Best Spotting Scope Tripod 2022 | Never Buy Junk Again

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best spotting scope tripod

So, you have splashed out and bought yourself a brand-new spotting scope. It’s pretty awesome because it gives much better magnification than your standard binos. However, it can also be a bit unwieldy.

Which is not a problem if you are pulling it out to look at the odd bird while walking, but is a problem if you need it to help with precision measurements or to help take the perfect photo through it. If these are issues for you, then the best spotting scope tripod could be the solution.

But considering how many models there are, how do you know which is the best tripod for the money? There are plenty of cheap tripods out there, but are they any good? We’ve done a lot of research into the tripod stands for sale at the moment.

As a result, we have compiled this tripods comparison and narrowed it down to the top three models.

​Top 3 tripod comparison

​Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod

Canon 10×42 L
Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod
  • long-arrow-right​Higher pricePadded Case w/ Strap
  • long-arrow-right​Compact – Folds away nicely when not in useNeoprene Strap
  • long-arrow-right​Heavier than the others
  • long-arrow-right​Anodized Aluminum  
  • long-arrow-right​Pan Head
  • long-arrow-right​Only a tripod
  • long-arrow-right​Robust design
  • long-arrow-right​Best sturdy tripod

Rating

4.5

Weight

​6.05 lbs
​Vanguard VEO 235AP

Canon 18×50
Vanguard VEO 235AP
  • long-arrow-right​Average price18x magnification
  • long-arrow-right​Compact – folds away nicely when not in useWide, extra-bright field of view
  • long-arrow-right​Lightweight
  • long-arrow-right​Aluminum Alloy
  • long-arrow-right​Pan Head
  • long-arrow-right​Only a tripod
  • long-arrow-right​Durable
  • long-arrow-right​Best ultralight tripod

Rating

​3.9

Weight

​3.3 lbs
​ZoMei Z818

Fujinon Techno Stabi TS1440
ZoMei Z818
  • long-arrow-right​Lowest pricePhase Coated
  • long-arrow-right​Compact – and unusual in that it can be converted to a monopod design5 Degree of stabilization
  • long-arrow-right​Lightweight
  • long-arrow-right​Aluminum Alloy
  • long-arrow-right​Ball Head
  • long-arrow-right​Can be used as a monopod
  • long-arrow-right​Durable
  • long-arrow-right​Best cheap tripod

Rating

4.5

Weight

​3.7 lbs

So, those are our top three picks – whether you are looking for a hunting tripod or a backpacking tripod or the best value tripod all of these should fit the bill. We will do a more in-depth look a little later on in this post, but the summary above gives you a basic comparison of the best tripods under 200.

When choosing we researched the best tripod brands and also the best budget tripods. We aimed to find the best affordable tripod brands that still offered a great product.

We choose the winners based on the following criteria:

  • ​Weight: Lightweight tripods are a must if you are going to be carrying them for a while.
  • ​Compactness: Again, you want something that will easily fold up so that you can store it. We took it one step further and looked for the best tabletop tripod at the same time.
  • ​Durability: This is something of an investment, so we wanted to present you with options that were highly durable.
  • check​Sturdiness: You don’t need something that is going to wobble or potentially blow over in the wind.

​What To Look For When Buying A Tripod Stand

The Height Range

You need to consider what it is that you will be using this for. If it is as a tripod hunting stand, is it going to fold down low enough if you are kneeling to stalk your prey? On the other hand, if you are looking for the best backpacking tripod, you might want something that extends so that you can use it standing.

All of the options shown above can be used compactly or fully extended. Do consider your height when choosing which to get. You do not want to have to stoop too much when using the best portable tripod.

Another thing to consider here is whether or not this can be used as a tabletop tripod for spotting scope. Maybe you want to be able to sit at a picnic table and check out the views.

Lastly, are you going to be using the tripod sitting down? That’s another thing to consider when thinking about the height.

Construction and Weight

​It is a simple fact – the  best shooting tripod is the one that does not weigh you down too much. If you have to think twice about taking your packing it because of the weight, this is not the best spotting scope tripod for you to use.

The best compact tripod is the one that is lighter in weight but also sturdily constructed. You don’t want something that is going to fall to pieces on you after a few uses.

Find out what weight load the model you are considering can carry as this can also have a serious impact on effectiveness.

The Head

​This is what will hold your scope securely in place and give it the freedom of motion that you need. There are several types of heads to choose from – you will need to see which would work with your scope.

The best tripod head is one that is as sturdy or sturdier than the legs. It should be able to rotate a full 360 degrees for the best possible use.

You will get three types of heads:

  • ​Pan Tilt: This allows you to both pan the scope and to tilt it if necessary, This is the type most commonly used.
  • ​Ball Head: These only have a control that allows you to adjust the grip on the scope.
  • ​Gimbal: This is more for professionals carrying larger scopes or cameras. These can easily balance your equipment and tripod weights. They are pricey so don’t expect them to come under the heading of best tripod under 100.

