The 9 Best Spotting Scope Tripods

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Your Spotting Scope is only as good as the tripod holding it steady

A good spotting scope is your ticket to a close-up, detailed picture of wildlife, stars, targets, or whatever you’re trying to zoom in on. But without a tripod to keep your scope stable, those expensive optics will shake so much as to be effectively useless. While you can go handheld with binoculars, a spotting scope gives superior magnification, provided you bring along a steady base.

While you really need a tripod to effectively use your spotting scope, few companies bundle the two together. If you’re planning to buy a spotting scope, you should also make sure you have a tripod, or buy them together. You may already own a tripod if you dabble in photography or stargazing, and you should be able to use it with your spotting scope. (Our picks include several photography-oriented tripods.)

There are also tripods designed specifically to pair with a spotting scope for hunting or target shooting, and you may want to consider buying a tripod that caters specifically to your primary pursuit. No matter what you choose, it will definitely be better than no tripod at all.

If you’re new to spotting scopes, you may not understand the challenges that come up when using one in the field. Even with a perfect setup, spotting scopes are much harder to use than binoculars, especially for new users. Spotting scopes are only helpful if you can keep them stable, so a tripod is a must. In fact, you want the best one you can afford: A better-built, more stable tripod will make it less frustrating to zoom in and out and adjust your focus.

There are also, frankly, a lot of bad options among the cheapest tripods. They may look the same, but cheap tripods often have slop in their joints that permit movement while adjusting the scope which can result in losing sight of your target. That’s a big problem.

If you want the option to use your spotting scope while standing, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at tripods that at least expand to your height if not a little above. Many tripods have a shorter maximum height than you might assume: If you buy one without checking its max height, you may find that you have to hunch over to see through your scope (or get creative with where and how you set the tripod up).

Using a spotter from a seated, kneeling, or half-kneeling position works great, so it may not be a critical factor, but if you like to glass standing, look for a tripod with a maximum height no less than about 8 inches shorter than your height.

Hunters will want to pay particular attention to the overall weight of their gear. The spotting scope itself usually weighs at least a few pounds, and your tripod will only add to that. In backcountry hunting situations where you need to carry everything you need on your back, you may want to sacrifice some functionality to ensure it’s lightweight. Most tripods will weigh between one and 10 pounds, depending on the type.

If you’re mostly using your scope at home–think stargazing--or close to a vehicle, a heavier model will add natural stability. But if I’m going to be carrying a tripod on my back for days at a time, I try to make sure it’s 4 pounds or less or I’ll end up just leaving it at home or at camp.

Weight isn’t the only factor for backcountry carry. Cheaper tripods tend to be bulky, which can make them challenging to strap to or fit inside your pack. More expensive, well-designed tripods tend to have smartly engineered folding mechanisms that transform a large tripod into something tight and stowable.

For my hunting expeditions, I look for a tripod that’s not much more than 21 inches long and roughly 5 inches in diameter folded up. Consider how you plan to transport your tripod and measure your pack’s internal or external dimensions if necessary to figure out if there’s a maximum length or width you need to keep in mind while shopping.

As with weight, you can safely ignore these measurements if you don’t plan to transport the tripod far or frequently.

The legs of a tripod usually lock and unlock to extend and retract, using either a twisting lock mechanism or some kind of clamp. Twist-locking tripods can be simple and fast or annoying and tedious. Cheaper twist-locks can require multiple turns for each lock on each leg which often adds up to 5-10 seconds of twisting on as many as 12 twist-locks, which slows you down in the field.

I prefer a clamping lock mechanism on the legs because it’s a binary–on or off–and quick to deploy. On many legs with clamp locks, gravity is enough for the legs to extend so they can be very quickly to deploy and lock out.

Tripod heads have a different type of locking mechanism, which locks and unlocks so you can reposition your scope in different angles. Photographers will likely look for a tripod head with separate locks for different axes so you can adjust one variable at a time. (For example, you can lock down horizontal rotation, while tilting your camera up and down to adjust framing.)

When using a spotting scope for hunting, I prefer a ball head that lets you freely move your scope (or rifle), then lock it in with one action when you find the right spot. Spotting game in the field can be a very slow, relaxed operation… right until it isn’t. In those moments, you don’t want to be fiddling with 3 different knobs just to get a steady picture of your quarry.

I tested several spotting scope tripods specifically for this article and drew upon my experience with many different brands and models for both hunting and shooting photos/video. I also spoke with tripod brand representatives, as well as fellow photographers and hunters, to get a wider sense of other experts’ preferences.

When testing, I paid attention to ease of use, weight, size, movement of the tripod head, and the stability of the tripod in various conditions. I used the hunting tripods during Colorado rifle deer hunting season, sighting from my vehicle and while backpacking.

You’ll see several photography tripods in our recommendations. Ultimately, there’s little difference between making a great tripod for a spotting scope versus making one for a camera. The market for photo tripods is also orders of magnitude larger than that for hunting/shooting tripods, so there are far more options out there and they’re often cheaper.

