How to choose the right tripod for your spotting scope

Many birdwatchers spend hours or even weeks researching a spotting scope, and then just minutes on the tripod that the spotting scope is going to be fitted to. Here we explain why the tripod is key to getting the most from your spotting scope, and what to consider when choosing one. 

WHY DOES A SPOTTING SCOPE NEED A GOOD TRIPOD?

Spotting scopes deliver a much higher magnification than binoculars. Where most binoculars are either 8 or 10x magnification, a spotting scope can reach 60x magnification or more. 

At these magnifications you can examine your subject in incredible detail, but it does also mean that a vibration that would be barely noticeable through an 8x binocular can completely undermine the benefit and make the spotting scope difficult and tiring to use.

This also results in an extremely narrow field of view and a spotting scope delivers a more laser like focus, with a field of view of around 20-25m/1000m on 60x magnification.  This makes it harder to find and follow a target through a spotting scope.

These features mean that a good tripod is key for more than holding the scope up. It should:

1. Allow you to find and follow your subject
2. Keep the image steady at the higher magnifications
   
3. Balance stability and portability to your needs 
   
4. Be comfortable to use over extended periods
   
5. Work with the accessories you want to use, such as a hide clamp

Based on this:

1. Find and follow your subject

For a spotting scope, the tripod head can matter as much, if not more, than the legs. There are a multitude of tripod legs that can be used with a spotting scope, but the majority of heads are designed for other purposes, primarily photography. While a photography tripod head can be used with a spotting scope, the head of choice is a 2-way pan head.

A 2-way pan head lets you move horizontally and vertically in a controlled way using an extended handle that makes it easier to scan a shoreline through your spotting scope, or follow a bird in flight. 

For simplicity, we split the most useful 2-way pan heads for birdwatching into two broad styles: traditional video heads and dedicated spotting scope style heads.

Traditional Video Heads typically have a longer handle, with separate controls for pan and tilt. These are relatively common as they are used by tripod brands like Vanguard for both video and birdwatching. 

Spotting Scope Style Heads are generally dedicated to spotting scopes, where the control is in the handle. This is designed to allow intuitive one-handed use for following a moving subject and locking off the head when they stop, leaving the other hand free to adjust the focus or the zoom.

2. Steady image

A steady image is generally based on the tripod legs, though the head does play a part as we’ll touch on here.

The load capacity is a useful indicator, but it is not necessarily the same thing as stability. A tripod can be rated to carry far more weight than your spotting scope and still feel less settled when fully extended or exposed to wind. You should look at the complete design. 

Larger diameter legs and fewer sections will generally improve rigidity when comparing otherwise similar tripods. However, material, tube construction, leg locks, head design and overall geometry also matter, so do not use one specification in isolation.

Finding a tripod with a comfortable working height without using the centre column and using as little of the smallest leg section as possible will help steady the image and maximise your comfort over extended use. As a guide, we’d generally recommend looking for a tripod that extends to around 130cm or more without using the centre column, though that depends on a number of variables, not least your height. 

Adding ballast can help make a tripod less susceptible to vibration or movement, particularly in wind. Avoid hanging a heavy bag freely from the centre column hook where it can swing like a pendulum. If you use a bag for ballast, keep it in contact with the ground and use a short strap or cord to apply gentle downward tension, or use an accessory like an Alta Stone Bag positioned between the legs to add ballast or be used as a shelf in the field.

The head can also help steady the image through the strength of the lock when static and the smoothness of the movement, but also with the attachment of the spotting scope to the head. A growing number of spotting scopes use an Arca compatible foot which can attach directly into the clamp of an Arca compatible tripod head for a direct and rigid connection. If either your spotting scope foot or tripod head is not Arca compatible then a quick release plate with a non-twist spring pin such as the compact QS-55P or the longer QS-71P is advised, as this is designed to stop the plate rotating or loosening under the spotting scope in use.

3. Balance stability and portability

As a rule, a larger and more substantial tripod will feel steadier, but you pay for that stability in extra weight and bulk.  This means that the weight and folded size of the tripod also play a part in the decision, depending on how you plan to use the tripod.  

If you’re only planning short walks to a viewing point or a hide, a full-sized tripod should be fine. If you’re planning longer trips or want a lighter and/or more compact tripod, a more portable solution may be better.

Carbon-fibre legs can reduce weight as well as damping vibration more effectively than aluminium, while also feeling less cold to handle in winter and being less at risk of corrosion. The carbon tubes themselves do not corrode, but the tripod probably still contains metal fittings that will require cleaning and maintenance to maximise the life of the tripod, particularly after coastal use.

A good carrying solution that can carry your spotting scope, your tripod and the other kit you need for the day such as water, a jacket or a map can help take the strain. This would generally mean a backpack like the Alta Sky 42 or a more specialist harness system.

