By Tati Taylor 8 days ago, Tripods
What are the best cheap tripods for spotting scopes?
A spotting scope tripod is a supporting device on three legs, adjustable in height to feel comfortable during the observation.
Nowadays there is a great variety of tripods for spotting scopes, to ensure stability and minimal vibrations, essential for different activities outdoors, like shooting, hunting, or watching birds and animals.
The price on such devices varies a lot, so it may be difficult not to get lost and make the right choice. We have tested many tripods available on the market, and have chosen 7 models, which we consider the best.
Weight: 3 lb | Height: 8.3-73.8”
⊕ Ergonomic design
⊕ Quick setup, customizable height
⊕ Feet made of rubber
⊖ A tilt and pan lock has only one lever
The Vortex Optics Ridgeview is a lightweight spotting scope tripod, capable of supporting up to 22lb. This model is reported to be very reliable and stable on most surfaces. You can take it with you if you go camping, or to the mountains, or anywhere, thanks to its ergonomic design and small weight.
This tripod for spotting scope has three sections. It is made from durable materials to survive various weather conditions. The aluminum base, which is covered with rubber, makes the tripod firm and stable.
If you are not a complete beginner, you should know, that Vortex is a company, which produces goods you can rely on. So, the Vortex Optics Ridgeview, in our opinion, may be the best tripod for spotting scope.
Weight: 3.9 lb | Height: 18,9-70.5 in
⊕ Made of durable aluminum
⊕ 70.5-inch max height
⊕ Reasonable price
⊕ Weighs next to nothing
⊖ Stability problems
The Celestron 82050 TrialSeeker is a good spotting scope tripod, stable, durable, and reasonably priced. It has an adjustable height, from 18.9 to 70.5 inches. The tripod itself weighs 3.9 lb, though it can hold the weight up to 9lb, remaining firm and stable.
The Celestron 82050 has four-section legs, which you may set to a range of angles. The length of the legs may be adjusted too. There are flip lever locks to make the adjustment easier.
The stable stand position of this tripod for spotting scope is provided by a center column ballast hook, which adds a counterweight to lower the center gravity. The construction is well-thought-out and reliable.
Weight: 5.4 lb | Height: 56-68.1 in
⊕ Adjustable angle of tripod legs
⊕ 15.4lb maximum weight supported
⊕ 360° rotation of the center column
⊕ Affordable price
⊖ Not the best ball-type head
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263 AB is a universal tripod for spotting scope. You can trust its stability system, and your shooting experience will be unforgettable. The unique feature of this tripod is its central column, which has an adjustable angle and a wide range of horizontal and vertical positions.
The ball head rotates smoothly up to 360°, has a quick release plate QS-39 and bubble levels. The stand of the Vanguard Alta Pro 263 AB is robust. The height of the legs may be adjusted easily to provide you with the maximum comfort. The highest level is 68.1 inches, while the lowest is 56 inches.
The stability is guaranteed on any type of surface, as all the three legs of the tripod are equipped with rubber covers and metal spikes. To ensure a comfortable grip, when you need to take the tripod with you, the legs are covered with foam.
Weight: 3.4 lb | Height: 24-77 in
⊕ 360° rotation
⊕ May be used as a monopod
⊕ Reasonable price
⊕ Adjustable
⊖ Little feet
The Geekoto 77 is a great lightweight spotting scope tripod. If you are looking for an ergonomic, nicely-crafted tripod with a variety of features, this may be quite a good choice. The height may be adjusted with a maximum of 77 inches.
If you are a person of an average height, this level will be too high for you. The tripod weighs 3.4 pounds, which is very good, considering its height. The Geekoto 77 has a feature, which makes it unique among other spotting scope tripods – a monopod mode.
If you decide to convert this tripod into a monopod, you will still have a possibility to adjust its size from 35.43 inches to 81.5 inches.
Weight: 3.17 lb | Height: 23-78”
⊕ Lightweight and easy to carry
⊕ Stable with lever lock system
⊕ Has a hook for stabilization in windy conditions
⊖ Legs don't fully extend
⊖ Slightly narrower legs
The K&F Concept is lightweight, making it easy to carry around and set up. Its stability is impressive, and the lever lock system for the legs works seamlessly, even with gloves on. Another plus point is the ability to invert the center column, which is great for low angle shooting and macro photography.
Moreover, the tripod comes equipped with a versatile die-casting metal ball head that can rotate 360 degrees, expanding the view area for panoramic shots. And let's not forget about the price – it's quite affordable compared to other tripods, making it a fantastic value for a camera accessory.
Weight: 4.8 lb | Height: 12-68 in
⊕ Maximum possible height of 68 inches
⊕ Reliable build
⊕ Lightweight
⊖ A knob to adjust tilt
⊖ Poor shoe tensioner design
The Orion Tritech II is among the reasonably-priced tripods for spotting scopes, offering stability and durability. It is capable of holding the device weighing 13.2lb maximum. The height of the tripod is adjustable, and may be extended up to 68 inches.
With the Orion Tritech II, you can take advantage of the 360° horizontal rotation, as well as over 90° of altitude rotation. The aluminum legs consist of three sections, may be extended, and have flip-lock clamps and braces, which ensure additional stability. In addition, the legs are equipped with rubber nozzles to avoid even minimal slipping.
Weight: 3 lb | Height: 6.8-56.8 in
⊕ Independent leg positions
⊕ Advanced system of twist lock
⊕ Small weight
⊕ Quick setup
⊖ Only rubber shoes for additional stability
The Vanguard VEO 2 235AP is a lightweight spotting scope tripod with 5-section legs, equipped with twist locks. The maximum possible height of the tripod is 56.8 inches with a weight of 3lb. The minimum height allowed is 6.75 inches, while the legs may be independently positioned to 20°, 45°, or 80°.
The feature that makes the Vanguard VEO 2 235AP unique is the rotation of the central column, which ensures the quickest setup of the tripod. Like other compact tripods for spotting scopes, the Vanguard VEO 2 235AP is lightweight, portable, and universal, being stable and reliable at the same time.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Vortex Optics Ridgeview
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
 |
Celestron 82050 TrailSeeker
Budget |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB
With Ball Head |
CHECK PRICE → |
Make sure the tripod for spotting scope you choose can hold the weight of the equipment you are going to use.
Where are you going to use your tripod? If you are planning to take it with you when you are hiking, or camping, or traveling in the wild in severe weather conditions, the tripod has to be durable enough.
Choosing the best tripod for spotting scope, consider your height and the pose you take when you are shooting. The height of the tripod has to fit you perfectly for comfortable use, not too high, and not too short.
Do you pan regularly? This feature may be important for video, and wildlife photography, for instance. Some tripods are good for panning, but some are not.
The tripods for spotting scopes are different. They differ in load capacity, in the height, type of legs, etc. So, it is hard to call all the tripods universal.
In our opinion, the Vortex Optics Pro may be considered the best tripod for spotting scope in 2020.
It depends on your needs and personal preferences. With a tripod, you will enjoy the stability and avoid unnecessary vibrations.
If you are on a tight budget, we recommend the Tacklife MLT01, which costs about $30.
