It’s a blessing to be able to mount binoculars on a tripod. So, what are the best binocular tripod adapters we can get our hands on?
The best tripod adaptor for binoculars
Looking for the best binocular tripod adapter so you can rest your arms while using your binoculars and keep the image steady? This guide will tell you what to look for, show you the best models, and assist you in getting the best deal on the one you want.
It’s not surprising that sales of binoculars and telescopes have increased during times of mass lockdowns, as both provide a means of distraction and escape. However, for heavier, higher-powered binoculars, hand-holding or even using a binocular harness can become physically exhausting over time – especially for those studying wildlife or gazing at the stars for long periods of time.
What is the solution? Connecting your binoculars to a tripod allows for hands-free operation, eliminating hand shake and other vibrations that can obstruct your view, as well as removing the weight and avoiding long-term discomfort.
The tripod bush is usually found in the front of larger binoculars, on the hinge between the two objective lenses – and hidden from view beneath a screw-in plastic cap. However, you’ll need an adaptor to use this socket with a tripod. This is typically a metal bracket with a bolt that connects to the tripod socket and a 1/4in screw hole at the bottom that connects to the tripod itself.
While not all binoculars have a screw thread that allows them to be attached directly to a tripod, clamp type adapters ensure that your binoculars have a stable viewing platform.
In most cases, there is a solution available, which we’ll go over in more detail below. If you have a screw thread, you have a lot of options, but if you don’t, you can focus on the strap/clamp options, which will help you narrow down your search.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best tripod adapters for binoculars on the market right now…
Celestron 93524 is the best binocular tripod adapter.
(Image courtesy of Celestron)
Celestron 93524 Roof & Porro Binocular Tripod Adapter
This affordable metal build option will not obstruct your view or dent your wallet, regardless of the make or style of binoculars you use.
1/4-inch screw thread | 5.08×5.08×13.97cm dimensions | Metal construction | 90g weight | Additional features: Elongated thumbscrew, tool-free attachment and detachment
$15.79
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$16.66
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Fits a variety of modelsAffordable priceMetal construction
An elegant-looking binocular tripod adapter from a well-known brand – in this case, Celestron – the device works with most roof and porro prism type binoculars and attaches to any pair with a standard 1/4-inch screw hole. It’s also a solution that can be dropped into any jacket pocket or kit bag and retrieved when needed, measuring 11cm in height and weighing just 90g. The adapter’s base is threaded, allowing it to be attached to the top plate of the tripod being used. This option should be able to withstand a lot of use thanks to its sturdy metal construction. No special tools are required to attach and detach the pieces by hand.
Snapzoon is the best binocular tripod adaptor on the market.
(Photo courtesy of Snapzoom)
Snapzoom Universal Binocular Tripod Mount adapter
If your binoculars don’t have a threaded socket, this is the best binocular tripod adapter.
| Dimensions: 16.5×8.3×1.9cm | Material: Nylon | Weight: 179g | Additional features: Includes an adjustable strap for securing binoculars, as well as a flat plate for attaching them to a tripod.
$24.95
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$24.95
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The strap-and-go design works with nearly all binoculars and is ideal if your binoculars lack a tripod socket. However, it is not as secure as a bolted adaptor.
Not all binoculars come with a threaded screw socket and, as a result, a way to connect directly to an adapter or tripod. If it doesn’t, this aptly named ‘universal’ adapter is a one-size-fits-all solution. The binoculars are attached to the top of a platform with an adjustable nylon-webbing strap, and the platform is secured to a tripod with a standard 1/4-inch ‘male’ thread. It may have a ‘Heath Robinson’ look to it, but for binoculars without a screw thread, it will still allow you to use a tripod, and it will be quick and easy to use with it.
Swarovski UTA is the best binocular tripod adaptor.
