Which is the best two-way tripod head for birding spotting scopes?

Bird watchers and digiscopers looking for a tripod head will often consider buying a two-way tripod head to hold their spotting scope. These two-way tripod heads suit spotting scopes because they offer the ability to track birds across two axes.

The axes of movement are vertical and horizontal. So you can pan from left to right and vice versa, as well as being able to tilt the tripod head vertically when birds are higher in the sky.

Let’s get an overview of options in the category of two-way tripod heads for birding:

Quick comparison: best two-way tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

SmallRig Selection CH10 Fluid Pan Tilt Tripod Head 3259

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

Best value two-way tripod head

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Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W 2-Way Pan/Tilt Tripod Head

We put this in the ‘premium’ category but it’s not actually that much more than the top choice. Great value for a lightweight option that still handles up to 13 pounds.

Best two-way head if money is no object

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Gitzo GHF2W 2-Way Fluid Head 3259

Gitzo include both a counterbalance and a fluid damping system in this two-way tripod head – both are bonuses for this price point and compact size.

Best two-way tripod head – top features

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Reviews: best two-way tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

Now we have introduced the top two-way tripod heads, these reviews will cover the most important features of each model.

Best value two-way tripod head for birding spotting scopes

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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 two-way tripod head for birding if money is no object

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Manfrotto MHXPRO-2W 2-Way Pan/Tilt Tripod Head Overview

This tripod is designed for birders who want a lightweight and compact option without sacrificing quality or features. Its load capacity of 8.8 pounds works for a good range of spotting scopes.

The construction, mainly of hard plastic, means that it weighs only 1.7 pounds and is very small. The XPro will add 3.9 inch of height to your tripod legs.

Quick-release options

The built-in quick release (QR) plate has a ¼ 20 attachment. This makes setting up a breeze, so you can start viewing in no time. There’s a ⅜ inch tripod attachment to just screw it onto the plate on the top of the tripod legs.

The panning handle will attach onto either side of the head in a few seconds. There’s a bubble level on the tripod head.

Separate pan and tilt locks let you adjust along each axis independently. With varying fluidity tilt levels that allow you to add or remove resistance to the motion, there’s the potential to feel totally in control of the spotting scope.

Controllable resistance levels on the tilt

This means you are able to reposition the spotting scope as quickly or slowly as you prefer, or follow birds in flight. Tilting can be done forwards to 90 degrees or 60 upwards.

Movement is very smooth due to its dual fluid cartridges. This smoothness compares favorably to another of Manfrotto’s lightweight options, the BeFree.

A more apparent fluidity on this XPro is the reason we have included it in this list rather than the BeFree, which is also popular.

Best two-way tripod head for birding spotting scopes – fluid head

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Gitzo GHF2W 2-Way Fluid Head Overview

This fluid head features two fluid cartridges that contribute to a smooth panning action around the whole 360°, as well as the lateral tilt that ranges from -60° to +90°.

Each range of movement can be locked independently. The knobs are of a good size and nicely firm to operate. They are streamlined into one location, with the pan lock knob centralized within the tilt locking knob, making it simple to use with one hand.

Though, strangely it seems difficult to totally immobilize the movement, leaving a little bit of play no matter how far you turn the knob.

This might not be a problem for most users. Digiscopers or still photographers, however, might experience this as more of an issue.

Hold still with the spring-loaded counterbalance

The counterbalance system will hold the spotting scope still without you needing to hold it all the time. This is a major bonus for a tripod head of this size and budget.

It has the effect of giving a smoother up and down movement, less jerky through the tilt range. This is particularly useful for spotting scopes at the larger or longer end of the scale.

While on the subject of weight, it’s advised to stick to the lower end of the recommended payload, particularly if intending to use this tripod head for digiscoping.

Common Arca-type attachment

The plate is an Arca-type standard, with rubber cushioning that helps to hold still whatever is attached to it, stopping it from twisting. The fitting is likely to accessorize well with other plates, unlike the Manfrotto standard used by many other tripod heads.

Minimal design profile

The unit looks sleek and slim. Its profile seems small in comparison to other two-way fluid video heads in this category.

Its unfussy appearance translates into easy usage and a smooth pan using the panning handle, which attaches on the right hand side.

The panning bar can also be removed in case you don’t like to use it (though it minimizes vibrations through the spotting scope), or so that it can be packed away.

Shame it’s missing a bubble level

The significant component that is missing is a bubble level, which would help enormously with setting up. It is true that some tripod legs incorporate their own bubble level, or even two or three.

But if you don’t already have that you might find it more helpful to opt for a fluid head that does have a bubble level.

That said, the inclusion of both a counterbalance and a fluid damping system count as important bonuses at this level of budget, still managing to maintain a small size and weight. Overall, it’s a win for Gitzo.

For other small and light tripod heads for birding, take a look at this post: Best lightweight compact tripod heads

How to choose the best two-way tripod head for birding spotting scopes

When it comes to looking at different options for tripod heads, or indeed whole tripod kits, incorporating tripod legs and the head together, there are many things to consider.

This article aims to cover the most important considerations when working to select the best two-way tripod head for birding: How to choose a tripod head for a spotting scope

Next steps to finding the best two-way tripod head for birding spotting scopes

The main difference that distinguishes two-way heads from three-way heads or ball heads is how they maintain the panning motion always parallel to the horizon. (That is providing you set up your tripod level in the first place!).

While three-way heads are available, incorporating a side tilt as well, in some respects they are unnecessary for viewing through a spotting scope.

Two-way tripod heads suit many bird watchers because of their ability to move over only two axis of movement. This is a good solution which many birders find ideal for digiscoping.

The trick to choosing a great tripod head to hold your birding spotting scope is to be clear about your priorities. One way to refine these is by learning more about the variety of features available across the whole range of tripod heads.

For further reviews of the best video heads for tripods, both two-way and fluid, feel free to check this post: The best tripod heads for birding spotting scopes