When possible, I looked for more affordable, lighter-weight options. In my experience, that’s the best fit for most people. If you’re a serious long-range shooter or hunter willing to spend thousands on a tripod, you probably already know what you want.

I first started using an older version of this affordable, compact ProMaster tripod when I needed something light to carry on flights. Now I own two, and that’s after losing another. The Scout SC430 isn’t a fancy tripod, but it does what it needs to do, and you can get it for a price almost anyone can stomach.

The name “ProMaster” sounds like a generic Amazon reseller, but the brand is a camera-shop staple that’s been making affordable photography gear for 60 years.

There are definitely cheaper tripods out there, but I love the Scout SC430 because it’s easy to deploy and adjust quickly. Some twist-lock mechanisms are great, but I prefer the clamp-style locks used on the legs here for speed and reliability. It weighs less than four pounds, and it’s only about 20 inches long folded up, making it easy to strap to your pack.

It also sticks out because, unlike most compact tripods, it has an incredible height range. You can set it as low as 6 inches or as high as 70 inches, so even tall folks should be able to look through a scope at standing height without hunching. It’s not the most stable when fully extended but, thankfully, there’s a bag hanger on the center column to help anchor it.

If you’re heading deep into the backcountry with your optics and tripod, you’re likely counting ounces in your pack and trying to cut unnecessary weight wherever you can. The Summit Carbon II is pricey, but will keep your pack weight down. At only 2.5 pounds, the Summit Carbon II is light enough for all but the most stripped-down of missions.

It’s also only 18 inches packed up, but sturdy enough to support up to 22 pounds.

My only gripe with it was the fairly low maximum height–about 53 inches–which forced me to get creative when using it while standing. For backpackers, the compromise is worth it, but you could save some cash on a heavier, taller tripod if you aren’t as concerned with the weight.

I hesitate to recommend putting a very expensive scope on a very cheap tripod, but I was given this model from someone that was moving a while back and I can attest that it does what a tripod needs to do, and costs much, much less than any of my other picks.

The snap-style legs deploy quickly and the 60-inch height isn’t bad, either. The locking mechanisms aren’t particularly intuitive, but they at least locked securely when my spotting scope was mounted on top.

As with many cheap accessories, this tripod will work fine for a little while, but isn’t built to last. When I first tried putting the plate into the tripod head, a small piece of spring-backed plastic popped out of the frame. (I was able to put it back in but the incident wasn’t confidence-inspiring.)

While the legs and center column are aluminum, almost everything else is a medium-hard plastic that will likely wear down with use. This isn’t the last tripod you’ll ever buy, but it’s a solid short-term option if money is tight.

The Leupold Mark 5 CF-455 is for those that don’t want to compromise on capability and stability, no matter the price. It costs more than many spotting scopes, but the high load capacity and fine tolerances in the build will appeal to those who are sick of the compromises you find in lesser gear.

At 7.5 pounds and 29 inches long folded, it’s probably a tad bulky to lug around, but I think it’s a perfect tripod for the shooting range, competitions, or hunts where you have shorter approaches or some vehicle assistance.

For something similarly impressive, but more mobile, Leupold’s lighter Pro Guide Tripod is also excellent and very expensive. The company makes several reasonably priced accessories such a binocular clamp or a shooting saddle so either tripod can double as a shooting rest in the field. All Leupold gear comes with a lifetime warranty, so this really could be the last tripod you ever buy.

If you’re using a spotting scope tripod in the field as a hunter during a rifle season, it makes a lot of sense to bring one that can do double duty as a shooting platform. With the addition of a rifle mount or clamp to attach it to your tripod, you now have a serious means of stabilizing your shots as well.

Primos’ latest shooting tripod, the Trigger Stick Apex Carbon Fiber, comes with a rifle saddle/clamp and a separate interchangeable mounting plate so you can affix to your spotting scope for easy swapping in the field.

It features the namesake “Trigger Stick” handle and adjuster in the center column, which gives you an easy way to stabilize the tripod with your off hand. It’s more intuitive for quick adjustments when shooting compared to, say, many photo tripods that often have lots of small knobs and locks for each adjustment.

This isn’t the lightest nor most compact tripod on the market, but the carbon fiber in the legs permits a high strength-to-weight ratio, supporting up to 50 pounds even though the tripod itself only weighs 7 pounds.

This is probably the best-designed and best-looking tripod on my list. It’s also one of the most compact and capable. With a solid 60-inch maximum height, it folds up to a very compact 20 inches long, making it a relief to stow in your pack compared to other models.

It’s also one of the lightest, at 3.44 pounds for the aluminum-leg version. You can shave off almost 1 pound more if you splurge for the carbon fiber version, but you’ll pay nearly double to drop that weight, and the aluminum model is plenty light for most people.

Peak Design first showed up on my radar when it earned a cult following among photographers for some well-designed camera bags and accessories.

