Choosing the best table top tripod for spotting scope can be a daunting task especially if you are a beginner. In today’s buying guide, we will be looking at the important features of the top recommended spotting scopes available in the market today. These tripods are mostly used for outdoor activities, like hunting and target shooting.
If you use a spotting scope without a tripod, you will see a shaky image across all the magnification levels. This is because your hands are not very stable and the image will be shakier at higher magnification levels.
It is important to note that high powered spotting scopes are very heavy. This is why you need a durable tripod, which can support any spotting scope. Tripods are often overlooked as one of your optics regimen in almost all glassing applications.
Most spotting scopes are constructed from aluminum or carbon. It is worth mentioning that aluminum tripods are more expensive when compared to carbon tripods. However, carbon tripods are lightweight, which makes them a reliable choice for hunting expeditions. This is because it will not weigh you down.
However, there are many tripods available in the market today. This makes it difficult to find the right scope for the money because of the sheer number of features you have to consider. This is why we created this guide to help your find the right scope.
5 Best Table Top Tripod For Spotting Scope
By the end of this post, we are sure that you will select the best table top tripod for the money. The best tripod for this category should be reasonably lightweight, allowing you to carry it easily to any location
In addition, it needs to have a durable construction that can last for a long time. It should also be able to hold your spotting scope for extended periods.
Read on, as we will also share some of the important factors you need to consider when buying a tripod for a spotting scope.
Let us get right into it.
1Gosky Tripod -Travel Portable Tripod for Spotting scopes, Binoculars, Camcorders, or SLR Cameras
The Gosky Tripod is the best table top tripod for the money. This tripod features a sturdy anodized aluminum construction. This ensures it lasts for a long time and can hold spotting scopes, binoculars, and cameras.
This scope features a lightweight design, making it a great tripod for different glassing applications.
It is important to note that the stand is tipped with non slip rubber feet. This creates a stable mounting platform on almost any surface.
Most glassing enthusiasts recommend this tripod because it is very easy to use. The three legs are padded with cushions for protection in extremely cold or hot conditions.
This tripod is very easy to store and transport. This is because of the compact design. In addition, it comes with a convenient carrying case.
The outstanding feature of this tripod is that you can also use it as a full size tripod. You can adjust from 18.3 to 61 inches.
Overall, this tripod is very reliable and comes with a 365-day free exchange warranty.
Features
- The height and angles are fully adjustable
- It comes with a one year free exchange warranty and a 30 day return guarantee
- It is very easy to transport because it comes with a convenient carrying case
Besnfoto Mini Tripod Desktop Carbon Fiber Tripod
If you are in the market for a carbon fiber table top tripod, the Besnfoto Mini Tripod Desktop Carbon Fiber Tripod is an excellent choice for you. This tripod features a compact design, allowing you to easily transport it to any location.
This versatile tripod is compatible with many devices like spotting scopes, cameras, and phones. It features a ball head that allows for multi angle adjustments. This makes it very convenient for making panoramic shots.
It is important to note that this table top tripod has a maximum height of 16.6’’ and a minimum height of 2.3’’. In addition, this scope has a 17.6 lb pound load capacity, which is very impressive.
Features
- It features a lightweight design
- It is very easy to use
- It is compatible with many devices
Gitzo Lightweight Series 1 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod
The Gitzo Lightweight Series 1 Traveler is one of the best carbon fiber tripods available in the market today. This tripod is constructed from durable materials to ensure it lasts for a long time.
It is important to note that this scope can support an objective lens diameter of above 75 mm. it is so specifically designed for hunters who are willing to invest a lot of money. It folds up quite small allowing you to store and transport it easily.
Most glassing enthusiasts recommend this tripod for birdwatching, target shooting, and hunting. You can also use it for video photography.
This tripod is very easy to store and transport. It folds up quite small allowing you to store and transport it easily. In addition, it extends quite high and the center column is removable. This allows you to view distant objects from the ground.
However, it is worth mentioning that this scope does not come with a carrying case. This means that you have to buy the case separately.
Features
- It features a lightweight design
- It can support an objective lens diameter of upwards of 75mm
- It is very easy to store and transport
RetiCAM Tabletop Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head
The RetiCAM Tabletop Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head is a reliable table top tripod for glassing applications. It is a multi purpose tripod, which can be used to support cameras, spotting scopes, phones, and LED lights.
This tripod features a sturdy aluminum construction that will last for a long time. It has a short footprint, but you can extend it for different shooting applications.
It is worth mentioning that this scope features a three way pan and tilt. This offers you the maneuverability that most tabletop tripods lack.
However, this tripod is not very stable if you fix a heavy spotting scope.
Features
- It comes with a three way pan and tilt
- It features a durable aluminum construction
- It features a lightweight design
Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Tripod
The Vanguard VS-82 Table Top Tripod is a popular spotting scope tripod compatible with many models. This tripod features an aluminum construction to ensure it lasts for a long time, even after repeated use.
It is worth mentioning that this tripod has a maximum load of 5.5 pounds. You can extend the height of this tripod depending on your glassing application.
This tripod offers you a two way pan and features non slip rubber feet. We highly recommend this tripod because it will offer you reliable performance compared to other tripods within the same price range.
Features
- It features a durable construction
- It comes with no slip rubber feet
- It is compatible with many devices
BARSKA Heavy Duty Table Top Tripod for Spotting scopes Binoculars Telescope DSLR Cameras
The BARSKA Heavy Duty Table Top Tripod is another excellent tripod for different glassing applications. This tripod features a heavy duty construction to ensure it can support heavy spotting scopes.
Most enthusiasts recommend this tripod because of the pan head design. It is ideal for stabilizing cameras, binoculars, video cameras, spotting scopes, and other devices.
It features a compact design making it very easy to store and transport. In addition, this tripod features a minimum height of 10.25 inches and a maximum height of 14 inches.
Features
- It features a lightweight design
- It features a pan head design
- It is made from durable materials
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Table Top Tripod For Spotting Scope
As you have seen, there are many table top tripods available in the market today. They are compatible with most spotting scopes and they are very easy to use.
However, some users might still have a hard time selecting one. Here are some of the important factors you should consider when buying the best table top tripod for spotting scope:
- Panning – When buying the best table top tripod for the money, it is important to check the panning of the tripod. You need to buy a scope that pans well to get the best glassing experience.
- Price – The other important factor you should check is the price. It is worth mentioning that cheap spotting scopes are made from low quality materials. We highly recommend buying a scope that has a great middle ground to be found between price and quality.
- Maximum Weight – We highly recommend that you check if the tripod can handle the load of your optical equipment. This is very important, especially when glassing in windy conditions. In addition, the tripod should be very stable when supporting your spotting scope.
- Durability – It is important to buy a durable tripod, especially if you are going to take your tripod on a hike into the mountains or around rugged terrains. This ensures that it can withstand powerful impact.
- Height – The tripod height is also a very important factor you need to consider. If you prefer kneeling or using a tabletop, you can buy a short tripod. However, if you prefer standing, you need a full-size tripod.
Conclusion
In summary, we have shared the best table top tripod for the money. They are very durable and they can support many spotting scopes available in the market today.
If you are still unsure, we recommend checking other brands, but it is always important to check the customer reviews. This ensures that you get the best product that will deliver value for the money you spend.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to first define your glassing requirements. This will make the selection process easy for you.
It is worth mentioning that the scopes we have shared are compatible with many spotting scopes available in the market today. In addition, we have shared the important factors you need to consider. This means that you will not make the expensive mistake of buying a tripod that doesn’t fit your shooting requirements.
We hope that this guide helped you to make a well informed purchase.