When you’re glassing for elk on distant ridges or watching for bedded mule deer in open country, a rock-solid tripod can make or break your hunt. Spotting scopes are only as good as the platform you use, and hunting conditions demand a tripod that’s lightweight, stable, and field-tough. Whether you hike deep into the mountains or glass from a truck, the right hunting tripod will help you spot more game and stay comfortable for long hours behind the lens. Here’s your guide to the best tripods for spotting scopes this season.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Vortex Summit Carbon II Tripod
- Best Value: SLIK Sprint Pro III Tripod
- Best for Heavy Spotting Scopes: Manfrotto 190XPRO Aluminum Tripod
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Hunting Tripod?
Hunting tripods are different from camera or studio models. Here’s what to look for:
- Weight: Every ounce counts in the field. Look for carbon fiber or lightweight aluminum. Under 3.5 pounds is ideal for backcountry hunts.
- Stability: The tripod must hold your spotting scope rock-steady in wind or on uneven terrain. Wide leg angles and rubber feet help, as do secure locks and stiff legs.
- Height Adjustment: You want a tripod that goes low enough for prone glassing but tall enough for comfortable use while sitting or standing. Most hunting tripods range from 7 inches to over 60 inches.
- Head Type: Pan/tilt or ball heads are most common. Ball heads are lighter and quicker; pan heads offer smoother tracking for wildlife and digiscoping.
- Quick-Release Plates: These let you swap between your spotting scope, binocular adapter, or camera quickly in the field.
- Durability: The tripod must be weather-resistant, tough, and able to handle dust, rain, and rough handling.
- Leg Locks: Twist locks are fast and quiet, while lever locks are often more secure and better for gloved hands.
Consider your hunting style: backpacking hunters prioritize weight and packability; truck hunters might want a heavier, ultra-stable tripod for all-day glassing.
Top Tripods for Spotting Scopes (Hunting Use)
Vortex Summit Carbon II Tripod
Why it’s a top pick: The Summit Carbon II is a hunter’s dream: carbon fiber legs keep weight at just over 2.5 lbs, but stability is superb even for larger spotting scopes. Height range is versatile, from low glassing positions to 53 inches at full extension. The included ball head is smooth and strong, with a quick-release plate for fast changes. Packs down small for the pack, and built for years of rough use.
- Weighs only 2.5 lbs—perfect for backcountry or mobile hunters
- Max height: 53.3 in / Min height: 6.3 in
- Carbon fiber legs for lightweight strength
- Arca-Swiss compatible ball head
- Three angle leg positions for stability on rough ground
Pros:
- Superb blend of weight, strength, and height
- Easy to deploy and adjust quietly
- Perfect for all spotting scopes up to 80mm objective
- Backed by Vortex’s VIP warranty
Cons:
- Premium price, but you get what you pay for
- Ball head not ideal for serious digiscoping (can upgrade to pan head)
Final Verdict: If you want one tripod that works everywhere—from truck to timberline—this is a true do-it-all choice for serious glassers.
SLIK Sprint Pro III Tripod
Why it’s a value winner: Lightweight, affordable, and surprisingly sturdy, the SLIK Sprint Pro III is a top choice for hunters who want to shed weight but keep stable glass. At just 2.6 lbs, it’s easy to pack and deploy. The 4-section legs and ball head make for quick height changes, and it handles mid-size spotting scopes with ease.
- Weighs 2.6 lbs—ideal for mountain or prairie hunts
- Max height: 63.2 in / Min height: 6.4 in
- Flip locks for fast leg adjustment
- Includes a ball head with quick-release
- Aluminum construction for toughness
Pros:
- Excellent value for the features
- Low minimum height for prone glassing
- Quick setup, easy to use in gloves
Cons:
- Not as steady with the largest/heaviest scopes (80mm+)
- Aluminum is slightly less vibration-dampening than carbon
Final Verdict: This is the best tripod for hunters who want to save weight, spend less, and still enjoy steady glass in the field.
