Best Tripod for Hunting

Best Tripod for Hunting in 2023

Are you looking for the best tripod for hunting? Today, I am going to unveil the top 10 hunting tripods that help you easily gloss longer without getting bored or tired. These are top of the line tripods in every category and will enable you to make the most of your hunting experience.

Even more,

I will also uncover tips and tricks to find the right tripod for you according to your requirements, experience, and budget. The guide will contain a detailed section about the types of tripods for you to better understand what type of tripod you need as well.

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What are the Best Hunting Tripods?

The best hunting tripod is the one that can easily withstand the weight of your rifle or optics without wobbling. It enables you to point a spotting scope and binoculars as well as aim a rifle for a long time. It considerably reduces fatigue by supporting the weight of the optics or the rifle. As a result, your equipment remains stable and steady for aiming and firing.

Unlike a rifle bipod that attaches to the rifle’s forearm, a tripod easily clears uneven bushy cover and vegetation because of its height. You can shoot from all the positions such as sitting, kneeling, standing, and even prone position on occasions using a hunting tripod.

Having three legs is an added advantage as they enhance the tripod’s stability providing greater shooting rest as low as the legs slide together or as high as the tripod extends. Needless to say, it stabilizes the binoculars and spotting scopes as well.

Hunting is a difficult job and hunters have to tackle many challenges depending on the species they are hunting and where they are hunting. The best tripod for hunting can make their life a bit easier.

Best Hunting Tripod Reviews

The following are the best tripods to stabilize your weapon and optics according to our experts. We have chosen these tripods after extensive research and testing them against parameters like weight capacity, head type, maximum height, adjustability, as well as how smoothly they pan and tilt.

ImageTripod NameMaximum Height Load CapacityCheck Price
Primos Hunting Trigger Stick
Primos Hunting Trigger Stick


62"


14 lbs


Check Price
SIRUI T024SK
SIRUI T024SK


50"


14 lbs


Check Price
BOG Adrenaline Switcheroo
BOG Adrenaline Switcheroo


68"


15 lbs


Check Price
Bushnell 784030 Advanced
Bushnell 784030 Advanced


61"


11 lbs


Check Price
Vortex Optics Pro GT
Vortex Optics Pro GT


67"


10 lbs


Check Price
Celestron 82050 TrailSeeker
Celestron 82050 TrailSeeker


70"


9 lbs


Check Price
Manfrotto MT190XPRO3
Manfrotto MT190XPRO3


63"


15 lbs


Check Price
Vanguard VEO 3GO Travel
Vanguard VEO 3GO Travel


65"


19 lbs


Check Price
Vanguard Scout B62 Bipod
Vanguard Scout B62 Bipod


62"


10 lbs


Check Price
Orion 5378 Paragon
Orion 5378 Paragon


72"


6 lbs


Check Price

So, let’s jump to our tripods without wasting any time.

1.    PRIMOS Hunting Trigger Stick: Best Budget Hunting Tripod

best tripod for hunting

Primos Hunting Trigger Stick revolutionized the industry when it first came out. Its innovative trigger stick allows you to quickly adjust the tripod’s height with one hand using the trigger. It makes it easier to adjust the height instantly without losing the sight of your target.

The tripod is most suitable for rung and gun hunting including turkeys and big game. You don’t get much time to adjust the tripod in such type of hunting, making Tigger Stick an ideal choice for you. The tripod can easily transit to a stable shooting rest from optics support thanks to the Quick Detach Yoke System.

It is an inexpensive and extremely lightweight tripod that you can easily carry long distances. You can also adjust its height from 24 to 62 inches. As a result, it helps you shoot the game in sitting, kneeling, and standing position.

You may have to take some time to get used to the trigger system. Otherwise, it is one of the best tripods you can get for the money.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

I really like shooting off of this in many different positions, sturdy and quickly adjustable. I do not like carrying it in the mountains while hunting though. They need a carbon version.

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Pros
  • Fastest height adjustment system
  • Non-slip grip is easy to hold in all conditions
  • Adjustable from 24 to 62 inches
  • Weighs only 3 ½ pounds
Cons
  • Trigger system takes some getting used to

2.    SIRUI T024SK T-OS Series Travel Tripod: Best Hunting Tripod for Spotting Scope

best tripod for hunting

Made of carbon fiber, the SIRUI T024SK is a lightweight tripod with a ball head. Similarly, the VA5 video head offers a lot of features besides panning and tilting quite smoothly.

