Vortex is known for making kit that stands up to being carried into the backcountry. Who doesn’t want their precious optics to be really robust, even if the furthest you are taking them is the local park?
Tripods need to withstand tough treatment, to deliver rock-solid stability, but also portable enough not to weigh you down. Let’s see what Vortex has to offer…
Quick comparison: best Vortex tripod for birding
Vortex Optics High Country II Tripod Kit
Durable and lightweight, this anodized aluminum tripod kits makes packing and transportation easy.
Best Vortex tripod – aluminum option
Vortex Ridgeview Carbon Tripod Kit
Rugged, reliable, the Ridgeview is able to handle large spotting scopes and especially suits taller birders.
Best for straight scope/tall birder
Vortex Optics Radian Carbon tripod kit
A high-quality piece of kit, with good rigidity and steadiness in tough conditions – plus durable weatherproofing to match.
Best Vortex tripod – big scopes
Reviews: best Vortex tripods for birding
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 Vortex tripod for birding – aluminum option
Main Features of the Vortex Optics High Country II Tripod Kit
The Vortex Optics High Country II Tripod Kit offers impressive features. Here are a few of them, just to spark your interest!
- Pan/Tilt QR head with control handle
- Aluminum alloy legs
- Three leg sections with center column
- Carrying case
Specifications
Materials carbon fiber
Load Capacity 22 pounds
Weight 4 pounds
Maximum Working Height 62.5”
Minimum Working Height 11.3″
Folded length 24.3”
Pros
- Effortless panning movement via a long lever
- Balance hook to hang additional weight and add stability
- Tripod legs splay to lower right to the ground
- Two legs feature padding for extra comfort
Cons
- Padding only on two of the legs instead of all three
- Limited range of motion compared to a ball head
Vortex Optics High Country II Tripod Kit Overview
Small, light, and compact – this tripod from Vortex really fulfills the brief. Durable and lightweight, made of anodized aluminum, it makes packing and transportation easy.
The maximum load capacity exceeds typical compact tripods, at 22 pounds. Its construction should support scopes with an objective lens size from 45mm to 60mm.
The weight of the tripod itself is 4 pounds. If you want to use it from a standing position, the High Country can be lifted to 52.3 inches.
At full extension, using the center pole, you can take it up to 61 inches. But there can be a bit of movement detectable here at high magnification.
Lowers right down to the ground
Take out the center column, splay out the legs to a wide angle, and the tripod will lower right down to the ground. If a sitting position is better for you, then the tripod has a minimum height of 15 inches.
The texture of the rubber tips on the bottom of the legs means the feet grip the ground well, adding more stability.
When setting up your tripod, it’s important to be able to do it quickly, to catch sight of the birds, but also quietly so as not to disturb the birds or any other birders. This sturdy tripod makes both of those objectives easy because its legs extend smoothly.
The legs lock into place at the desired height with quick flip levers. At the base of the legs, the rubber feet grip the ground well.
Padding is more pleasant in heat/cold
The upper portion of two of the legs is padded. As well as making it more comfortable if you are used to resting the tripod against your shoulder when on the move, the padding is more pleasant to hold in extreme temperatures.
It’s not totally clear why the padding is on two of the legs rather than all three, though.
In the middle of the three legs, a balance hook enables you to hang some additional weight from it to provide extra stability to the tripod. This can also be detached.
For example, if it’s fine weather with no wind and you are going to be hiking a long way, weight saving could be more of a priority.
Likewise, adjusting the head is also fuss-free, with effortless movement. There is a long panning lever to manoeuver the two-way quick-release panning and tilt head.
Once you get the resistance of this lever at the most comfortable tension for you, you’re good to go.
Ideal for birders looking for a pan head
If a pan head works for you, the High Country II is a great buy. The head is easy to adjust and scan the landscape if you don’t mind the slightly limited range of horizontal movement in comparison to a ball head.
There is a carry case to transport the tripod if you prefer to pack it all right down rather than carry the tripod with the scope still attached.
As with their spotting scopes, the Vortex name is a guarantee of high quality. And if this wasn’t reassuring enough, the company also offers an unconditional lifetime warranty. That said, they also have a significant price tag.