(Photo courtesy of Swarovskic)
Swarovski Universal Binocular Tripod Adapter
Adjustable strap for securing binoculars, plus metal cradle for screw thread attachment to tripod | Dimensions: 6.2 x 4.9 x 2.2in | Construction: Metal and rubber | Weight: 181g | Additional features: Adjustable strap for securing binoculars, plus metal cradle for screw thread attachment to tripod
$119
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$119.99
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$119.99
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Has built-in Arca-Swiss compatible tripod plateWorks with pro 3/8in tripod threads as well as regular 1/4in tripod headsNot as secure as a bolted adaptorExpensive
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Swarovski is known for its high-end binoculars and telescopes, so it’s only natural that they’d offer a binocular accessory adapter to help users enjoy their hobby even more. Its own ‘UTA’ (Universal Tripod Adapter) solution is Arca Swiss compatible, as well as fully compatible with its own EL and SLC binocular ranges. This is another strap-style device that folds over your binoculars to ‘clamp’ them in place and attaches to your tripod with 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch screw threads. It has a well-built design that is user-friendly, flexible, and lightweight, but shop around to avoid paying an exorbitant price for the brand name.
best tripod adaptor for binoculars
(Photo courtesy of Opticron)
Opticron 31004 Binocular Tripod Mount Adapter
A no-nonsense bino-to-tripod adapter bracket for porro prism devices.
Additional features: Thumb wheel style bolt for attaching your binos, then twin quarter inch thread connections provided to tripod | Screw thread: 1/4-inch | Dimensions: 6.6×2.54×7.11cm | Construction: Metal | Weight: 24g | Additional features: Thumb wheel style bolt for attaching your binos, then twin quarter inch thread connections provided to tripod
$11.62
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$17.71
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$20
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Made of metal and designed for poro prism style binoculars with a maximum objective lens diameter of 50mm.
For porro prism style binoculars with objective lenses up to 50mm in size, this is a small, lightweight yet metal built tripod adapter bracket from bino specialist Opticron in plain black. The mount has twin quarter-inch screw threads for attaching to a tripod, and its design allows it to be set up in such a way that it does not obstruct the view through the lenses or the use of the binos’ central focus wheel. The binos are secured to the mount with a thumb wheel bolt – so you’ll need a threaded socket to begin with – but no other special tools are required. What you see here is what you get! It’s simple but functional, and it’s affordable!
Vanguard BA-185 is the best binocular tripod adaptor.
(Photo courtesy of Vanguard)
Vanguard BA-185 Binocular Tripod Adapter
For roof prism binoculars, the best binocular tripod adapter is
Screw thread: 1/4-inch | Dimensions: 5.2×6.1×1.4-inches | Material: Metal | Weight: 113g | Additional features: Screws onto binocular between objective lenses; some 50mm+ roof prism binoculars may have a longer minimum interpupillary distance.
$13.38
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$16.94
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$16.95
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Screw-in type designErgonomic design for roof prism style binoculars
Vanguard has created a sleek, fuss-free solution with a thin ‘bridge’ that boasts solid build quality to provide added stability for roof prism type binos. These will require a standard 1/4-inch socket, as will the tripod or monopod to which they will be attached. The device is attached to the binocular by screwing it onto the binocular between the objective lenses, thus not interfering with your focus wheel or the lenses themselves, thanks to a large and flat thumbscrew that allows for easy connectivity without the need for additional tools. The end result is clear, relaxed, hands-free viewing at a reasonable price.
Nikon Tripod Adapter TRA-3 is the best binocular tripod adapter.
(Photo courtesy of Nikon)
Nikon TRA-3 Tripod / Monopod tripod Adapter
Nikon binocular users will appreciate the sleek design.
Screw thread: 1/4-inch | Dimensions: 6.10 x 3.81 x 8.64 cm | Metal construction | Weight: 86g | Other features: Screws onto binoculars between objective lense
$40.82
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$41.58
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Screw-in type designErgonomic design for roof prism style binoculars
This streamlined, high-quality machine tooled option in black from the dependable Nikon brand – which attaches to your binos and, eventually, tripod via a common-or-garden 1/4-inch thread for added support – commands a small premium over competing ‘no brand’ options. The slim bridge option works with a variety of Nikon binoculars, including the Monarch, Action, and Action Zoom series, which have objective lenses up to 42mm, as well as a few others. The device is attached to the binoculars with a ridged thumbscrew, just like competing options. There’s no need to read any instructions; simply instal it and enjoy hours of vibration-free viewing pleasure.