Which is the best Manfrotto tripod for a birding spotting scope?

To hold your high magnification spotting scope still enough to get clear sharp views, it’s best to find a tripod that is exceptionally stable, while also being able to move smoothly to track birds in flight.

Manfrotto is an Italian brand that has been well established since the 1960s. With this history of making tripods and other equipment linked to photography and optics, you are buying into a high standard of product.

As one of the leading brands their range is extensive. But which is the most relevant for birders who need a tripod for their spotting scope?

Here’s our pick of the most suitable tripods to support bird-watching spotting scopes.

Quick comparison: best Manfrotto tripods for birding spotting scopes

Manfrotto Element Traveller 5-Section Tripod Kit

Versatile and easy-to-deploy tripod kit with an impressively smooth pan/tilt from its fluid head.

Best value Manfrotto tripod

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Manfrotto 190X Aluminum 3-Section (XPRO Fluid Head)

A tall, strong, extra weatherproof tripod kit from one of the most respected tripod manufacturers.

Best aluminum Manfrotto tripod

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Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber tripod bundle

Pro quality kit with all the ease of operation and rigid stability that it’s fair to expect from such a top-level premium product.

Best carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod

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Reviews: best Manfrotto tripods for birding spotting scopes

In this review section, we list all the most important specifications of each product along with a summary of its main features. For each model there is a quick summary of its pros and cons, before a fuller review of how it performs.

As price is always a key consideration, we have included the facility to check the current price so that you can also compare from that point of view.

Best lightweight compact Manfrotto tripod for a spotting scope

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Manfrotto Element Traveller Small Aluminum 5-Section Tripod Kit with Ball Head Overview

The Manfrotto Element Traveller is easy to set up and take down. It is ideal for smaller optics, but also copes very well with larger spotting scopes.

You could comfortably use one with an objective lens diameter up to 70mm. This makes it great value for the price.

The Element Traveller is both sturdy and has a weight capacity that exceeds other products in its range. Its maximum load capacity is 8.82 pounds, in relation to its own weight which is 2 and half pounds. This helps it stand up favorably to winds.

Perfectly packable

The Element Traveller is also able to fold down quite compactly due to its five sections. This enables its packable dimensions to measure only 12.6 inches in length.

This product is able to be extended to a height of around 53 inches. It’s not the most spacious in terms of height, though many people will be using it in combination with an angled scope so the height can be lower.

Taller bird watchers, especially those wanting to combine it with a straight spotting scope might be better looking elsewhere – unless using it while seated.

Also available in a taller version

Manfrotto does make a larger version of this tripod, which reaches the dizzy heights of 64.6 inches fully extended. As it weighs in at 3.5 pounds, though, we’ve focused on the lighter, more compact version.

Ball head gives lots of mobility

The ball head is easily mobile – sometimes perhaps a little too much so. It requires care to ensure it’s adequately locked into position.

The whole tripod is simple to mount and take down despite having twist-lock five-section legs. You’ll want to ensure these are kept clean and free of dust and grit though, so that the leg movements don’t become temperamental.

Overall the Element Traveler also feels stable, even with the center column fully up.

Best value Manfrotto tripod for a spotting scope

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Manfrotto 190X Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit with XPRO Fluid Head Overview

The Manfrotto 190X Aluminum 3-Section Tripod Kit with XPRO Fluid Head is a great multi-functional tripod for birdwatchers and digiscoping enthusiasts alike.

It weighs just 5.9 pounds, making it easy to take with you on your next outdoor adventure.

This lightweight tripod kit is perfect for birders looking for a lightweight and compact option that can easily handle a quality spotting scope. The Manfrotto 190X can hold up to 11 pounds, making it likely to be stable for optics with objective lenses of up to 80mm.

Made from aluminum – light and tough

The tripod’s aluminum construction, while easy to carry around, is also tough in different conditions. It has the durability, stability, and height that you can confidently expect to enjoy at this price point.

The tripod extends to a height of 66.9 inches. Its quick-release legs make it easy to set up within seconds.

Each leg of the tripod can be easily adjusted to fit on any type of ground, using individual flip locks. Additionally, there’s a choice of four different angles at which you can set the legs to sit.

Handy bubble level and a light head

To make sure the spotting scope is level on any surface, there is a rotating bubble-level for clear readings.

Keeping the overall weight of the tripod down, the XPRO Fluid Head is only 1.7 pounds. Its construction (aluminum and plastic) is compact, too.

There is a quick-release plate with the standard ¼-20 head, including a lock that stops the spotting scope being accidentally ejected.

Fluid head ideal for birding or digiscoping

This fluid head is not only suitable for watching birds through a spotting scope, but also be used for shooting stills and capturing videos if you have a digiscoping set-up.

With the two fluid cartridges, the scope will enjoy the trademark Manfrotto smooth, wobble-free movements across the two different axes of movements: panoramic rotation, and tilting.

Pre-set drag resistance on the head movement

The 11-inch-long panning handle will connect to either side of the unit, depending on which hand you prefer to use. Tension settings are limited. If you want to really ultra fine tune the resistance, then it might feel too minimal.