4. Comfort over extended periods

This is touched upon in the earlier sections. A steady image will minimise eye fatigue, and the right tripod for the trip will minimise physical fatigue caused by the journey.  

The maximum height without extending the centre column has also been mentioned, but it’s worth a little more detail.  Angled spotting scopes are particularly common for birdwatching and allow the eyepiece to sit lower than a straight scope. This means you may be able to remove the need to extend the centre column, and possibly even minimise the use of the smallest leg section to maximise stability, without needing to stoop and put pressure on your spine. 

5. Use the accessories you want

If you use specific accessories, then it’s worth ensuring that your tripod will support these. 

Digiscoping generally adds little complexity to the tripod setup because the phone or camera adaptor attaches to the spotting scope, but the extra weight and higher effective magnification make good stability even more important.

If you plan to transfer your tripod's centre column into a compatible hide clamp, check that the column is removable and that its shape and diameter suit the clamp. Other hide mounts use their own support system, so check compatibility before buying.

Which Vanguard spotting scope tripod is right for you?

Vanguard tripods for spotting scopes cover three relatively clear series: VESTA GO Nature Series for maximum portability, VESTA 3 Birding Series for an everyday full-sized support, and VEO 5 Birding Series for a more compact full-sized tripod with a strong overall specification.

All three series include 2-way pan heads that are optimised for use with a spotting scope, but if you would prefer a video style head then we would recommend:

• VESTA GO Video Series – Travel sized tripods
  
• Alta Pro 3VL Series – Full-sized tripods with built in levelling system
  
• Alta Pro 3VRL Series – Full-sized tripods with removable levelling system for maximum versatility
  

In Summary

Ultimately the right choice for you depends on your specific needs, and depends mainly on four things: the head, stability, working height and how far you expect to carry it.  

Frequently asked questions

Here we summarise some of our most common questions, but let us know in the comments if you have any more to add.

Why do I need a tripod for my spotting scope?

With up to 60x magnification, the slightest wobble can move you off your chosen subject and due to the narrow field of view it can be hard to get back. A tripod maximises the stability and ensures you get the best experience with your spotting scope

What are the key features I should look for in a tripod for my spotting scope?

For most birdwatchers, a tripod with a smooth 2-way pan head, enough working height to use your scope comfortably without excessive centre column extension, and enough stability for high-magnification viewing. Then balance weight and folded size against how far you normally carry it.

Can I use a normal camera tripod with a spotting scope?

Yes, if it provides enough stability, working height and an appropriate head. For birdwatching, a smooth pan head is usually easier to use than a conventional photography ball head.

How tall should a spotting-scope tripod be?

It should let you view comfortably with the least possible centre column extension. Straight scopes generally need to sit closer to eye height which makes it easier to measure the height you need, but angled scopes can normally be positioned lower, but there are more variables that make an objective measurement harder, such as eyepiece angle and spotting scope height. As a guide, position the eyepiece at a comfortable height and measure from the base of the spotting scope.

Is carbon fibre better than aluminium?

Not automatically. Carbon fibre normally reduces carrying weight, reduces vibrations, is warmer to the touch and is more corrosion resistant, while aluminium remains a sound choice when the extra weight is not a concern and you want to let your budget go further.

How much load capacity do I need?

Choose a tripod and head with rated load capacities that comfortably exceed the combined weight of your spotting scope and any accessories you want to attach. Then assess stability separately as a higher load rating does not automatically mean a steadier tripod.

What type of tripod head is best for a spotting scope?

For general birdwatching, a smooth 2-way pan head because it allows controlled horizontal and vertical movement while you follow birds. We would recommend a Spotting Scope Style Head as it is usually the most intuitive choice, but you can also use a Traditional Video Head. 

Do I need an Arca compatible tripod for a spotting scope?

No, but it is convenient if your spotting scope has an Arca style foot because it should attach directly to the clamp on the head for the most secure fit. Other spotting scopes can be fitted using a suitable quick release plate which will normally be supplied with the head, though we would recommend a plate with a non-twist spring pin.

Can I use a ball head with a spotting scope?

Yes, but a conventional ball head releases more than one axis of movement at the same time, and you need to hold the spotting scope at the same time. This can make precise tracking less intuitive and harder to control. A 2-way pan head like a Spotting Scope Style Head or a Traditional Video Head limits movement to horizontal and vertical axes and is generally easier to control.

Can I use a 3-way pan head with a spotting scope?

Yes, a 3-way head can support a spotting scope, but the third axis is rarely needed for normal birdwatching, adding weight and another control. Most spotting scopes are used with a 2-way pan head like a Spotting Scope Style Head or a Traditional Video Head to be more intuitive to use. If you do choose to use a 3-way pan head, ensure that it is set up for a long lens with the clamp facing forwards otherwise the spotting scope may be at 90° to the controls.