By Joel Mccartan
As an avid hunter and night vision gear enthusiast, I know firsthand the importance of having the right equipment when you’re out in the field. From high-powered rifles to advanced optics, every piece of gear plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful and enjoyable hunting experience. However, one item that often gets overlooked is the tripod. Many hunters don’t realize just how much of a difference a quality tripod can make when it comes to getting stable, clear views of your target.
Whether you’re glassing for game at long distances, setting up for the perfect shot, or even exploring the night sky with your astronomy binoculars, a sturdy and reliable tripod is an essential tool to have in your kit. But with so many different types and styles of tripods on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which one is right for your specific needs.
That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the world of tripods and find the perfect one for your next outdoor adventure. I’ll break down the different types of tripods available, discuss the key features to look for, and share some of my top recommendations based on years of experience in the field.
First, let’s start with the basics. A tripod is a three-legged stand designed to provide a stable platform for mounting various types of equipment, including cameras, spotting scopes, binoculars, and even rifles. The tripod’s three-legged design gives it stability against horizontal and downward forces, as well as movement in multiple directions. By positioning the legs away from the vertical center, the tripod gains more leverage to resist lateral forces and maintain a steady hold on your gear.
When it comes to hunting specifically, a tripod can be an absolute game-changer. Trying to glass for animals or line up a shot while holding your binoculars or rifle freehand can be incredibly challenging, especially in windy conditions or when your heart is racing with adrenaline. A tripod takes all that shaky movement out of the equation, allowing you to focus on spotting and evaluating your target.
But tripods aren’t just for hunters. Wildlife photographers and birdwatchers rely on them to get crystal-clear shots of their subjects, while stargazers use them to hold their telescopes and astronomical binoculars steady for breathtaking views of the cosmos. No matter what your outdoor passion is, there’s a tripod out there that can help you take it to the next level.
So, let’s dive into the different types of tripods available and what they’re best suited for:
Portable Tripods
Also known as all-in-one tripods, portable tripods are a great choice for beginners or anyone looking for a simple, affordable option. These tripods have the head permanently connected to the legs, so they’re ready to go right out of the box. They’re generally lightweight and easy to use, making them a popular choice for casual hunters and photographers.
However, the downside to portable tripods is that they often lack some of the advanced features and customization options of higher-end models. The fixed head design means you’re limited in terms of the types of movements and adjustments you can make, and the lighter weight construction may not be as stable as more robust tripods. But for the casual user, a portable tripod can still offer a significant step up in stability and usability compared to handheld shooting.
Tabletop and Travel Tripods
If you’re looking for a tripod that you can easily pack in your bag and take on the go, a tabletop or travel tripod might be just what you need. These compact tripods are designed with portability in mind, often featuring legs that fold up into a small, vertical package that can slip into a backpack or carry-on with ease.
Tabletop tripods, as the name suggests, are meant to be used on a flat surface like a table, boulder, or log. They typically extend to around 12 inches in height and are best suited for smaller cameras, spotting scopes, or binoculars. While they don’t offer the same height and stability as full-size tripods, tabletop models are a great option for the hunter or photographer who wants to minimize their gear load without sacrificing functionality.
Travel tripods offer a similar level of portability, but with a bit more height and versatility. These tripods usually extend to around 60 inches, making them suitable for use while standing, and they often have more advanced features like interchangeable heads and quick-release plates. Travel tripods are available in a range of materials, from lightweight plastic to high-end carbon fiber, so you can choose the right balance of weight and stability for your needs.
Medium and Heavy-Duty Tripods
For hunters and photographers who demand the ultimate in stability and performance, medium and heavy-duty tripods are the way to go. These tripods are built to handle the weight and size of larger equipment, like hefty spotting scopes, full-frame DSLR cameras, and even heavy-caliber rifles.
Medium-duty tripods offer a great balance of portability and stability, with many models featuring removable heads that allow you to customize your setup for different situations. These tripods typically extend to around 60-70 inches in height and are made from sturdy materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. They’re a popular choice for wildlife photographers, birders, and anyone who needs a reliable platform for their optics.
Heavy-duty tripods, on the other hand, are the big guns of the tripod world. These beefy supports are designed for maximum stability in the most demanding conditions, whether you’re shooting long-exposure astrophotography or digiscoping with a massive spotting scope. They often feature thick, sturdy legs and heavy-duty heads that can handle serious weight, but that added stability comes at the cost of portability. Heavy-duty tripods can weigh upwards of 10 pounds or more, so they’re not the best choice for backpacking or mobile hunting.
Specialty Tripods: Pistol Grips, Fluid Heads, and Gimbals
In addition to the standard tripod designs, there are also a few specialty options that are worth considering depending on your specific needs.
