Best Binocular Tripods
Binoculars are essential for long-range observation of all kinds, even for astronomy! Binoculars provide the visual system with information from both eyes in a natural way, and they can give viewers a wider view of the night sky than a telescope can. But holding binoculars by hand eliminates many of their advantages for both day and night observation. A tripod that’s designed for binoculars can provide stability and comfort for long viewing sessions under all kinds of conditions.
Whether you’re a birdwatcher, skywatcher, or wild game spotter, there’s a binocular tripod with the features you need for the best viewing experience. The best binocular tripod should be:
- Sturdy and stable. Your binocular tripod should be able to accommodate the weight of your binoculars, whether you’re using standard handheld binoculars or heavier instruments designed for viewing distant night sky objects. It should be stable enough to remain steady under a variety of conditions, such as gusty winds or uneven ground.
- Adjustable for height and viewing conditions. The best binocular tripods should be able to accommodate your choice of viewing positions, whether sitting or standing. Some tripods can allow for a binocular height of up to 6 feet or more, with adjustments for viewers of different heights.
- Adaptable and versatile. Many quality binocular tripods can also be used for other viewing devices, such as telescopes, cameras, and spotting scopes, with the help of adapters and mounts. Look for a tripod mount and head capable of fluid movement to easily track the objects you want to view.
Choosing the Best Binocular Tripod
A quality binocular tripod allows you to make the most of any binocular viewing session while eliminating the shake and strain that comes from holding binoculars steady by hand. Many of the best tripods work with a variety of adapters and accessories to create a custom setup geared to specific circumstances. With those considerations in mind, here’s our guide to the best binocular tripod for every budget, with a quick summary of the pros and cons of each.
10 Micron BM100 Leonardo Manual Binocular Mount - $3700.55
The 10 Micron BM100 Leonardo Manual Binocular Mount is a heavy-duty mount with a weight capacity of 30 pounds. Designed specifically for binocular mounting, the 10 Micron BM100 features a unique lever-based system for easy mounting and manipulation of larger binoculars. This manual binocular mount includes an Alt-Azimuth head design plus a stainless steel counterweight shaft, and a 3kg counterweight. The kit also comes with a universal tripod adapter, mounting screws, and a user manual.
Pros:
- Premium grade tripod with solid build
- Made in Italy
- Allows fluid motion in all directions
- Ideal for heavy binoculars
Orion Paragon Plus Binocular Mount with Tripod - $279.99
The Orion Paragon Plus Binocular Mount with Tripod is designed for astronomy binoculars, with features that provide the best night sky viewing experience. The Orion Paragon Plus is a sturdy setup that eliminates arm strain and shakiness and stays fixed on a target even when binoculars are raised and lowered — a handy feature when people of varying heights observe together. When assembled, this setup weighs 19.8 pounds and has a maximum mounted binocular height of 7 feet, 7 inches. The mount comes with a sliding counterweight for balance and an L-adapter for attaching tripod-adaptable binoculars up to 80mm.
Pros:
- Ergonomic design for comfortable viewing at all angles
- Great for all kinds of outdoor sitting conditions, even hammocks and recliners
- Stabilized to reduce vibration
- Ideal for large binoculars
- Comes fully assembled
Celestron Trailseeker Fluid Pan Tripod - $129.95
The Celestron Trailseeker Fluid Pan Tripod is a versatile binocular tripod that’s both lightweight and sturdy. This affordable tripod comes with a standard ¼-20 thread mount for attaching not only binoculars but also a camera, spotting scope, or small telescope. The Celestron Trailseeker has a fluid pan head with a single handle for easy movement and an oversized knob for locking the head in place. The Trailseeker Tripod features fully adjustable aluminum legs with rubber feet and a retractable balance hook for added stability.
Pros:
- Ideal for medium-sized binoculars
- Eliminates arm strain from holding binoculars steady
- Lightweight and portable
- Works with a variety of viewing devices
Cons:
- Binocular adapter sold separately
- Prone to vibration with larger or heavier binoculars
Celestron Ultima Pan Tilt Head Tripod - $86.95
The Celestron Ultima Pan Tilt Head Tripod is an affordable and versatile tripod that can be used with small telescopes and cameras as well as with binoculars. This lightweight tripod has a panhandle and tilt head for adjusting the viewing angle, and the quick-release mounting plate makes it easy to switch devices. The Celestron Ultima tripod has three leg sections and an adjustable center column, so you can customize the configuration for any viewing situation. The kit includes an attached bubble level and a woven carry case with a shoulder strap.
Pros:
- Takes the strain off holding binoculars
- Can also be used with cameras and small telescopes
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- Binocular adapter is sold separately
- Prone to vibration with larger or heavier binoculars
Radian Tripod + UA Pan Head Bundle - $409.95
The Radian Tripod & Universal Pan Head Bundle includes everything you need to take steady, long-exposure images with a DSLR or mirrorless camera. This setup includes a carbon fiber tripod with a one-button quick-release plate for connecting with a variety of astrophotography mounts and trackers, such as the iOptron Sky Guider Pro.
The bundle also comes with a Universal Astro Pan Head. This fluid movement panning head makes it easy to capture smooth panning video shots and detailed images of the night sky. This lightweight tripod has a 55-pound load capacity, plus a counterbalance hook for heavier instruments, and the bundle also includes a Radian field bag for easy portability.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty pan/tilt head
- Lightweight and portable
- Includes carry bag
- Has a built-in bubble level
- Can be converted to an expandable monopod
If you have any questions about finding the right binocular tripod or need to know more, please contact us. The OPT team will be glad to steer you toward the best option for your viewing needs!
