never overlook it.
Hopefully, my recommended tripods will be able to meet your expectation. If you come across any better option during your tripod hunt, let the others know by commenting below.