This tripod features a few unique flourishes that cater specifically to photographers, like the proprietary ball and clamp head that allow free movement of your optics or camera, and the accompanying dial lock that makes locking down your position simple and possible with one hand while maintaining sight picture. Peak Design’s tripod is a great fit for studio work or out in the wilderness. The smart design and compact form will appeal to any photographer.

More: The Best Travel Tripods

If you have the luxury of being able to use your spotter from a vehicle, this nifty window-mounted tripod head is an affordable complement to or replacement for a conventional tripod. Realistically, we’d recommend buying a standard tripod before getting one of these, since it isn’t always possible to position your vehicle just right and glass an area from every angle. For less than $100, though, it’s a super-easy way to throw up a spotter without even having to get out of the car.

The 5-pound capacity is low, but should still hold all but the heaviest of spotters. Simply set the clamp over your partially rolled-down window and use the pressure clamp to secure it, then open or close your window incrementally to micro-adjust the height as needed. Just be careful not to slam your spotter up or down too fast and risk crushing it or popping the clamp off.

The Vanguard Quest T62U is a light, affordable hunting tripod that offers several configurations. It functions as a monopod, bipod, shooting rest, and optics tripod, making it the most versatile option on our list. Even in its full tripod configuration, it’s just over 2 pounds, but if you remove the legs to make it a monopod or bipod, it’s even lighter.

Monopods and bipods aren’t ideal for glassing long distances with high magnifications on a spotting scope, but make a huge difference when you convert the stand to a shooting rest with its rubberized U-shaped yoke. That versatility, combined with its low price, make it a good pick for a hunter on a budget.

Gunwerks is a Wyoming-based cottage producer of long-range shooting and hunting equipment, from complete custom rifle systems to optics accessories like the Revic Stabilizer tripod. (Tip for aspiring snipers: I’ve enjoyed their Long Range Pursuit Podcast for years as a way to learn from folks that take long-range shooting way more seriously than I do.)

The Revic ticks all the boxes for long-range hunters: It’s very lightweight, just under 5 pounds, and compact, folding down to a tight 23 inch package. It also has a high maximum shooting height, and comes with multiple ARCA plates for easy switching between your optics and your rifle. With multiple tensioning knobs that let you dial in positioning in every plane rather than a single “dumb” adjustment knob, this is a tripod for experienced shooters Given that it’s true hobby-grade gear, It isn't the cheapest option out there, but you get a product tailored to the needs of long-range hunters, plus U.S.-based customer service that you can reach with a phone call.

Gunwerks also offer a smaller, cheaper Backpacker model that takes the weight and folded form down to their practical limits, but you’ll sacrifice height if you like shooting or glassing standing.

PM: How much should a good spotting scope tripod cost?

JP: Most people should plan to spend between $100 and $350 on a tripod to pair with their spotting scope, though we make recommendations that cost both more and less than that.

As with the spotting scopes themselves, there’s a sweet spot between the cheapest, low-quality tripods and the most expensive specialty gear. A $300 tripod will usually be far more durable, compact, easy to use, have more thoughtful features, and generally be more capable than a $30 option.

As you look at more expensive professional-grade gear, you’ll find incremental improvements, such as lighter and stronger materials, but the difference likely won’t be night and day. In some cases, the average person might not even be able to see the important differences.

That said, even the cheapest tripod on our list will get the job done, it just might not last very long or work as smoothly as the pricier options.

PM: What makes a tripod more stable?

JP: Making sure your tripod stays stable often comes down to proper setup, rather than its construction. You want to make sure you set up on a flat surface and that the tripod is properly anchored. That said, there are a couple factors you can look for that will minimize the likelihood that you’ll run into issues.

For starters, a heavy tripod is a steady tripod. With more weight, your base is less likely to shake. Unfortunately, those of us who need to carry our tripods over long distances often need to sacrifice a bit of heft to keep our gear portable. Some tripods, however, allow you to compensate for their light frame by adding bag hooks, which let you weigh them down without having to carry around solid steel.

Geometry helps too. A tripod with a wider base will naturally shake less. Most tripods have some ability to adjust the base, though some give you more freedom than others.

If strong winds or uneven ground keep it from holding still, you can always hold a tripod steady or push down on it lightly to keep it from moving. Your body may introduce some shake if you aren’t perfectly still, but it may be necessary in poor conditions.

PM: Can I shoot a rifle from my tripod?

JP: Hunting-specific tripods often can do double-duty as a shooting platform. Many of the tripods we recommend come with rifle mount options. You can also buy a rifle rest or clamp that will make almost any tripod rifle-ready.

If you’ve never shot from a tripod, it’s worth considering. Bipods attached to a rifle are great for prone shooting, but prone shots are not always easy to set up to acquire a target. Carrying a tripod gives you much more flexibility, allowing you to set up and wait comfortably to take an ethical shot from a stable position while standing, kneeling, or sitting.

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