The T024Sk is an ideal option for hunters because of features like a sturdy center point, reasonable height, and carbon fiber construction. The maximum load capacity of 14 pounds is also impressive.

The spring-loaded pan head can support even big scopes and other larger optics. It even prevents them from clanging down if you forget to tighten the head. It is easy to adjust the height of the center post as well.

The tripod has an adjustable height from 11 to 50 inches. It is not as high as Primos Hunting Trigger Stick but high enough for you to shoot from a standing position. Similarly, the legs fold to 180° resulting in small packing.

The main problem with the tripod is that it becomes less stable when fully extended. Similarly, it has a smaller base that also reduces its stability. However, you can resolve this issue by widening the legs.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

Very lightweight and sturdy tripod, excellent for travelers. Highly recommend.

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Pros
  • 14 pounds maximum load capacity
  • The head is very smooth and fluid
  • Easy adjustment of center post’s height
  • Rubber feet
  • Spring-loaded mechanism
  • High-quality construction
Cons
  • You have to move the handle to collapse the tripod
  • Smaller base

3.    BOG Adrenaline Switcheroo Tripod: Best Hunting Tripod for Crossbows

BOG pioneered the field of hunting tripods by releasing the first serious hunting tripod that is BOG POD. Adrenaline Switcheroo is a great choice for both glassing and rifle hunting. However, it truly comes into its own when used with a crossbow.

BOG Switcheroo System makes it a breeze to change heads and shooting yokes. It offers superior and stable rest for your weapon when hunting turkeys, especially in smaller blinds. You can use it as a tripod in larger blinds.

The setup also takes only a few seconds, providing you with a solid rest instantly. Therefore, you can use it for spot and stalk hunting as well.

The Lever Lock system quickly and easily adjusts the legs on the shooting rest. It also has excellent traction for softer grounds courtesy of retractable steel foot spikes. For solid surfaces such as rocks, you can retract them so the rubber can ensure better grip.

The only shortcoming of the Standard Borg Rest is that it can obstruct your crossbow. Therefore, you have to be careful while using it.

All in all, BOG Adrenaline is a very cheap yet excellent tripod for rifles, shotguns, and optics alike.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

Good photog tripod, with the switcheroo heads. Kind of lite for hunting, use the DeathGrip tripod for hunting and target.

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Pros
  • Fast and easy leg adjustment
  • It is a breeze to change heads and shooting yokes
  • Adjustable height is perfect for sitting and standing shooting
Cons
  • Standard rest can obstruct the crossbow

4.    Bushnell 784030 Advanced Tripod: Best Hunting Tripod for Binoculars

best tripod for hunting

Bushnell 784030 is an advanced and full-size tripod for digital cameras, camcorders, binoculars, and spotting scopes. Made of aluminum, it is a sturdy yet lightweight tripod to support all of your shooting and optic equipment.

You can individually adjust the height and angle of all the legs. Similarly, it has a universal ¼”-20 mount, making it compatible with almost anything you can think of.

The 3-way pan/tilt head is not only smooth but also has a large mounting platform. The locking mechanism for the vertical panning is on the handle and thus much more comfortable compared to other tripods.

All the legs also have padded foam leg cushions. Therefore, you can easily use the tripod in harsh weather conditions. The sliding center column is also quite stable.

The minimum and maximum heights of 18 and 61 inches mean you can use the tripod in all positions. The maximum weight capacity of 11 pounds is quite reasonable.

Weighing 5.5 pounds, the tripod is somewhat heavy and thus, you cannot easily carry it around with you.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

Overall, a sturdy tripod. Can be difficult to loosen and tighten the knobs to adjust the tripod—especially in cold weather. I would research something easier before buying this one.

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Pros
  • Smooth head with large mounting plate
  • Comfortable vertical panning mechanism
  • Sturdy and lightweight
  • Individual adjustment of legs’ height and angle
  • Padded cushions on each leg
  • Good height
  • 11 pounds maximum weight capacity
Cons
  • Quite heavy at 5.5 pounds

5.    Vortex Optics Pro GT Tripod: Best Optic Tripod for Hunting

best tripod for hunting

As the name suggests, Vortex Optics Pro GT is more suited to optics than rifles. With 10 pounds of maximum load capacity and a whopping 67.1” height, it can easily support optics such as spotting scopes and digital cameras.

