We all know how magnificent the night sky is and how great the experience of viewing it through a pair of binoculars can be while you’re spending a night in the wilderness.
So, picking the right binoculars for the job is clearly important, but so is choosing the right tripod to stabilize them. It will allow you to sit in your chair, relax and spend more time enjoying the view rather than dealing with the discomfort of hand-holding them or making it harder for yourself to pick out all the details due to shaky hands.
The Orion Monster Parallelogram binocular tripod and mount will give you the most comfortable experience out of all binocular tripods thanks to its unique design, but make sure that you check the rest of the tripods on our list to get a better idea of all the types available on the market.
Our Best Tripod For Binoculars At A Glance
- Orion Monster Parallelogram Tripod and Mount
- Manfrotto 290 Xtra Tripod
- Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod
- Orion Tritech II Field Tripod
- Orion Paragon-Plus XHD
- Nikon Compact Outdoor Tripod
- Gosky Portable Travel Tripod
- Celestron Hummingbird Tripod
- Celestron TrailSeeker Tripod
List of the best tripod for binoculars
1. Orion Monster Parallelogram Binocular Tripod (And Mount)
Best tripod for binoculars
Dimensions: 51 x 34 x 59 inches | Weight: 45 pounds | Weight Limit: 15 pounds | Tripod Head Type: N/A
If you’re looking for the ultimate experience when it comes to using your binoculars to observe the night sky, the Orion 05752 Monster Parallelogram is certainly the best tripod for that job. It was especially designed with astronomy binoculars in mind, evidenced by its unique design and excellent weight capacity of 15-pounds.
From the first time you mount your astronomy binoculars on this tripod, you will notice how tightly it’s assembled and how good it feels in use. Every adjustment and every movement feels very precise, and you will always be in full control of the position and angle your binoculars will be sitting at with this tripod. Its stainless steel construction also attributes to its high build quality.
The Orion 05752 is also the most comfortable binoculars tripod on the market. The reason for that is its long arm with built-in counterweights and a built-in L bracket mount. Once you adjust the weights to balance your binoculars, you will be able to smoothly adjust their position without any impact on stability and they will feel almost like floating in the air.
That long arm will also allow you to adjust the height your binoculars are sitting at to as low as 30 and as high as 72 inches, meaning you will never have to bend your back or readjust your body to get in a comfortable viewing position. You will be able to simply relax and enjoy looking at the stars without any distractions or pain in the back.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Versatile design allows it to be set up in several ways
- Impressive 15-pound weight limit
- Provides excellent stability
- Already includes an L-type mounting bracket
Cons
- Not the easiest tripod to carry around due to its size and weight
2. Manfrotto 290 Xtra Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit (with Fluid Video Head)
Second best tripod for binoculars
Dimensions: 5.9 x 5.9 x 30.3 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Weight Limit: 11 pounds | Tripod Head Type: Fluid Video Head
We all know how famous Manfrotto is in the tripod industry, so it’s no surprise that their 290 Xtra Tripod Kit has found its place among the very best binocular tripods on our list.
The reason for why that’s the case is certainly its construction quality and weight capacity, which allows it to achieve great stability even if you decide to pair it with one of the bigger and heavier astronomy binoculars.
It also already includes a capable fluid video head, so you only have to invest in an adapter for your binoculars and you’ll be ready to go. You also won’t have to worry about not being comfortable enough with this tripod and dealing with pain in your lower back since it can extend as high as 66.7 inches.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Excellent weight capacity
- Can be folded as high as 66.7 inches
- Built-in handle makes it easier to make precise adjustments
- Includes a carrying bag
Cons
- Plastic tripod head
3. Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod
Third best tripod for binoculars
Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 28 inches | Weight: 4.4 pounds | Weight Limit: 10 pounds | Tripod Head Type: Pan Head
The Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod is a great tripod to be used with any pair of mid-range binoculars, especially if you value portability and low weight.
The first thing you’ll notice about it is that it includes a sturdy three-way pan head and a built-in handle, so you can be sure that you’ll be able to make smooth and precise adjustments with this binocular tripod.
It also has foam padding on each of its legs, meaning that your skin won’t have to come in direct contact with cold metal after a long night of stargazing. There are also rubber feet on the ends of those legs, so the tripod will remain stable even if you place it on a slippery or wet surface.
Pros
- Great maximum height of 67.1 inches
- Very good weight limit
- Not too heavy
- Includes a carrying case
- Solid build quality
Cons
- The quick-release lever could be sturdier
4. Orion Tritech II Field Tripod
Best heavy-duty tripod for binoculars
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 68.2 inches | Weight: 4.8 pounds | Weight Limit: 13.2 pounds | Tripod Head Type: Pan Head
The Orion Tritech II is a great choice for anyone looking for a very sturdy binocular tripod but still wants all the benefits of a standard tripod design and the portability it brings with it.