Pistol grip tripods have become increasingly popular among hunters and sportsmen in recent years, thanks to their unique head design that allows for quick and intuitive aiming. Rather than the traditional pan-tilt head with separate knobs for adjusting each axis, pistol grip heads have a single trigger-style handle that releases the head tension when squeezed. This allows you to quickly reposition your optics or camera by simply pointing the head in the desired direction, much like you would with an actual pistol. Pistol grip heads are especially useful for tracking moving targets like birds in flight or running game.
Fluid head tripods are another specialized option that’s popular among videographers and anyone who needs ultra-smooth panning and tilting movements. Originally designed for use with video cameras, fluid heads use a hydraulic damping system to provide silky-smooth, jerk-free motion in both the pan and tilt axes. This makes them ideal for capturing cinematic-quality footage or following fast-moving subjects without any annoying stutters or shakes. Many high-end spotting scopes also use fluid heads for the same reason – they allow you to track your target smoothly and precisely, even at high magnifications.
Finally, there are gimbal heads, which are a must-have accessory for serious astrophotographers and anyone using very large, heavy optics. A gimbal head is essentially a miniature version of the stabilizing mounts used in Hollywood movie cameras, with multiple axes of rotation that allow you to balance your gear and make effortless adjustments in any direction. They’re overkill for most hunting and wildlife viewing applications, but if you’re into long-exposure deep sky photography or digiscoping with a giant telescope, a gimbal head can be a lifesaver.
Choosing the Right Tripod for Your Needs
With so many different types and styles of tripods on the market, it can be tough to know where to start when shopping for one. The key is to think about your specific needs and priorities, and then find a tripod that ticks all the right boxes.
First, consider the type of activities you’ll be using the tripod for. If you’re primarily a hunter who needs a stable platform for glassing and shooting, a medium-duty tripod with a pistol grip head might be the way to go. If you’re a birdwatcher or wildlife photographer, a travel or tabletop tripod could be a good choice for portability and ease of use in the field. And if you’re into astrophotography or digiscoping, a heavy-duty tripod with a fluid head or gimbal might be worth the investment.
Next, think about the size and weight of your gear. If you’re using a massive spotting scope or heavy-caliber rifle, you’ll need a tripod that can handle that kind of weight and size. Look for tripods with sturdy legs and high load capacities, and consider materials like carbon fiber that offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios.
Another important factor is height. For most hunting and outdoor viewing applications, you’ll want a tripod that extends to at least 60-65 inches, which is around eye level for most people when standing. If you plan to use the tripod while sitting, you can get away with a shorter model, but keep in mind that a lower perspective can sometimes be less than ideal for spotting game or birds.
Portability is also a key consideration, especially if you plan to use your tripod in the backcountry or on long hikes. Look for tripods that fold down to a compact size and weigh less than 5 pounds if possible. Carbon fiber is an excellent material for this, as it’s incredibly strong and lightweight, but it does come at a premium price compared to aluminum.
Finally, don’t forget about the little details that can make a big difference in the field. Features like quick-release plates, adjustable leg angles, and reversible center columns can all add versatility and convenience to your tripod setup. And if you plan to use your tripod in wet or humid conditions, look for models with sealed leg locks and moisture-resistant materials to prevent corrosion and sticking.
When it comes to brands, there are a few standouts that consistently deliver high-quality tripods for hunters, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Manfrotto is a well-known name in the photography world, and for good reason – they make a wide range of tripods for every skill level and budget, from basic entry-level models to high-end professional rigs.
Vanguard is another popular choice, with a focus on innovative designs and features like multi-angle center columns and quick-flip leg locks.
For the budget-conscious shopper, brands like Sirui and Benro offer excellent value for the money, with tripods that punch above their weight in terms of quality and features.
And at the high end of the spectrum, Gitzo and Really Right Stuff are the gold standard for premium tripods, with top-of-the-line materials, construction, and attention to detail.
Of course, the right tripod for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so it’s always a good idea to do your research and read reviews from other hunters and outdoor enthusiasts before making a purchase. But with the right knowledge and a little bit of guidance, you can find the perfect tripod to take your hunting and viewing experiences to new heights.
Conclusion
A tripod may seem like a simple piece of gear, but it can make a world of difference in your hunting and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re glassing for game, setting up for the perfect shot, or exploring the wonders of the night sky, a stable and reliable tripod is an essential tool to have in your kit.
By understanding the different types of tripods available and what to look for in terms of features and specifications, you can make an informed decision and choose the right tripod for your needs. From lightweight travel models to heavy-duty rigs for the most demanding applications, there’s a tripod out there for every hunter, photographer, and nature lover.
So if you’re looking to up your game and take your outdoor experiences to the next level, consider investing in a quality tripod. Trust me, you won’t regret it. With the right tripod by your side, you’ll be able to see farther, shoot better, and explore more of the incredible world around us.