The extra height enables you to have a clear sight of your subjects. Made of aluminum, it is also a sturdy tripod with strong anodized legs. Similarly, the quick release plate not only ensures smooth horizontal and vertical panning but also offers a lot of support for your optics.

The 3-way head is smooth and fluid. It helps you easily glass hillsides and other difficult spots. You can spot game like deer, bear, and big cats with convenience using this tripod.

The assembling and height adjustment is hassle free due to the flip lever leg lock. The tripod also sticks to the solid rocks with the help of rubber feet.

The additional weight on the bottom of the central column makes the tripod even more balanced and sturdy.

The tripod does not collapse, however, which is also its biggest problem. The weight capacity of 11 pounds is also on the lower side and therefore, it can only hold smaller spotting scopes.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

I purchased this spotting scope and now can’t live without it. It goes anytime I am camping. Add 6 lbs but love having the ability to track anytime of year.

Pros
  • Fluid and smooth head
  • Easy glassing
  • Excellent build quality
  • Works flawlessly in the wind
  • Very stable
  • Easy height and assembling
  • Extra weight on the central column
Cons
  • It cannot collapse
  • Pretty heavy

6.    Celestron 82050 TrailSeeker Tripod: Best Tripod for Smaller Spotting Scopes

best tripod for hunting

Celestron 82050 is the perfect tripod if you don’t like to twist knobs and flip levers frequently. It is a lightweight (3.94 pounds) yet compact tripod, capable of supporting up to 9 pounds of weight.

The fully adjustable (both angle and height) aluminum legs combine with a fully extended central column to give it 70.5 inches of height. It is one of the highest hunting tripods on the market as well. Therefore, it is the best tripod for hunting even for someone over 6’ high. However, the maximum height is 58” with the central column down.

The flip of a simple lever clock shortens or lengthens each of the four sections on every leg. It is easier to adjust the height of the tripod according to the terrain or your requirements. You can also set each leg individually to three different angles. It can make all the difference when you want to place your tripod on an uneven surface.

Just like Vortex Optics Pro GT, Celestron 82050 can only support smaller binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes, and cameras. Otherwise, it is a fantastic yet inexpensive tripod for most of your hunting needs.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

This is stable, durable and cost effective. A useful fixture in my viewing room. Highly recommend this product.

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Pros
  • Sturdy aluminum construction
  • 70” height with central column fully extended
  • Two-way fluid pan head
  • Legs can be set to three different angles
  • Easy to adjust the height according to the terrain
  • Comes with a tripod case and strap
Cons
  • Only best for smaller optics

7.    Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 Aluminum: Best Spotting Scope Tripod for Hunting

Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 Aluminum makes shooting a delight by delivering a lot of great and unique features.

The hallmark of the best tripod for hunting is its stability. It does not wobble even in moderate to strong winds because of its gimble head. You can also adjust as well as lock and unlock its legs only with one hand with the help of a flip lock system.

The collapsing horizontal columns also make it a very compact and portable tripod. It is very easy to pack and unpack it whenever you want to use and store it respectively.

You can instantly set up the tripod with the utmost ease. Similarly, you can change the orientation of the tripod from vertical to horizontal in no time. The center column also turns 90° enabling you to shoot from any angle. You can even shoot only 4 inches from the ground by drawing out all legs at 90°.

It is quite a lightweight tripod weighing 4.4 pounds. The maximum weight capacity of 15.4 pounds and height of 63” are also better than some comparable models. It can easily support larger and heavier optics.

Some of the major shortcomings of the Manfrotto Hunting tripod are lack of weight hood, a carrying bag, and the head. Still, it is one of the best shooting tripods on the market at the moment in my opinion.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

There’s not much to say. It’s incredible sturdy and adjustable, and it’s expensive. boom. 5 stars.

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Pros
  • Rubber grip legs
  • Rotating level bubble
  • Impressive horizontal column
  • Mid-weight for the windy season
  • Easy to fold and pack
  • Sturdy and easy to adjust
  • 15 pounds load capacity
Cons
  • Head not included
  • No weight hood and carrying case

8.    Vanguard VEO 3GO Travel Tripod: Best Lightweight Hunting Tripod

Vanguard is the company to resort to if you want the best hunting tripod for your next adventure in the jungle. Vanguard VEO 3GO is a lightweight and compact tripod and therefore, a great choice for travel and outdoors. However, it also delivers exceptional performance in all departments.

