The Spotting Scope Tripods

Here’s a fun fact most people don’t know when it comes to spotting scopes: tripods are just as important as the spotting scope itself. Not only do they help you maintain stability, but they also help you take focused images of your target.

However, buying spotting scope tripods can be as dicey as getting your drunk Uncle Phil a birthday gift. You definitely don’t want to spend a huge chunk of money on an item that won’t give you what you want( in this case, focused images).

There are tons of spotting scope tripods in the market today but if you’re looking to get clear, focused images, you need the best of the best tripods. Fortunately, we’ve created a list of the top tripods you need for your spotting scopes. We hope you love these awesome shooting scope tripods just as much as we do!

We all love a tripod that is easy to set up, affordable and gives you great value for your money. If you’re looking for the best tripod for your spotting scope, you have your winner. The Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod contains all the cool features you need in a tripod and even more.

The Best Spotting Scope Tripods Are:

ProductDetails
1. Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod

  • Manufacturer: Vortex Optics
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 10 pounds
  • Weight: 1.44 ounces
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2. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminium Tripod

  • Manufacturer: Vanguard
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Maximum capacity: 15.4 pounds
  • Weight: 5.38 pounds
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3. Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod

  • Manufacturer: Bushnell
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Maximum capacity: 11 pounds
  • Weight: 5.5 pounds.
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4. RetiCAM Tabletop Tripod

  • Manufacturer: RetiCAM
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 6 pounds
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds
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5. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminium Tripod

  • Manufacturer: Vanguard
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 13.2 pounds
  • Weight: 5.83 pounds
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6. Vortex Optics Summit SS.P Tripod

  • Manufacturer: Vortex Optics
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 5-6 pounds
  • Weight: 2.9 pounds
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7. BARSKA Deluxe Tripod

  • Manufacturer: Barska
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 6 pounds
  • Weight: 1 pound
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8. Bushnell 784040 Black Titanium Tripod

  • Manufacturer: Bushnell
  • Material: Titanium
  • Load capacity: 8.8 pounds
  • Weight: 3.64 pounds
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9. Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Tripod

  • Manufacturer: Vanguard
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 5.5 pounds
  • Weight: 13.8 ounces
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1. Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod — Best Tripod for Spotting Scope

Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod

Hunting may be a fun sport but any hunter worth his salt knows that this sport involves more than just loading a rifle and aiming at the target. If you want to get the most out of a hunting trip, you definitely need a stable scope that can move easily.

Luckily, the Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod offers you the best of both worlds. With this efficient tripod stand, you can enjoy a stable focus when hunting. It’s also really easy to use. You don’t have to huff and puff just to move or use this tripod.

The Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod comes with a three-way panning head that allows for easy adjustment.

What we love about this particular tripod is that it is one of the best tools for hunters. Specifically built to adapt to any hunting environment, the Optics Pro GT tripod has legs that can be adjusted to suit the roughest terrains.

However, it might be a little heavy to use as far as hunting goes.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Vortex Optics
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 10 pounds
  • Weight: 1.44 ounces

Pros

  • Simple and smooth to use
  • High stability and focus
  • Really great for hunting
  • Adjustable legs to suit rough terrains and environment

Cons

  • It can be quite heavy to use

Conclusion

The Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod is a really great tool that every hunter needs in his arsenal. It can suit just about any terrain or hunting environment. What’s more, it is relatively affordable. Thus, it is our overall best product. However, if you prefer lightweight tripods, this may not be the best choice for you.

Rating: 4.7/5

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2. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminium Tripod

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminum Tripod with SBH-100 Ball Head for Sony, Nikon, Canon DSLR Cameras, Black

If you’re looking for the best of the best tripods for your spotting scope, this tripod is definitely your best bet. The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod offers users phenomenal photography all thanks to its unmatched flexibility and stability.

Many spotting scope tripods promise stability and durability but this product is the king when it really comes down to stability. However, it is important to note that the closer you get to the load capacity, the more unstable it becomes.