Best Vortex tripod for birding – for tall birders and straight scopes
Main Features of the Vortex Ridgeview Carbon Tripod Kit
The Vortex Ridgeview Carbon Tripod Kit offers impressive features. Here are a few of them, just to spark your interest!
- Arca-Swiss compatible plate
- Two-way pan head with tension handle
- Lockable center column
- Central hook to add counterweight
Specifications
Materials carbon fiber legs, aluminum center post
Load Capacity 22 pounds
Weight 3.2 pounds
Maximum Working Height 75”
Minimum Working Height 8.3”
Folded length 29”
Pros
- Lightweight carbon frame
- Smooth panning movements
- Easy to adjust legs with rubber twist locks
- Compact pan head that can be switched if necessary
Cons
- Three-section legs mean that the overall packable length is quite long
Vortex Ridgeview Carbon Tripod Kit Overview
Vortex products are rugged and reliable. The Ridgeview Carbon is no exception and can handle large spotting scopes and full size binoculars. The maximum load capacity is 22 pounds.
The Ridgeview’s construction is from a mix of carbon fiber and aluminum. While the legs are carbon fiber, the center post is aluminum and measures 10 inches. This keeps weight to a minimum – at 3 pounds and 2 ounces.
Alternatively, you can completely detach the center column if you prefer. If you wish to use a counterweight, there’s a hook at the bottom of the center column.
Three-section legs are more stable but less packable
Three leg sections mean that the Ridgeview doesn’t pack right down like some tripod legs divided into four or five sections. When retracted, the length is 28 inches, with each leg measuring about 22 inches.
So it is long and not all that packable. The benefit of this extra length is that the total height is great for tall birders, at 75 inches.
Set-up and adjustment is a cinch, even in slippery conditions. The chunky rubber twist controls on the legs are easy to grip even with gloves. It’s really quick to deploy the tripod because they only need a quarter turn to release or lock.
Highly versatile leg angles
Each leg pivots right out. The legs can be set individually at a different angle, either moved freely or locked simply into position with just a click.
The Vortex Carbon Ridgeview has a two-way pan head perfect for anyone looking for quality and ease of use. The pan head is controlled by a tension handle, which makes it easy to make smooth pans.
The twist locking mechanism on the handle is incredibly simple to use with the same hand.
Straightforward quick-release pan head
The whole head attachment is very compact. This top-end versatile and straightforward pan head is Arca-Swiss compatible in case you want to change to a different tripod head.
The included pan head comes with a standard tension quick-release plate that works with a variety of styles of plates and other brands, if you prefer to switch it over to a different set of tripod legs.
Best Vortex tripod for birding – big spotting scopes
Main Features of the Vortex Optics Radian Carbon tripod kit
The Vortex Optics Radian Carbon tripod kit offers impressive features. Here are a few of them, just to spark your interest!
- Carbon fiber legs and aluminum construction
- Ball head with drag resistance and three options of lock
- Four-section legs with adjustable angles
- Durable anodized finish
Specifications
Materials Aluminum, carbon fiber
Load Capacity 55 pounds
Weight 6.1 pounds
Maximum Working Height 67”
Minimum Working Height 8.3”
Folded length 28”
Pros
- Carbon fiber construction
- Ball head with adjustable resistance
- Substantial height – good for straight scopes and taller birders
- Holds a hefty load in comparison to its own weight
Cons
- Folded length is still 28 inches
- While manageable, it’s not the most compact for carrying long distances
Vortex Optics Radian Carbon tripod kit Overview
The Radian tripod by Vortex is a high-quality piece of equipment. It weighs in at just over 5 pounds.
Its solid build means it handles a decent amount of weight. This tripod can support a load of up to 55 pounds, making it the perfect tool for capturing crisp, clear images.
The Radian tripod is also light in weight relative to these load capabilities. While we wouldn’t call it highly portable, the folded length of 28 inches is manageable to store and take with you on shorter hikes.
This tripod is made with an 8.3-inch minimum height. At full stretch, the Radian is a tall tripod, reaching over 67 inches.
Stable even at tallest extension
It’s at this totally extended position where tripods are at their most vulnerable to movement and flex along the sections and across the joins. While there is some flex in the carbon fiber Radian, it is impressively rigid and steady.