The tripod has five leg extensions, making it extremely sturdy and stable. Similarly, the maximum height of 65.5 inches enables you to rise above vegetation and bushes and see everything clearly. On top of that, it can support up to 19 pounds of weight despite weighing only 3 pounds and 1 ounce itself.

The ball head of the tripod works with Arca-Swiss mounting system. Similarly, the carbon fiber imparts greater stability and strength to the legs. The tripod has rubber shoes but it also includes spike feet to use on softer grounds. It also features a mobile phone mount for smartphone users.

The oversized handle has a rubber grip for better control and handling in all conditions. One of the nicest features of the tripod is the detachable leg. You can use the leg either as a selfie stick or a 67-inch monopod.

You can also create low angle yet stable stances even in strong winds by fully extending the legs.

Customers do complain that stability at full height is not the best. However, it is hard to find a $200 tripod that offers all the above benefits.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

Very good tripod for travel, lightweight, compact and of very good quality. It’s not cheap but it’s worth it. Very versatile…

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Pros
  • Extremely lightweight and compact
  • 19 pounds maximum weight capacity
  • Five leg sections
  • 65.5” maximum height
  • Head is compatible with Arca-Swiss mounting
  • Quality construction
  • Excellent grip
Cons
  • Full height stability could be better

9.    Vanguard Scout B62 Bipod: Cheapest Bipod for Hunting

Available for just $40, it is the cheapest product on our list. However, don’t be fooled by its low price as it packs a lot of features and functions for you. It is the best lightweight and durable bipod for the hunters on the go.

The V-shaped rubber yoke not only swivels 360° but also provides excellent support to your rife as well as optics.

The height adjustment is also a breeze courtesy of Quick Flip leg locks. Hunters also appreciate the 62” maximum height when fully extended. The 22” folding height also makes it easier to pack and carry around.

Adjustable leg straps allow quick assembly and deployment. They also maintain the perfect position while shooting. The foam grips on all sides of the bipod offer comfortable and solid handling in all weather conditions.

Some users complain that V-shaped yoke struggles to hold the rifle properly in wet conditions. Otherwise, it is a nifty and extremely cheap tripod for on the go hunters.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

Lightweight, compact, strong, and it’s collapsible. It has no problem holding up my 15lb Sharps rifle.

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Pros
  • Very cheap bipod
  • V-shape rubber yoke swivels 360°
  • 62” maximum height when fully extended
  • Quick Flip leg locks
  • Easy to assemble and deploy
Cons
  • Struggles to hold the gun in wet conditions

10. Orion 5378 Paragon HD-F2: Best Heavy Duty Tripod for Hunting

You must consider Orion 5378 Paragon HD-F2 if you are looking for a heavy duty tripod for hunting. It has the maximum height of all the tripods on our list at 72 inches when fully extended. When collapsed, it has a height of 28 inches only and thus becomes very easy to fold and pack.

It is an excellent option for taller individuals besides having solid build quality. It also allows you to easily and smoothly shift between different optics such as your camera or a spotting scope. Needless to say, it can easily support giant binoculars, heavy spotting scopes, bigger digital cameras, and telescopes.

The tripod has marks for easy and fast setup. Similarly, the lever locks mean it is easier to adjust the aluminum tube legs as well.

The motion is also smooth and controlled as the tripod has a two-way fluid pan head featuring knobs to adjust the tension.

You can place the tripod on any surface in any environment using the included spike feet. You can also remove them, letting the rubber feet grip easily on solid rocks.

Some users opine that the head keeps wobbling all the time. However, I have not experienced any such issue and strongly recommend the tripod for hunting.

Users’ Reviews

This is what users have to say about this tripod.

Perfectly weighted, balanced, compact and easy to use tripod for different telescopes

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Pros
  • Best for larger spotting scopes and binoculars
  • Easy and fast setup
  • Spike feet for harsh conditions
  • Smooth and fluid two-way pan head
  • Solid build quality
  • Good price for a heavy duty tripod
Cons
  • The Head keeps wobbling according to some users

Types of Tripods

Two main types of tripods are ball head tripods and pan head tripods. You must pay special attention to the head type when you decide to buy a new hunting tripod. It is the head that holds your rifle, binoculars, cameras, or spotting scope. It should be strong enough to support these things without wobbling. Similarly, it should offer a wide shooting angle or motion range.

