How to attach a spotting scope to a tripod

This article aims to help you if you would like to learn:

– how best to attach a spotting scope to a tripod
– all about the different attachments with which you can mount a scope to a tripod

There are basically two different types of mount that will enable you to attach a spotting scope to the head of a tripod.

A standard ¼-20 inch thread screw

This needs screwing and unscrewing each time so takes a little time.

A quick release plate

Once it’s attached to the scope, this can just be clicked into place without any need to be unscrewed, which is quicker and simpler.

We will cover both of these methods in more detail, which might help you understand how each of them works. This is turn will hopefully allow you to decide which one will suit you best.

What is the standard size fitting to attach a spotting scope to a tripod?

The standard fitting on a tripod is a ¼-20 inch thread size (1/4-20 UNC).

On the base of your spotting scope there’s a threaded hole of the matching size.

This is the standard size on all spotting scopes and binoculars, so that tripods are versatile enough to be used with all kinds of optics.

The ¼-20 inch thread is also common to DSLR cameras, which will be good news if your hobbies include photography as well as birding. So your spotting scope can easily share the tripod with a camera.

This standard size makes it easier to be able to mount your spotting scope onto the tripod without needing any extra adapter.

When the tripod and spotting scope are compatible in this way it’s simple and quick to just slide the plate on the base of the scope onto the mounting platform on the head of the tripod.

A top tip that’s worth remembering: each time you make an adjustment to your scope, keep a hand on it – just in case of an accidental bump or overbalance.

Don’t forget to take off the lens caps too! The view is so much better that way…

Is your spotting scope Arca-Swiss compatible?

Many tripod feet are Arca-Swiss compatible. These will attach directly to any Arca-Swiss tripod head without the use of another plate.

Otherwise, you can add on any 1/4″-20 thread screw mount plate which will make it compatible for use with other styles of tripod head.

The two different methods to attach a spotting scope to a tripod

Once you have the tripod legs and head all set up and stable (and double checked that they are locked and secure!) it’s time for the most exciting bit – to attach the spotting scope! You’ll be using either:

• A standard ¼-20 inch thread screw
• A quick release plate

How to attach a spotting scope using a standard attachment on a tripod

1. Locate the screw on the mounting plate on top of the tripod head.
2. Match the screw to the hole on the base of the spotting scope.
3. Next, tighten that screw underneath the tripod head to secure the scope. Some scopes have wingnuts here, some have bolts.
4. Take care not to overtighten otherwise you’ll risk damaging the thread.
5. Usually they can be tightened by hand but it’s worth practising this step before you get out into the field in case it needs a tool or a coin to get it sufficiently secure.
6. Before letting go of the scope, check and double check that it is securely attached.

What is the quick release fitting to attach a spotting scope to a tripod?

A quick release plate is a simple attachment that fits on the base of your spotting scope. As the name suggests, it speeds up the attachment and detachment of the scope to the tripod.

Quick release plates are very common as they are so much easier than having to unscrew and screw the attachment each time.

To set up the quick release plate initially, you just screw it onto the base of the spotting scope. Then it clicks into place on the tripod head.

How to attach a spotting scope using a quick release attachment on a tripod

1. The small rectangular quick release plate needs to be screwed onto the base of your spotting scope.
2. Take care not to overtighten the screw otherwise you’ll risk damaging the thread.
3. Once this is in place, line it up with the mounting plate on the tripod head.
4. It should click easily into place. Some connect by being clicked into place, while others slide on.
5. If the spotting scope doesn’t click on easily, don’t force it. There might be something caught in there stopping it from connecting in the right way.
6. Before letting go of the scope, check and double check that it is securely attached.
7. Some quick release plates also have a lock to keep the scope extra secure.
8. If the quick release plate does have a lock, it will usually have a little button or lever (often red). That button will release the scope if you need to take it off in a hurry.

Some spotting scopes have a rotating ring around their body. This band enables you to alter the orientation of the scope. Digiscopers in particular find this a useful addition.

Summary of how to attach a spotting scope to a tripod

How you attach a spotting scope to a tripod depends on the mounts that are on your tripod head and on the foot of your spotting scope. Setting up a tripod from scratch is not difficult but we have some helpful pro tips in this article >>> Top tips on setting up a tripod for a spotting scope

The standard ¼-20 inch thread screw requires to be screwed and unscrewed each time. This takes a little more time than the other method, which is a quick release mount.

Once the quick release mount is attached to the scope (it just screws on), the foot of the spotting scope can just be clicked into place. This is quicker and simpler than the standard fitting as it does not have any need to be unscrewed.

With this understanding of the possible attachments to mount a birding spotting scope to a tripod, we hope you have an idea of which method will best suit you. Whichever method you choose, there are plenty of compatible tripod legs, tripod heads and quick release attachments available.

Some spotting scopes may be suitable to use without the extra support of a tripod or monopod. We discuss the types of scopes and different situations here.

For more details about the top choices for the best tripods on the market today, feel free to read What are the best tripod kits for birding spotting scopes?