What you’re getting as an extra for the upgrade in budget is the dual tension balancing system. This takes into account the size of the optic instrument that is attached, depending on whether the tripod holds a large spotting scope, or a pair of binoculars, for instance.

The tripod also comes with a sleek carrying case for easy transport.

One small feature that we would have liked is very simple – a hook under the tripod head on which you can hang a bag as counterweight to boost stability.

Best aluminum Manfrotto tripod for a spotting scope

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Manfrotto 055 Aluminum 3-Section Tripod (MT055XPRO3) Overview

Apparently, three is the magic number for optimum stability and strength. Hence the three sections to each of the legs of the 055.

We’ll take Manfrotto’s word for it in this case because we’re after an extra sturdy tripod prioritizing strength over size. Though we are going to note that they do make plenty of really decent but more packable four- and five-section tripods too!

Hefty maximum payload

The maximum load capacity of the Manfrotto 055 is 15.4 pounds.

Maximum height is 70.3 inches, with the center column extended. If the center column is down, the height reduces to 55.9 inches.

At the minimum, the height is 3.9 inches. Folded down, the 005 is just under 26 inches long.

Quick release catches make it easy to extend the legs of your tripod. These lock the legs securely but are a cinch to use with one hand – great for securely holding onto other kit at the same time.

Aluminum legs feature cold-water cladding

If you are a frequent cold weather birder, you will recall how cold metal tripod legs can get. A great feature is the addition of foam cladding on two legs, making them more comfortable to handle.

The majority of this tripod is aluminum, so it weighs 5 pounds. It’s not one that you are going to want to be hiking a long way with.

If you are looking to save weight, they also produce a carbon fiber version. It could be worth raising the budget for this advantage.

(Manfrotto does also have a great choice of tripods suitable for taking a longer distance, but it’s not as sturdy as the comparatively tank-like models in this article!)

A reliable and well-weatherproofed option

Weatherproofing is impressive. Its corrosion-resistant finish looks sleek and durable. The non-aluminum parts such as threads are made of good quality stainless steel so rust won’t be an issue.

Added to this, Manfrotto’s reputation for reliability and quality, and you’ll be making good use of this rock-solid tripod for years to come.

For more options in the heavy-duty tripod category, we have an article that may be useful to you on the Best heavy duty tripod for extra stability (big scopes or windy conditions)

Best carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod for a spotting scope

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Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber Tripod bundle Overview

While it is not at the very top end of what you could spend on a tripod, this is still a premium product. The legs of the MT055CXPRO3 are made of carbon fiber and therefore provide extra rigidity and stability.

The lock on the center column is hard plastic. Other components are made out of aluminum, with a secure feel to them.

While it is not the lightest tripod you will find, it is a high-quality offering, as you would expect from one of the leading tripod manufacturers.

Simple to set up

One of the key requirements from tripod legs is that they are easy to set up and take down. This tripod certainly meets that requirement.

The legs, with their three sections, slide out smoothly. The flip locks open simply and, when they close, feel secure. There’s a small but nifty tool included to be able to loosen or tighten these screws as needed.

Setting up the central column takes more effort. But that too is quickly done once you know how.

Delivers on quality

While it weighs more than some of its competitors, the MT055CXPRO3 also costs less. It’s available either in the aluminum or the carbon fiber option.

So even though it seems expensive, it delivers a great deal for that higher price in comparison with other brands. That is, if you don’t mind the compromise on bulkiness and extra poundage.

The ball head that is included in the bundle here actually already features in our top picks for this style of tripod head.

So you can check out the full review of the Manfrotto XPRO Magnesium Ball Head here >>> The top 5 ball head tripod heads for birding

Summary: How do the Best Manfrotto tripods compare to each other?

With its five-section legs, the Element Traveler packs down the smallest when its legs are folded. As well as being very convenient to fit in your bag, this tripod also weighs less than half of all the other choices – even the carbon fiber MT055CXPRO3.

The compromise with the Element Traveler is the maximum payload, which is 8.8 pounds. This limit is the same with the aluminum 190X, though you will also be lugging an extra 4 pounds of equipment.

These payloads are less than half of the other two options, the Manfrotto 055, which we have evaluated in both the aluminum and the carbon fiber configurations.

Both of these can cope with spotting scopes and accessories just shy of 20 pounds, while with the carbon fiber tripod you are saving a pound in weight. Though we have only included one carbon fiber tripod here, there are more reviewed in this article >> Which is the best carbon fiber tripod for a birding spotting scope?

Best Manfrotto tripods for birding spotting scopes – next steps

Buying a tripod from a well-respected manufacturer can seem like a big commitment in terms of price. It’s important to feel that what you are getting is worth the money.

As with many decisions, the final choice depends on what is a priority for you – and which tripod best delivers this within your budget.

For a wider range of options from other top brands, feel free to check out our big round-up here: What are the best tripod kits for birding spotting scopes?