​Stability

When it comes to stability, we tend to think in terms of the heaviest option being the best on. This is not always the case. Certainly, a light-weight model could fall over during windy weather, but the same can usually be said for heavier models as well.

When we talk about stability, we are referring more to how it will stand up against the knocks. What if you accidentally bump into it? A good model will be able to stay firmly in place at all times.

​Review 3 Tripod Stands

Let us take a closer look at the three models that we mentioned earlier so that you can see whether or not they are a good fit for you.

Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod

Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod

Pros

  • ​Has a center post that is quite ingenious. It has a hook on it, so you can hang a counter-balance on it to ensure that it won’t topple, no matter how bad the wind gets.Delivers rich and vivid colors.
  • ​It is compact and folds away easily when not in use. It can be extended fully or used as is on a table top.Waterproof and fog-proof.
  • ​Sturdy construction and anodized aluminum allow for maximum durability.Lightweight and durable.
  • check-circle​Three-way pan head.
  • check-circle​Quick release mechanism.
  • check-circle​Has padded leg wraps so that carrying it is more comfortable. You don’t have to worry about being bruised by it while hiking for long distances.

Cons

  • ​It is the priciest of the three models.It’s been reported that the image can get a little blurry around the edges.
  • times-circle​It weighs almost double what the other two do.

Canon 10×30 Image Stabilization II BinocularsAdditional features include long eye relief, which means users can stay comfortable while using the binoculars, even with glasses. Doublet field-flatteners give a sharp, virtually distortion-free picture throughout the entire viewfinder as well.

​Vanguard VEO 235AP

Vanguard VEO 235AP

Pros

  • ​Stable legs.Delivers rich and vivid colors.
  • ​Will hold up to 7.7 pounds of weight.Waterproof and fog-proof.
  • ​Release plate is Arca Swiss compatible and quick release.Lightweight and durable.
  • check-circle​Feet are convertible – remove the rubber, and you can spike it into the ground for ultimate stability.
  • check-circle​Good grip.
  • check-circle​The column allows for inverted shots.
  • check-circle​Comes with a low-angle adaptor as well.
  • check-circle​Sturdily constructed.
  • check-circle​Stainless steel leg locks.
  • check-circle​Pan head

Cons

  • ​This is not the cheapest model.It’s been reported that the image can get a little blurry around the edges.
  • times-circle​Does not have a center post – if you want to add extra stability by adding weights, you will need to get a net and suspend it between the three legs.
  • times-circle​You might need to stick to the company’s own Swiss Arca plate, and these are a little more pricey than is the case in other models.

Canon 10×30 Image Stabilization II BinocularsAdditional features include long eye relief, which means users can stay comfortable while using the binoculars, even with glasses. Doublet field-flatteners give a sharp, virtually distortion-free picture throughout the entire viewfinder as well.

​ZoMei Z818

ZoMei Z818

Pros

  • ​This comes in at a very nice price.Delivers rich and vivid colors.
  • ​It has a quick release plate.Waterproof and fog-proof.
  • ​The ball head includes a safety lock so that your scope does not slip off when you loosen the quick release plate.Lightweight and durable.
  • check-circle​It has an innovative dial controlling the panoramic function. This allows 360 degrees of movement and the perfect way to create awesome panoramic shots.
  • check-circle​It has four legs for extra stability.
  • check-circle​The legs are easy to fold back into position.
  • check-circle​The legs can easily be adjusted into three different positions in case you have to set up a difficult spot.
  • check-circle​It can easily be converted into a monopod. All you have to do is to remove the center column and attach it to the legs.
  • check-circle​The center column is adjustable so you can get the perfect amount of balance.
  • check-circle​You can invert the column so that you get to check out different angles.
  • check-circle​The center column also has a hook on it if you want to use it in windy conditions.
  • check-circle​Some of the legs are padded to help make it more comfortable to carry.
  • check-circle​Now, we know that looks don’t count for everything, but this is the snazziest model on the board.

Cons

  • ​Comes with a carry case but it is a very snug fit. If not folded perfectly, you won’t fit it back in.It’s been reported that the image can get a little blurry around the edges.

Canon 10×30 Image Stabilization II BinocularsAdditional features include long eye relief, which means users can stay comfortable while using the binoculars, even with glasses. Doublet field-flatteners give a sharp, virtually distortion-free picture throughout the entire viewfinder as well.

Editor’s Choice

​When it came to selecting the best of the three, the decision was a difficult one. These are all good models and will last well. But there can only be one, and the ZoMei Z818 gets our vote. It is surprisingly well-priced, considering the number of features that it has and is flexible enough for anyone.

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​Conclusion

At the end of the day, a tripod can prove to be a valuable tool that helps you get optimal performance out of your scope. All the models that we have reviewed above can also be used with a camera as well. We choose these three because they were the best options at a good price.

As you know, we did end up choosing our favorite, but we would be happy to use any of the models on the list.

We do hope that the review and comparisons were useful to you. We know you are going to love scoping out the scene in style and comfort with any of these practical options.