The best tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

For most spotting scopes, to get a satisfactory view, you will need a sturdy and stable tripod and tripod head. Only the very smallest spotting scopes might allow you to get away with hand-holding the scope. And even many of those would benefit from being stabilized.

The reason for this is the magnification offered by the spotting scope. With the amazing magnification offered by most birding scopes, any movement or shake of the instrument will result in an unsteady image.

With the right tripod head for your spotting scope, tracking and movement of the spotting will be a breeze. Let’s take a look at the best options for tripod heads that will cope with the weight and movement of a spotting scope.

Quick comparison: best tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

Manfrotto MVH502AH video head

One of the leading brands offers this smooth and easily operable tripod head with counterbalance and lockable pan and tilt.

Best overall tripod head for spotting scopes

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SmallRig Selection CH10 Fluid Pan Tilt Tripod Head

A small, lightweight fluid video head perfect for on-the-go birding at this price point.

Best value tripod head for spotting scopes

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Benro S6 PRO Flat Base Fluid Video Head

One of the best options with machined metal components, giving the Benro S6 PRO a solid and stable feel.

Best tripod head for scopes if money is no object

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SIRUI VA-5 Fluid Video Head

A popular birding option due to its silky movements in tandem with a light and compact form.

Best lightweight tripod head for scopes

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Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head

This reliable, high-quality Manfrotto tripod head has a fully adjustable counterbalance ensuring precise control.

Best heavy duty tripod head for spotting scopes

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How we selected the top picks for tripod head

Key features to look for in your tripod head are:

• a counterbalance system to hold the spotting scope in position even when steeply tilted
• precise control of the drag resistance to allow free movement when repositioning
• smooth movement when panning and tilting
• a consistently reliable locking system
• sturdy construction for extra stability
• attention to details, such as an integrated leveling system, an adjustable panning handle, durable dials and knobs

It is also worth considering the size and weight of any equipment you carry. Of the most value is a tripod head that detaches easily from the scope and, if necessary, from the tripod legs.

The weight is a delicate balance. While you want the tripod set-up to be heavy enough to provide sufficient stability, consider also the distance that you are likely to be carrying it. Or even if you’ll need to pack it for travel within a certain baggage weight allowance.

To get a detailed overview of the different types of tripod heads, we have an in-depth article discussing what to look for when choosing your tripod head:

How to choose a tripod head for a spotting scope

Reviews of the best tripod head for a birding spotting scope

With a clearer idea of the best features to look for in a tripod head, let’s now take a closer look at the models featured in our list of the top picks.

Best overall tripod head

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Manfrotto MVH502AH Video Head Overview

A fluid video head with adjustable drag on the pan and tilt features, this is an easy tripod to get used to.

The panning handle can be attached on either side. Depending on which side you chose, you might have to release the long QR plate in the opposite direction to usual.

The quick release plate has a safety lock, so that the plate does not release even if the dial is off. Good to know that your spotting scope will remain safe!

Finely tuned drag on the pan and tilt movements

The substantial metallic red ring at the base adds or removes drag to the pan. There’s a dial on the side for the tilt.

Both these controls of the pan and tilt resistance are a good size. The first advantage of this is that they are easy to grip and turn.

Additionally, because the dial is large, it means the resistance can be more finely adjusted. This allows for a greater degree of control over the drag.

Maintain the scope’s position with the counterbalance

The counterbalance, to hold larger, longer spotting scopes in place using their center of gravity, is a handy additional feature. This adds to the sense of using a stable piece of equipment. Your spotting scope will also be sitting on a wide, sturdy base.

Manfrotto has created a solidly reliable and smooth moving fluid video head. Its features add ease and control to the use of your spotting scope.

Best value tripod head

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SmallRig Selection CH10 Fluid Pan Tilt Tripod Head 3259 Overview

For those who need a lightweight option, the SmallRig CH10 only weighs 13.3 ounces. Its compact dimensions and low poundage make it ideal for on-the-go birding.

The size seems to impact the counterbalance range on the tilt function. The small size of the plate allows a slightly limited positioning range.

This is something that could affect larger scopes, as they are heavier on the front end and may be less balanced.

360 degree panning range

Some of the weight is saved by having plastic controls rather than metal. This reduces the cost too.

The tilt and pan locks are located on the side of the tripod head. The tilt range goes from +90 degrees in a downward direction to -55 degrees backwards, while the pan operates across the whole 360 degree panorama.

A simple solution: small, light, functional

Unless your spotting scope is really large, this simple and functional tripod head should support your optics, despite its small size.

If you’re searching for a sound budget option, this should deliver a reliable enough performance to enable you to feel that you are receiving good value for your money.