It’s relatively lightweight but still capable of stabilizing a pair of binoculars that weigh up to 13.2 pounds, and you’ll certainly be saving a noticeable amount of space with this tripod while you’re carrying it on your backpack or in the trunk of your car.
You will also be able to enjoy the benefits of having a tripod that can extend as high as 68 inches, and that will give you a lot of flexibility when it comes to adjusting it to fit your own needs when it comes to reaching a comfortable position to view the night sky.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Excellent weight limit
- Impressive maximum height of 68 inches
- Includes a carrying case
- Decent build quality
Cons
- Not the easiest tripod to use
5. Orion Paragon-Plus XHD Extra Heavy-Duty Tripod Stand for Binoculars
Second best heavy duty tripod for binoculars
Dimensions: 20 x 20 x 36 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Weight Limit: 10 pounds | Tripod Head Type: Pan Head
The Orion Paragon XHD may not be the most portable binoculars tripod on the market, but it indeed manages to bring very good build quality in return, and that’s something that astronomy enthusiasts will appreciate.
Instead of having single tube legs as most tripods do, this one brings reinforced double tube parts on its top section, making it noticeably more stable and resistant to drops or shock damage. This also means less shakiness when the wind starts to blow.
It also manages to extend up to 68 inches, allowing you to lay back in your chair and comfortably observe the night sky with your binoculars. Precise adjustments will also be easy to achieve thanks to the included two-way fluid pan head, with two tension adjustment knobs.
Pros
- Extremely stable
- Very good weight limit
- Great durability and build quality
- Can be extended as high as 68 inches
Cons
- Very heavy
- Not very portable
6. Nikon Compact Outdoor Tripod
Best entry-level tripod for binoculars
Dimensions: 3.35 x 3.58 x 17.87 inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Weight Limit: 5.5 pounds | Tripod Head Type: Ball Head
The Nikon Compact Outdoor Tripod is a solid choice for anyone looking for their first binocular tripod and wanting to buy one that’s affordable, compact, and easy to use.
Weighing only 2.3 pounds and using a traditional tripod ball head design, this tripod is both easy to carry around and simple to operate. While it’s not meant to be used with pro-grade binoculars, it will have no problem stabilizing smaller ones or even a mirrorless camera.
Nikon has decided to equip it with a padded handle to make it even easier to use, allowing you to pan and tilt your binoculars until you achieve a perfect angle. It’s also important to mention that it won’t disappoint you in terms of its build quality, since it was made from aluminum alloy materials.
Pros
- Good price point
- Very compact and lightweight design
- Decent build quality
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not ideal for pro-grade binoculars
7. Gosky Portable Travel Tripod
Best budget tripod for binoculars
Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 25 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Weight Limit: 11 pounds | Tripod Head Type: Pan Head
The Portable Travel tripod from Gosky presents itself as a very good choice if you’re on the lookout for a quality made and reasonably priced binoculars tripod. It comes equipped with a quick-release plate, allowing you to quickly mount and unmount your binoculars when you’re changing your position and looking for a better view of the night sky.
While it only extends by 61 inches in height a lot and won’t give you a lot of comfort when it comes to sitting in a very natural position while you’re using your binoculars, it will allow you to bring it with you more often because of its extremely portable design when it’s folded down and ready for transport.
It can also hold binoculars of up to 11 pounds in weight and is very easy to operate and find the right position and angle for your binoculars to be in thanks to the included three-way pan head and a built-in handle on the tripod head itself.
Pros
- Respectable build quality and durability
- Great weight limit
- Has padded legs for more comfort
- Very compact when folded down
- The included three-way pan head is a nice head to use
Cons
- A little heavier than most budget tripods
- Can’t be extended more than 61 inches
8. Celestron Hummingbird Pan Tilt Head Tripod
Second best budget tripod for binoculars
Dimensions: 4.8 x 4.8 x 24.8 inches | Weight: 5.04 pounds | Weight Limit: 11 pounds | Tripod Head Type: Pan Tilt Head
The Celestron Hummingbird is another great example that the binoculars tripod doesn’t have to cost a lot to provide you with a nice experience when observing the night sky, especially if you value spending your time looking at the stars in a comfortable position.
The main reason you’ll quickly get in a comfortable sitting position with this tripod is its maximum height that’s close to 69 inches, meaning that you should be able to spend hours looking through your binoculars even if you’re a taller person.
The Hummingbird can also sustain up to 11 pounds of weight, so you could get away with using even some pro-level binoculars with it if their total weight is under that rating.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Excellent maximum height of almost 69 inches
- Very respectable weight capacity
- Simple to use
Cons
- Average build quality
- Not as stable as more advanced binocular tripods
9. Celestron 82050 TrailSeeker Tripod
Best lightweight tripod for binoculars
Dimensions: 4.7 x 7.2 x 24.2 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Weight Limit: 9 pounds | Tripod Head Type: Pan Head
If you’re looking for a high-quality binoculars tripod that won’t burden you with its weight and size while you’re climbing or walking down a demanding trail, the Celestron 82050 TrailSeeker is the one you should have in your collection.