Ball Head Tripods

You have guessed it right. Tripods with ball heads have a ball, secured in its place with clamps, as a head. This kind of tripod is best for maneuverability, as it allows your camera or scope to move in all directions. However, they cannot hold much weight and are also more unstable compared to pan head tripods. But – they are considerably cheaper as well.

Pan Head Tripods  

Big game hunters prefer pan head tripods because they allow you to systematically search the area. Similarly, they offer better stability even for heavier optics. Unlike ball heads that move on their own, you have a handle to move pan heads as well.

How to Buy the Best Tripod for Hunting?

Apart from the head type, you need to keep the following factors in mind while buying the best shooting tripod for hunting.

Material

You need to consider a lot of things regarding the tripod’s material. Tripods are made of different materials, each having its pros and cons. A carbon tripod tends to be lighter and more durable compared to an aluminum tripod provided all other factors are equal.

Carbon is also warmer to the touch and therefore, your hands will not freeze in cold weather while glassing. Carbon tripod does not make much noise while such as releasing bows. However, they are costlier than their aluminum counterparts.

Maximum Height

Most often, it is the maximum height of the tripod that allows you to do certain things and disallow doing others. A tripod with good height will enable you to easily and more effectively survey the area or monitor the game’s movement. Similarly, it also helps you take a better shot at your target.

The one problem with the taller tripods is that they tend to be clumsy. The taller the tripod gets, the more unstable it becomes.

Maximum Load Capacity

You need to consider two factors here; the weight of the tripod itself and its maximum weight capacity. The tripod should be lightweight for you to easily carry it over long distances. It is important because you would carry a lot of gear along with your tripod, rifle, and spotting scope during your hunting tour.

Secondly, your tripod should be able to support spotting scopes, cameras, telescopes, and guns of all weights and sizes. Ideally, it should have above 10 pounds of maximum load capacity.

Stability

An unstable tripod is worthless. It will only result in a waste of money and sheer frustration. The best tripod for hunting can endure strong winds even at full height. The terrain also plays a big part when it comes to the tripod’s stability. It will be fairly stable on a flat surface. The stability decreases on uneven terrains but some tripods have spike feet to counter such areas as well.

Durability

A high-quality tripod made of carbon fiber or aluminum lasts for years provided you maintain it properly. Ideally, the tripod should be resistant to water, heat, humidity as well as debris and dust. It must also survive bumps and falls with relative ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    How do I attach binoculars to a tripod?

You can use different types of adapters to fix a binocular firmly on a tripod. Keep in mind that not all adapters are compatible with all the binoculars. Therefore, try to ensure the adapter you are purchasing works with your binocular beforehand.

2.    How do you attach a tripod to a spotting scope?

All the tripods have a universal screw with ¼-20 threads on their top plate. Similarly, spotting scopes have a joint that aligns perfectly with the screw. Sometimes, both the spotting scope and the tripod attach to an additional quick release mounting plate.

3.    Do you need a tripod for hunting?

A tripod offers a lot of advantages, especially during turkey and big game hunting. You can see a lot more game with a binocular on a tripod compared to the naked eye. The tripod also eliminates or minimizes optic wiggles and arm fatigue. More importantly, you have more chances to hit your target because the tripod also increases rifle’s stabilization.

4.    What is the best tripod for binoculars?

Whichever tripod you use for binoculars, it should allow you to use them both in sitting and standing positions. You have to wait for the game without spotting anything for hours sometimes. The tripod should be easy to set up and adjust as well as sturdy to withstand strong winds.

5.    How do you carry a tripod and scope?

Instead of carrying them individually, it is best to mount the scope on the tripod and carry it over the shoulder.

6.    Do you need a tripod for a spotting scope?

You don’t need a tripod for most spotting scopes as they are not very heavy. However, a tripod with a reasonable height offers extended views as well stability to your spotting scope.

Final Thoughts

Most of the tripods available on the market are for photography only and not all of them are good for hunting. Therefore, choose a tripod that cannot only support a myriad of equipment but is also strong and stable. It should also adjust quickly besides having a solid grip.

The choice of best tripod for hunting also depends on the type of hunting. For example, on-the-go or backpack hunters would love using PRIMOS Hunting Trigger Stick while big game hunters would appreciate Orion 5378 Paragon HD-F2 heavy duty tripod.

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