Best tripod head if money is no object

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Benro S6 Pro Overview

Benro’s S6 Pro sits very favorably in its price range. Upgraded from its previous popular model S6, the S6 Pro is machined from magnesium (on the main body) and aluminum.

All of the dials and controls are now upgraded to metal instead of plastic on the S6. As well as being easy and simple to use, the fact that they are metal also gives a more solid feel.

This means you can adjust in a hurry with confidence, without the sense that you need to be careful in case the controls loosen or break. All the locks, too, keep your optics reliably attached.

Counterbalance features an adjustable scale

There are five preset levels (in addition to 0!) at which you can set the counterbalance. So within the bounds of the suggested weight range, your spotting scope will stay put at the desired angle, and not flop forward when you let go of it.

This counterweight feature also allows you to swap from spotting scope to binoculars. Then maintain balance once the counterweight is set accordingly.

Benro upgraded the pan drag

The panning range reaches around the full 360 degrees. One of Benro’s big improvements on the older S6 is to the pan drag. You have the flexibility to attach the panning handle to either side. It’s telescopic and lockable.

The bubble level – which can be illuminated at the touch of a button – is a really nice little extra. No more squinting at the instrument in the dim dawn light!

Best lightweight compact tripod head

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Sirui VA-5 fluid video head Overview

When searching for a tripod head packable enough to take on longer distance birding adventures – or when you are just keen to lighten your load overall, check out this lightweight gem.

Sirui has a good range of products and this is also a good choice. Even at the low weight of 1.3 pounds it can cope with a payload more than four times its own weight.

The maximum payload is specified as going up to 6.6 pounds. We would try to stay shy of this limit for optimum views and stability, though.

Holds scopes motionless using the counterbalance system

The VA5’s spring-assisted counterbalance feature helps to keep front-heavy spotting scopes in position. It also tempers the tilt movement for those larger optics, ensuring good control and smoothness.

Both the pan function and the tilt have separate controls. So the scope can be kept still on one axis and move smoothly along the other. The location of the pan release could be better. It’s not too difficult to get used to but less intuitive.

Easy alignment using both bubble levels

For simple set-up, there are two bubble levels. It’s possible to attach the easy-grip rubberized panning lever on to whichever side of the tripod head best suits you. And it can be pointed either towards or away from the user.

Simple, secure, solid – and as light and compact as they come. The VA-5 will work well in a range of birding situations. Even with its small dimensions, Sirui’s compact offering is not the cheapest option. But for many birders it can represent a sound investment in space- and weight-saving.

For more fluid head choices, check out our round-up of the best here > Five of the best fluid tripod heads for spotting scopes

Best heavy duty tripod head

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Manfrotto MVH500AH Fluid Video Head Overview

The MVH500AH comes from one of the best-known brands for tripods and tripod heads. Manfrotto designs tend to be reliable and of high quality. You’d be buying from a company that is likely to be around for quite some time yet.

This fluid video head handles smoothly and precisely. Exactly what you want from your tripod head. Our only gripe is the lack of adjustable drag.

To add this option, you might consider taking a look at our top pick for tripod head, Manfrotto’s 502. It’s the next up in this range and will take more weight and also offer you the ability to change the resistance on the tilt and pan movements.

The MVH500AH handles an 11-pound maximum load

Sticking with the MVH500AH model, however, will still get you up to 11 pounds of maximum payload. To give a rough guide, sizewise this includes scopes around 85 mm. The counterweight spring is set around five pounds.

Some tripod heads can end up with extra play in the controls over time. With this Manfrotto, though, both the drag and the lock facilities on the tilt are secure. They certainly feel strong enough to cope consistently with scopes at the heavier end of this spectrum.

If the fixed drag feature is sufficient for your needs, the Manfrotto MVH500AH is our pick of the tripod head options to cope with heavier spotting scopes.
These are some other options of heavy duty tripod heads: Best heavy duty tripod heads (good for big scopes or wind!)

Buying the best tripod head: next steps

Most tripod heads can be switched to be used with different tripod legs. So if you want to replace or upgrade a tripod head, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find an alternative that is compatible with the tripod legs that you prefer.

We’ve highlighted some of the most eligible models available and shared what to look for when making your purchase. Feel free to click through to read the specifications of our favorites – that will help ensure you get a tripod head that is perfect for your needs.

So, if you’re in the market for the best tripod head for your birding spotting scope, be sure to read through our complete buyer’s guide to find the best option for you.

How to choose a tripod head for a spotting scope

The final decision rests on what your most important factors are. With our guidance on the potential features, we hope you are clearer about those priorities.

If you’re buying a tripod head separately from the tripod legs, it may help you to know how to detach and attach the head.

We are sure that you will identify the tripod head that will make bird watching and nature photography even easier and more fun than ever. Happy birding!