We love the fact that the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB comes with three different leg angles: 25°, 50° and 80° which can easily be adjusted to suit your needs. It also comes with a detachable hook for hanging all your camera accessories so you don’t have to worry about your hands getting too full.

While this tripod is one of the top products out there, it does have a teeny flaw that needs to be pointed out. The safety lock is weak and this worsens over continuous usage. As such, we advise that your oil and maintain it regularly. You definitely don’t want your expensive tripod to break down on you.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Vanguard
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Maximum capacity: 15.4 pounds
  • Weight: 5.38 pounds

Pros

  • Great stability
  • Different leg angles

Cons

  • Very weak safety lock

Conclusion

With the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Aluminium Tripod, you can get smooth, breath-taking pictures of your target from any angle at all.

Rating: 4.4/5

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3. Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod — Best Hunting Tripod for Spotting Scope

Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod

In terms of stability and durability, the Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod comes super close to the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB tripod. It offers you everything you need and even more. One great perk of this tripod is its multifunctional nature.

It can hold just about anything — from your shooting scope to your rifle and binoculars. Rumors even have it that this tripod can hold your cup of coffee as well but we don’t advise you to try this out.

The Bushnell 784030 tripod was specifically built to withstand the worst weather so you can confidently use this product in the harshest of weather. It can withstand severe or extreme weather conditions without breaking down

Our favorite perk of this tripod is that it is highly adaptable. The legs can always be adjusted to adapt and suit any terrain at all.

However, what we don’t like about the Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod is that it can be quite heavy. If you’re hiking with this tripod, you might find yourself getting tired or exhausted quickly. What’s more, the legs can be difficult to adjust in tough terrains.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Bushnell
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Maximum capacity: 11 pounds
  • Weight: 5.5 pounds.

Pros

  • Weather-resistant
  • Adjustable legs
  • Great for hunting
  • Durable, reliable and stable

Cons

  • It can be quite heavy
  • The legs may be hard to adjust in tough terrains

Conclusion

The Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod is a very sturdy and durable tripod that’s great for outdoor use. Based on its sturdiness and weather-resistance, it is our best choice for hunting.

Rating: 4.6/5

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4. RetiCAM Tabletop Tripod — Best Table Top Tripod for Spotting Scope

RetiCAM Tabletop Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head, Quick Release Plate and Carrying Bag for Phones, Cameras and Spotting Scopes - MT01 Mini Tripod, Aluminum, Black

Let’s admit it. Most table top tripods that accompany spotting scopes are usually very fragile. Fortunately, there are some really amazing table top tripods sold in stores and the RetiCAM tripod currently tops the list. Specifically designed for a table setup, this tripod is compact and lightweight.

So, if you hate traveling without your tripod, you’re in luck. You can easily go on long trips with this portable Table top tripod. It comes with a 3-way pan head and a 20mm-diameter geared centre post for easy height adjustment.

Apart from its lightweight nature, one cool feature of this table top tripod for spotting scopes is its extendibility. Its height can be extended up to 19 inches depending on what you want. What’s more, it also comes with a really cool carrying bag so you don’t have to stuff it into a duffel bag.

One downside of this table top tripod (although we don’t really think it’s a big deal) is that in terms of aesthetics, it isn’t really a prize. Its design is very simplistic and may not be appealing to lovers of fancy tripods.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: RetiCAM
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 6 pounds
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds

Pros

  • Light-weight and highly portable
  • Durable and sturdy
  • Easy height adjustment
  • Comes with a three-way pan
  • Comes with a cool carrying bag

Cons

  • Not aesthetically pleasing

Conclusion

The RetiCAM table top tripod is one of the leading tripods within its category. With full features and its sturdy design, it is our best table top tripod. If you don’t mind its simplistic design, this product is your go-to choice when it comes to table top stands.

