If you are going to be using a tripod with your scope, then you will want to make sure that the one you choose suits both your spotting scope and your birding requirements. In this article we talk about how to choose a tripod for a spotting scope and which features are most important. These factors include adjustable legs, a moveable head and the material from which the tripod is made. Materials and engineering also vary. The priciest material is carbon fiber, which adds incredible strength to a lightweight design. Despite that, most spotting scope owners will go for aluminum, which is both much more affordable and light enough for serious mobility. Think about what height you want your spotting scope to be at; they’re much easier to use at head height -– or thereabouts – though the best travel tripods usually achieve that by using a retractable center column, which can introduce some instability. Also, look for rubber feet and spikes for coping with different surfaces (you’ll typically need physically swap out one for the other). The Victiv NT70 has an impressive maximum height of 182cm. This makes it a great choice if you are very tall or need an extra-high vantage point. Despite its extra height, this spotting scope tripod is fairly lightweight. At just 1.3kg, it’s easy to carry with you on hikes to set up in remote locations. For spotting scopes, stability is critical. Look for tripods with a hook on the center column where you can hang a weight (like a bag) to increase stability. 9. Collapsible Size:

Also referred to as full size, the standard tripod allows the user to attach their camera, spotting scope, or binoculars and use them while standing. However, just because it’s described as a full-size model doesn’t mean it will be compatible with heavier spotting scopes. Because of this, you must pay close attention to each particular model’s weight limit capacity. The ideal set-up is a tripod whose legs stay totally still, fitted with a moveable head. A moveable head enables you to angle the scope in whichever direction you want. Typically, birders will commonly use 45° scopes. This will allow for a significantly lower tripod height. Models that come equipped with a crank-style center post should be avoided, however, a center post that’s removable will make a tripod highly portable, which is a huge plus for any birder. Price Pan head– pan heads allow you to move in two or three directions. They give you more stability than ball heads making small adjustments much easier.Thanks to its three-way swivel head, this tripod allows you to angle your scope perfectly. Plus, you also get 360° rotation for easy, smooth panning. As this model also comes with a phone holder, you’ll also be able to use it to get the perfect shot with your smartphone. The size of the tripod should match the size and weight of your spotting scope. For larger, heavier scopes, you’ll need a sturdier, possibly taller tripod, whereas compact scopes can work with smaller tripods. Tripods intended for use with video cameras work well for birding, with fluid movement. These are often called two-way heads.

Ball heads are typically used by photographers. Sometimes bird watchers include a ball head in their kit primarily when they want to cut down on the size and weight that they need to carry. This model is on our list of the best spotting scope tripods because it is extremely balanced and durable. It offers great features, like a gearless reversible center column at a great price for such a high-quality tripod. The Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 is an extremely sturdy and weather-resistant tripod, with its 100% carbon fiber construction that enables rigidity and stability. The carbon fiber material of this tripod allows the 4 section legs to absorb any vibration, offering an extremely stable base that holds scopes and other equipment securely. The 4 legs can further be adjusted at different angles, adapting to uneven grounds and allowing added stability on rough terrains. The Opticron MM4 60 GA ED scope (often mentioned on these forums) is a well priced scope made with ED glass that has very good clarity, controls chromatic aberration well, and is light weight.Some of these models, especially those with lower power and premium optical components, have the potential to be hand held. If you are looking for a tripod that will be with you on your wildlife adventures for a long time, this durable model from BARSKA will be your holy grail. With its sturdy solid aluminum construction, this tripod is unbeatable when it comes to harsh weather conditions, corrosion, and timely wear and tear. Despite the tough materials, the innovative construction makes this tripod lightweight and easy to carry around on mountains and difficult hikes. A tripod is highly recommended for spotting scopes to ensure stability and clarity, especially at higher magnifications, as even slight hand movements can cause significant image shake. How can you work out which type of tripod head is the best match for you? What helps is to take into account both your particular spotting scope, and the circumstances in which you do the majority of your bird watching.