Weighing only 4 pounds and being made from aluminum, it manages to feel lightweight but still relatively sturdy, which is what you would want from a portable tripod like this one. It also has padded foam parts covering its legs, so you can easily pick it up even in colder weather.
While it’s certainly not ideal for bigger binoculars and doesn’t have the weight capacity to support them, it does manage to extend as high as 70.5 inches, meaning that you will be able to sit in a comfortable position while looking through its lenses and admiring the starry sky.
Pros
- Very lightweight and easy to carry around
- Offers decent durability despite its low weight
- Excellent maximum height of 70.5 inches
- Includes a carrying case
Cons
- Average weight capacity
- Not stable enough for larger binoculars
Tripod for astronomy binoculars Buying guide
What to look for when buying a tripod for binoculars
In the remaining section of this article, I discuss some of the more specific points you should look at so the binocular tripod you do buy ends up doing exactly what you want it to.
Can it support large or giant astronomy binoculars?
This is where the weight capacity limit comes into play. It will tell you how much weight the binocular tripod can support at once, and you just need to make sure that the weight of your binoculars is equal to or less than the weight capacity rating.
Also, when calculating your setup’s total weight, make sure that you take the weight of your binocular mount or adapter into account as well.
Most entry-level binoculars will weigh between 1 and 2.5 pounds, with enthusiast ones maxing at around 5 pounds and the professional level binoculars sometimes reaching weights of well over 10 pounds.
Tripod material
Binocular tripods are usually either made from aluminum or carbon fiber. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.
Tripods made from aluminum are a better choice for anyone working in colder environments because of their better resistance to cold. This is because aluminum won’t lose its strength when exposed to lower temperatures like carbon fiber will, and you won’t risk damaging it if you hit it or it falls to the ground.
Aluminum tripods are also a good choice for those astrophotographers who want something more affordable but don’t mind adding extra weight to their gear.
Carbon fiber tripods are generally more sturdy and durable, and more lightweight, but they tend to be more expensive and less resistant to accidental knocks if used at lower temperatures.
Does The Tripod Extend High Enough?
One of the most important things about binocular tripods that sets them apart from the ones meant to be used with cameras is their total height when they’re fully extended.
Height plays such an essential role in binocular tripods to allow you to be comfortable while sitting and looking through your binoculars, eliminating the need to bend over regularly to get in the right viewing position.
Do I need to match the binocular brand with the tripod?
Not at all… You just need to make sure that you purchase the right mount or an adapter for your binoculars, and that’s it. All binocular tripods and their mounting plates come with standard 1/4×20 screws built into them, and this is the exact connector that will be found on your adapter or a mount of choice as well.
How do I attach binoculars to a tripod?
Before attaching a pair of binoculars to a tripod, you’ll need to invest in a binocular adapter or a mount. Most binocular mounts will work with many different models at once because of their universal design.
These mounts are metal plates combined with velcro straps that wrap around your binoculars and hold them in place while you’re looking through them. They aren’t the most comfortable solution, but a necessary one if your binoculars don’t have a built-in threaded socket.
Binocular adapters need to be attached to the appropriate screw port on the binoculars themselves, usually hidden under a flap or a protective cover. They will allow you to raise your binoculars away from your tripod’s mount, thus allowing you to get a more comfortable view of the night sky.
You will need a tripod adaptor or mount for binoculars
Indeed you will, and that’s because binoculars need special types of mounts and adapters to work correctly, and these are different than ones that are often used for cameras. These either come straight from the manufacturer or can be the universal types.
Luckily enough, these adapters and tripod mounts can be easily used with any type of tripod designed for binoculars since they always use a standard tripod bolt at their end, so you can buy one without worrying if you’ve purchased the right type of tripod.
We’ve also covered the best binocular tripod adapters to use with your binocular tripods, which you can read to find out more.
Can you use a camera tripod for binoculars?
Yes you can, but your viewing experience will vary a lot depending on which tripod you choose. You will need to make sure that it’s sturdy enough, has enough height, and offers fine angle adjustment.
Simply said, you could get away with it, but there’s a high chance that it will have a negative impact on your enjoyment of looking at the night sky, especially if you own a more advanced pair of binoculars.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned about different types of binocular tripods, how they bring more comfort to the experience of observing the night sky, and what is necessary to pair them with your binoculars, you are ready to pick one and spend the night under the stars while enjoying them in all of their glory.
The Orion Monster Parallelogram binocular tripod and mount is the best binocular tripod on the market and manages to stand out from the rest with its special counterweight arm that will allow you to perfectly position your binoculars with precision, giving you more time to enjoy your stargazing and less time fumbling around.
However, some of you may be looking for something more portable, easier to use, or less expensive, and this is where the rest of the binocular tripods on our list come into play, each one with its own set of advantages.