Manfrotto 190XPRO Aluminum Tripod
Why it’s best for big spotting scopes: When you run a large, heavy spotter (85mm+), you need more stability. The Manfrotto 190XPRO is a proven classic, built tough for years of use. The quick power leg locks, rock-solid stance, and versatile height (down to ground level, up to 63″) make it ideal for truck hunters, range shooters, or anyone using a big scope for hours at a time. Pair it with a good pan head for smooth panning and glassing all day.
- Aluminum construction—tough and durable
- Max height: 63 in / Min height: 3.5 in
- Quick power locks and adjustable leg angles
- Supports heavy spotters, even in wind
- Compatible with multiple heads (pan/tilt, ball, fluid)
Pros:
- Ultra-stable, even for the biggest scopes
- Highly adjustable for terrain and glassing style
- Built to last a lifetime
Cons:
- Heavier (over 4 lbs with head)—not ideal for long backpacking trips
- Bigger collapsed size for pack transport
Final Verdict: The best choice if stability is everything and you don’t mind a little extra weight. Perfect for high-wind glassing or range spotting.
Other Notable Tripods
- Sirui T-024SK Carbon Fiber Tripod: Ultralight (2.2 lbs), compact, and field-tough for backcountry or ultralight setups.
- Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB: Tall, stable, and versatile with a smooth pan head—great for sitting or standing glassing.
- Benro Slim Carbon Fiber Tripod: Lightweight and compact, great for mid-size spotting scopes.
Comparison Table
| Tripod | Weight | Max Height | Min Height | Material | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Summit Carbon II | 2.5 lbs | 53.3 in | 6.3 in | Carbon Fiber | All-around, pack hunting | $350-$450 |
| SLIK Sprint Pro III | 2.6 lbs | 63.2 in | 6.4 in | Aluminum | Value, mobile hunts | $90-$120 |
| Manfrotto 190XPRO | 4.1 lbs (with head) | 63 in | 3.5 in | Aluminum | Heavy scopes, truck glassing | $200-$250 |
| Sirui T-024SK | 2.2 lbs | 54.3 in | 5.5 in | Carbon Fiber | Ultralight, mountain | $180-$230 |
| Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB | 5.4 lbs | 68.2 in | 6.25 in | Aluminum | Standing, tall users | $150-$180 |
| Benro Slim Carbon Fiber | 2.2 lbs | 57.1 in | 15.7 in | Carbon Fiber | Travel, mid-size spotters | $130-$160 |
FAQ: Hunting Tripods for Spotting Scopes
What’s the best tripod head for hunting?
Ball heads are fast, light, and good for general glassing. Pan/tilt heads or fluid heads are smoother for tracking moving animals or digiscoping. Many hunters start with a ball head and upgrade if they need more control.
How tall should my tripod be?
For sitting or kneeling glassing, max height of 50-55 inches is ideal. For standing glassing, look for tripods over 60 inches (with head and spotting scope attached).
Are carbon fiber tripods worth it?
Yes—carbon fiber is lighter and absorbs vibration better than aluminum. It’s worth the higher price if you hike far or want to save weight in the pack.
Can I use a camera tripod for spotting scopes?
Yes, but make sure it’s stable and can handle your scope’s weight. Hunting tripods are usually lighter, quieter, and designed for rugged field use.
How do I avoid tripod shake in the wind?
Hang your backpack or weight from the tripod’s center hook, spread the legs wider, and keep the tripod as low as practical. Upgrade to a heavier tripod if you regularly glass in high winds.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The best hunting tripod for spotting scopes is the one you don’t notice—sturdy, quick to deploy, and never in your way. For serious hunters, the Vortex Summit Carbon II is a true all-purpose tripod. The SLIK Sprint Pro III proves you don’t have to spend big for lightweight, solid glassing. If you’re running a heavy spotter or want max stability, the Manfrotto 190XPRO is a trusted choice for years of hunts. Whichever you choose, invest in a quality tripod and you’ll spot more game, stay more comfortable, and make every hunt more successful.