The legs are four-section units. It’s very easy and quick to set up and take down the Radian, due to the quarter-turn twist locks at each leg section.
Adaptable leg settings
To open out the legs to wider angles, there’s a smooth-feeling locking mechanism to release them for movement. This feature makes it adaptable to a wide range of bird watching locations and situations.
Plus there’s a pair of screws at the top of each leg that gives the ability to increase or decrease the resistance when adjusting the angle of the leg.
According to your preference for how loose the legs should be, you can make it easier or more difficult to move each of them.
Added stability with non-slip feet
The Radian comes with non-slip rubber feet to provide a solid grip on slick surfaces, and stainless steel spiked feet for extra stability in rougher terrain.
To release the tripod head, there’s a button on the side of the tripod legs, so you can switch it over quickly. All of these locking and unlocking levers have the premium feel that you would expect.
It’s Arca Swiss head mount compatible. There’s also a quick-release plate with ¼-20 thread to attach the scope easily, so you can start birding in no time once you arrive at your destination.
Lockable ball head with option to add tension
Its ball head features three adjustment knobs, making it easy to adjust the tension, panning, and locking. Via one screw, you alter the tension determining how easily the head moves.
Another knob locks the panning motion, and the final one is for locking the ball head in place. It’s smooth and simple to pan the whole 360 degrees and the head locks firmly into position when required.
With the ball head, your scope can take in any angle, move steadily with the resistance setting you prefer, and stay set in your chosen position with a rock-solid grip in windy conditions.
Under the center column there’s a detachable hook to hang counterweight for extra stability.
Has a tough and durable finish
There’s a durable anodized finish to the surfaces, adding a tough weatherproof feel. This is a crucial addition to keep carbon fiber in top condition, without any nicks or chips.
In the event that the tripod does get damaged in any way, the Vortex brand offers the ultimate in support. Their lifetime warranty means that you are always covered and can get your kit repaired or replaced.
How do the Vortex tripods compare?
The benefit that they all share is that they are all Arca-Swiss compatible. This means that they can be fitted with any of the accessories out there, without having to fix on different plates or change fittings. It’s a great additional feature which adds ease and simplicity.
It’s always an advantage to have a carbon fiber tripod in windy conditions, because that material will dampen the movement. This reduces vibrations through your scope and makes for a sharper image.
The Radian really has a lot of heft and can cope with 55 pounds. It is probably best suited to very large spotting scopes and for use nearer to your vehicle.
The Ridgeview is a good choice for taller birders, or those who are using a straight scope. It just has that extra bit of height to it.
Of a far less stout build, the High Country II is made of aluminum. This is a more economical option, so if you are interested in finding out more about aluminum tripods from other manufacturers, take a look here >>> Aluminum tripods: top picks for birding spotting scopes
Vortex’s binocular attachment for Vortex tripods
Vortex has improved and updated their binocular adapter. So if you switch frequently between using your tripod for a spotting scope to using it for binoculars, then this is a very convenient addition.
The way the binocular attachment works is by fitting the appropriate stud to the bridge of your binoculars. Then the mount itself, on an Arca-Swiss plate, clicks onto the attached stud.
There’s a twist-lock to secure these to each other. Then the whole thing slides onto the tripod and can again be secure with a twist-lock.
Which is the best Vortex tripod? Solved!
While tripod legs and heads are available to buy separately, it can be more economical to find a complete tripod kit where you get both components. These Vortex tripod kits are all great options, offered with the company’s fantastic lifetime warranty.
Any of these Vortex tripods would do an outstanding job at supporting your birding optics, but the key is to get really clear about your top priorities and select the according product. We wish you lots of fun choosing!
Another top brand with a long history of making great tripods is featured in this article >>> Which is the best Manfrotto tripod for a birding spotting scope?
Contents
- 1 Quick comparison: best Vortex tripod for birding
- 2 Reviews: best Vortex tripods for birding
- 3 Best Vortex tripod for birding – aluminum option
- 4 Best Vortex tripod for birding – for tall birders and straight scopes
- 5 Best Vortex tripod for birding – big spotting scopes
- 6 How do the Vortex tripods compare?
- 7 Vortex’s binocular attachment for Vortex tripods
- 8 Which is the best Vortex tripod? Solved!