Rating: 4.5/5

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5. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminium Tripod

Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminum Tripod with GH-100 Grip Head for Sony, Nikon, Canon DSLR Cameras

Once again, Vanguard strikes with yet another phenomenal tripod for spotting scopes. This tripod is very similar to the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB version but is also unique in its own way. It has all it takes to give you a thrilling and exciting experience.

If you’re looking for a sturdy and versatile tripod with extremely cool perks, this might be the one for you. Wondering what sets this stand apart from the rest? It’s quite simple really. For starters, spotting scopes require a lot of stability.

So, if you’re picking out a tripod for your spotting scope, stability is a key feature to look out for. Just like the 263AB version, the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH tripod offers a lot of stability and durability. What’s more, it comes with a really cool pistol grip style ball head that lets you swivel and take shots from different angles.

Pro tip: Although this tripod has can hold heavyweight, we advise not to overload it. The closer you get to the maximum load capacity, the more unstable it becomes. You definitely don’t want to lose focus in the middle of bird watching or hunting.

What we particularly like about the Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH tripod is that it is very easy to operate. You don’t need to call in a bunch of experts just to set it up. In the unlikely event that you don’t get the hang of it, you can always read the manual.

What we don’t like about this tripod is that it is a bit on the pricey side. If you can’t afford it, you may have to go for a cheaper alternative.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Vanguard
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 13.2 pounds
  • Weight: 5.83 pounds

Pros

  • Comes with a Pistol-grip style ball head for swift camera positioning
  • Outstanding stability
  • Adjustable leg angles

Cons

  • Quite expensive

Conclusion

The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AGH Aluminium Tripod is a great choice for people who want a close alternative to the 263AB version. However, it’s a bit expensive and as such, may not be such a great option if you’re looking for a stand within a low price range.

Rating: 4.4/5

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6. Vortex Optics Summit SS.P Tripod

Vortex Optics Summit SS-P Tripod

If you’re a lover of birdwatching, you’d discover that while this sport can be fun, it has one con: birds can be very unpredictable. During birdwatching, you may find yourself getting frustrated or cussing like a drunken sailor.

So, to make your favorite pastime more fun and even less frustrating, you need a tripod that can stay stable even in the worst weather. Thus, we introduce to you: the Vortex Optics Summit SS.P Tripod.

This tripod is an awesome tool for birdwatching due to its sturdy legs and a 3-way pan head that helps you to easily adjust the viewing angle and follow the action without missing any bit of it.

One great feature of this spotting scope tripod is that it is very lightweight and so, can be carried easily when hiking.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Vortex Optics
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 5-6 pounds
  • Weight: 2.9 pounds

Pros

  • Comes with five leg sections for maximum height
  • Has a balance hook for carrying extra weight and for extra stability in windy conditions
  • Very lightweight

Cons

  • Becomes very unstable when loaded with weight over five pounds

Conclusion

The Vortex Optics Summit SS.P Tripod is a great tool for birdwatching. It is lightweight, stable and lets you view and follow the action without hitches. Little wonder it is our best choice for bird watching. However, it does have a small load capacity and this might be a problem for some birdwatchers.

Rating: 4.0/5

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7. BARSKA Deluxe Tripod

BARSKA Deluxe Tripod Extendable to 63.4" w/ Carrying Case

When it comes to tripods for good spotting scopes, there’s nothing as relieving as finding that special one that can be set up swiftly and packed up with the same speed. If you’ve been wishing for a tripod that you can set up easily, it’s time to sing hallelujah. We just might have found the tripod of your dreams.

The BARSKA Deluxe Tripod is an extendable tool that is just perfect for your spotting scopes. It can be extended up to 6.34 inches and comes with a lever that lets you pan easily. It’s also really stable and can be used on different terrains although we recommend that you use it only on flat terrains to avoid exertion.

You don’t have to worry about it being heavy as it is super light unless you extend the length. One perk that you may love is that it comes with a really cool case.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Barska
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 6 pounds
  • Weight: 1 pound

Pros

  • It is really stable
  • Can be extended to different heights
  • Can be set up really easily

Cons

  • Loses stability when the load exceeds six pounds

Conclusion

The BARSKA Deluxe Tripod is a great tool for birdwatching thanks to its extendable nature. However, we highly recommend that you use it only on flat surfaces or terrains to prevent it from getting damaged or overexerted.

