To unlock the full potential of high-powered binoculars and just about any spotting scope, a stable tripod is absolutely essential.
So whether you're observing terrestrial landscapes, stargazing, or attaching a camera to your optics for digiscoping, the right tripod provides the stability needed for sharp, shake-free views and images as well as comfortable extended viewing.
Black Friday 2024 offers a money saving opportunity to invest in premium tripods at significantly reduced prices, making it easier than ever to enjoy steady views across all your outdoor pursuits.
This year, here at BBR, I will be highlighting the best Black Friday tripod deals tailored specifically for high-powered optics and digiscoping setups.
Which Tripods? From trusted brands like Benro, Manfrotto, Gitzo, and Vanguard, these tripods are designed to easily handle the weight of spotting scopes and larger binoculars, ensuring durability, flexibility, and ease of use.
Where From? Retailers like Optics Planet, B&H Photo, and Adorama are expected to feature major discounts, making this the perfect time to upgrade your gear. Whether you're capturing wildlife, exploring the night sky, or photographing distant landscapes, these Black Friday deals will help you find the ideal tripod at a price you'll appreciate. Stay tuned as we round up the best offers to enhance your observation and digiscoping adventures!
So far I have already seen that Black Friday is shaping up to be an excellent time to find top-tier tripods at great prices, especially for those who rely on steady support for high-powered binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras for digiscoping.
Some of the best deals are likely to be from industry-leading brands like Manfrotto, Gitzo, Vanguard, and Benro, each known for crafting high-quality tripods that balance durability, weight, and flexibility.
Here's a look at some top deals that i have already uncovered and what to look for in the best tripod options this season:
Benro's Aero, CLT and Mach3 tripods are popular among digiscoping enthusiasts for their sturdy build and smooth panning capabilities. These tripods are great for videographers and anyone capturing moving subjects. Keep an eye on Amazon and B&H for deals that may include bundles with extra accessories.
Black Friday Manfrotto Tripod DealsManfrotto is expected to offer discounts on their popular models, like the Manfrotto MT190XPRO4 and 055 Series tripods, both known for their stability and innovative design.
Not just for photography - These tripods are highly rated for use with spotting scopes and digiscoping setups, providing excellent support and ease of adjustment.
Look for deals from major retailers like B&H Photo and Adorama, where discounts could range from 15-25%.
For those seeking a balance of lightweight design and stability, Gitzo's carbon fiber tripods, especially from the Traveler and Systematic series, are ideal.
They are perfect for carrying out into the field while still providing a solid base for high-powered optics and heavier spotting scopes. Keep an eye on Optics Planet and B&H Photo for Black Friday discounts that may go up to 30% off.
Vanguard's Alta Pro 2+ series, Abeo Pro (I have used a Vanguard ABEO Pro 283CGH Tripod for years) and Veo 3T models are versatile tripods that excel in portability and adjustability, ideal for birdwatchers, astronomers, and photographers alike.
These tripods often include features like multi-angle central columns and high weight capacities. Black Friday deals for Vanguard tripods are expected to be strong, with discounts of up to 40% off at Amazon and Adorama.
For those just starting out, Amazon Basics and K&F Concept tripods may see significant markdowns, making it possible to pick up a quality tripod for casual use without a major investment.
While not as feature-rich and not as well built as the premium brands, they're reliable choices for lighter scopes and binoculars and will do the job until you know you are ready to upgrade.
How Many? If you are looking for choices, B&H Is THE place to go! They currently list 514 Items under their tripod sale section. As well as tripods, this includes tripod heads and accessories.
What Brands? All of them! Gitzo, Vanguard, Manfrotto, Benro, Joby and many, many others.
Starts When? Sale is on Now!
As was the case last year, B&H Photo and Video is offering significant Black Friday discounts on a massive variety of tripods and accessories, making it an excellent opportunity for you to upgrade or get new gear.
Gitzo Tripod Black Friday DealsNotable deals that have jumped out include the Gitzo GIGT2545T Traveler Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod, available for $499 (down from $629.88).
Offering lightweight durability and a compact foldable design this tripod is ideal for travel and using with either your binoculars or small spotting scope whilst out in the field, be that for observation and/or digiscoping.
Another standout black Friday deal on Gitzo Tripods to check out is the Gitzo GM4562 Series 4 Carbon Fiber Monopod, which supports a massive 77.2 lb load capacity, now priced at $349, a $155 savings.
Even on deal, top-end tripods will go beyond the budget of some users, but don't stress if this is you as there are some cracking savings to be had at the mid-level tier that I think brings the price of these down into the budget category, meaning that you are getting plenty bang for you buck.
So far, one of my favorite deals is the LumiQuest Lastand Tripod. This four section tripod usually costs $299.95, but is marked down to $99.95 for a saving of $200! With a load Capacity of 8lb, it should easily take the wight of you binocular or scope and thus for the price this is an excellent option.
Whilst not as stable as a full tripod, a monopod can actually be a better option when you need to follow faster moving objects (birding, airplane spotting etc.) or where you just simply don't have the space or just don't want to carry about a full tripod.
Whilst yes, you can certainly just buy a monopod by itself, but another option and one that even more versatile is to get a tripod where one (or sometimes all 3) of the legs is removable, enabling it to convert into a monopod(s).
Researching for Tripod deals, I have come across a number of really great deals (with some savings of more than $100) and thus have decided to create a separate page dedicated to them: Top Tripod-to-Monopod Conversion Black Friday Deals