Rating: 3.9/5

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8. Bushnell 784040 Black Titanium Tripod

Bushnell Titanium Tripod

What screams durability better than a tripod crafted with one of the strongest metals in the world? Made with titanium, this spotting scope tripod is quite sturdy and durable.

If you’re wondering whether it has more perks to offer other than its obvious durability, the answer is yes. A perfect tool for birdwatching, the Bushnell 784040 Black Titanium Tripod is very stable, making it easy for you to focus on your target.

It also comes with a three-way pan head and a three-position leg adjustment that’d help you to adjust the angles and follow the action.

What we love most about this exceptional tripod is that it is very easy to set up and lets you follow every bit of the action. On the downside, it may come with a few faults or glitches. But don’t worry. This isn’t much of a big deal if you have a warranty.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Bushnell
  • Material: Titanium
  • Load capacity: 8.8 pounds
  • Weight: 3.64 pounds

Pros

  • Since it is made from titanium and other materials, it is quite stable.
  • Can hold heavy objects

Cons

  • Loses stability once you approach the maximum load capacity

Conclusion

The Bushnell 784040 Black Titanium Tripod is a great tool for placing your spotting scopes. It is stable, durable and offers you everything you need in a spotting scope tripod.

Rating: 3.9/5

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9. Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Tripod

Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Tripod

Looking for the perfect companion for your hiking trips? You’ve got it right here. The Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Tripod is a lightweight and portable tripod that is sleek and easy to set up. Although this tripod does not carry much weight, it makes up for this flaw by providing you with stable images.

It also comes with a two-way pan head that adds to its overall quality.

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Vanguard
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Load capacity: 5.5 pounds
  • Weight: 13.8 ounces

Pros

  • Very lightweight and compact
  • Offers excellent stability
  • It is quite sturdy for its size

Cons

  • Cannot carry much weight

Conclusion

The Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Tripod is a great tripod for spotting scopes. Though it may not carry much weight, it is very durable and sturdy for its size. In fact, you could call it a miniature tripod of some sort.

Rating: 4.5/5

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Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Spotting Scope Tripods

Buying spotting scope tripods is not exactly a walk in the park. You may have a great spotting scope but of what use is that if you don’t have a great tripod to provide stability and support? While you’re probably itching to get a tripod for your scope, you may want to slow down a bit.

Here are a few things to consider before you hop right into buying a tripod:

Weight

The weight of the tripod is very essential especially if you’d be taking it on trips or long hikes. If you’d be going on frequent long hikes, you definitely don’t want to be struggling under the weight of your tripod.

In February, a Coyote hunter suffered gunshot wounds to his hand after his gun which was mounted on a tripod fell apart. This is why we advise you to choose a product that is lightweight but sturdy as well.

Height

Like you probably know already, spotting scopes can either be used while standing or when you’re sitting down or even lying down.

Whichever way you want to use your scope, it’s best to get a tripod that’d let you comfortably use it as you like.

Quality

Finally, you might want to consider the overall quality of the tripod before buying it. Is it durable? Is it stable? Are you getting value for your money?

It would be a crying shame if you buy a tripod that you won’t enjoy using. As such, we highly recommend that you think very carefully before buying a tripod for your spotting scope.

Final Thoughts

Just in case you’ve forgotten, we’d recap our best spotting scope tripod pick. We highly recommend the Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod. This spotting scope tripod gives the others a good run for their money.

For starters, it offers you the key quality you need from any tripod: stability. But that’s not all there is to it. This tripod is great for just about any terrain or purpose and is affordable. It’s also a great tool to have in your arsenal if you enjoy hunting.

Although other tripods come close, they’re either too heavy, too expensive or can’t carry sufficient weight. However, this particular tripod is just right!

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