Best Telescope Tripod Reviews [Buying Guide in 2021]

Stabilizing and operating heavy telescopes are not easy tasks. You need high-end mounts with counterweights for that. Keeping all the factors in mind, I have found and reviewed some of the best telescope tripod in this article.

These stabilizers come with the necessary features that one needs for astronomy. The difference between normal tripods and my selected ones are payload capacity, durability, and a wide range of compatibility.

If you want to take your hobby of tracking stars to the next level, you can order one without any worry. Also, professionals who are not satisfied with their current setups can rely on the products below. Let’s get started.

Best Telescope Tripod: The Complete Review

1. Celestron CG-4 German Equatorial Mount and Tripod 

If you’re looking for the best slow motion control tripod for your telescope, no other model can beat Celestron CG-4. The RA and DEC control of this device makes it the cream of the crop in this field.

Those who are keen to begin their astronomy with a stable vision can buy Celestron CG-4. It is a decent option for beginners. This lightweight yet durable tripod is one of the most reasonable tripods I have ever come up with one.

It features RA and DEC slow motion controls along with setting circles. This feature is heaven-like for old-school astronomers. Slow-motion controls are very comfortable and easy with this masterpiece.

The tripod also features 1.75” adjustable legs with a center brace that lets you mount your tripod at whatever height you desire. The manual bearing has never been this smooth before the ball bearings were added in both of its axes. You can enjoy watching stars keeping the tripod on uneven ground. And this heavy-duty tripod won’t even vibrate or move.

This tripod lets you set up your telescope on the tripod without demanding an extra-tool job. You won’t even need any extra assistance in setting up this tripod. If you’re panicking about whether you can assemble it or not, I’ve got good news for you.

2. Orion 9829 SkyView Pro Equatorial Telescope Mount

For those who work with customizable counterweights, Orion 9829 will establish the best foundation for your telescope. Unlike mainstream telescopes, this masterpiece has got heavy-duty legs that standstill on every surface.

Most of the users who have telescope tubes of 20lbs. weight, get in trouble when they have to purchase a tripod for their telescope. And Orion 9829 SkyView Pro is a blessing for those astronomers. It features a quick-release dove-tail bar that lets you attach a tube to it.

Slow-motion knobs on Dec and RA axes enable you to an exquisite manual control. You can easily track the celestial objects while they appear in the sky at night. You will own two counterweights of 4 and 7.5 lbs. Included with the tripod. The counterweight in total is 35 lbs.

Orion 9829 can accept an optional TrueTrack dual-axis electronic drive. It also accepts the SVP GoTo upgrade kit. But you have to purchase it separately.

3. Sky-Watcher HEQ5 – Fully Computerized Telescope Mount

Bearing heavy payloads are like a piece of cake with this German equatorial mount and tripod. It’s a blessing for astrophotographers if they’re going to start their career soon. And for skilled astronomers, this equatorial mount will be a slender option.

Sky-Watcher HEQ5 is one of the lightest equatorial telescope tripods available in the market. It has opened new doors for those who are new to astronomy or astrophotography. If you’re someone who likes computerized equatorial mount, this piece will work wonders for you.

If you look at RA and DA on both sides, you’ll notice heavy-duty all-metal roller bearings. There is a built-in illuminated Polar finderscope included with the tripod. It enables the users to align the polar easily and quickly.

Even though you want to mount the heaviest tripod, you can do it with Sky-Watcher HEQ5. This tripod is manufactured from heavy-duty all-metal. And that makes it one of the strongest tripods in the market.

This tripod lets you enjoy a 42,000 object database. And this feature can engage even experienced astronomers in observing starry nights. It also has 1.75” beefy and sturdy tripod legs that are made of durable stainless steel.

4. Celestron Heavy-Duty Altazimuth Tripod

If you ask me which is the best tripod for a small telescope, I’ll mention Celestron Heavy-Duty Tripod. The aluminum body of this tripod makes it easier for the user to work with it.

Celestron comes with the eligibility of handling 10lbs. at a time. The easy-to-extend aluminum tripod legs of this appliance are durable enough to endure a small or medium telescope without hassle.

The user also gets to use a slow-motion flexible cable for both azimuth and altitude. Usually, the tripod is 45” when it’s stretched. And the folded height is 32”. Be it binoculars, telescopes, or spotting scopes you can adjust this tripod with every variety.

Opening the tripod and the center brace ensures that the tripod legs are stabilized in place. You will also get to use a metal accessory tray, spreader bars, and many more exciting accessories.

In cases of slow-motion handles, you’ll only have to perform some slight adjustments to altitude and azimuth. You can enjoy hands-free astronomy using this boon. If you own a Celestron C90 or C5, you can simply pay for this Celestron.

5. Orion Tritech II Field Tripod with Fluid Pan Head

Orion Tritech is a budget-friendly option for those who are searching for a convenient tripod. If you’re looking for a top-notch tripod for your small-sized telescope, I suggest you pay for Orion Tritech.

This tripod by Orion can manage a load up to 13.2 lbs. Due to its portable and withstanding body, you won’t have to purchase another tripod for years. When you fully extend the tripod, it reaches a length of 68”.

This tripod also features a very long slotted 1/4″-20 captive quick-release shoe so that you can enjoy super-secure attachment. It also features spotting scopes, L-adapter equipped binoculars along with a non-slip grip.

With a weight of just 4.8 lbs., this tripod enables you to carry it anywhere you want. The user also gets a zippered bag along with it for taking to places. It is also one of the nicest tripods for a Celestron telescope.

If you’re a fan of extra-stability, its three-section extendable aluminum alloy tripod legs will impress you. These legs add a lot more to the stability of your tripod. They come with a rubber pad under the tripod legs that safeguards the appliance from unwanted skid and slip.

6. Induro Tripods CLT104 No. 1 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod

Carbon-fiber tripods are something that you rarely see in the market. And finding a top-notch tripod of this material isn’t that easy. Thanks to Induro for coming up with this masterpiece.

With this traditional style tripod, you can enjoy a new stealth carbon fiber pattern of 9X weave. For maximum surface area coverage, this tripod has concave leg angle locks.

This brand has included an oversized center column lock that makes it easier for the user to set the grooved column vertically. One of the most amazing things about this tripod is it features stainless-steel spikes, interchangeable rubber feet, a tool kit, and a carrying case.

If you purchase this tripod, you can set up your telescope anywhere as the tripod leg has 4 sections with twist locks. The height range of the tripod is 11.4” to 49.0”.

Each of the tripods brought to you by this brand has a hard-anodized aluminum top-plate. And this one is no different. The black color of this tripod lets you coordinate it with your favorite tripod easily.

This gadget can hold your gear safely. I don’t think you will find such a great-value product at such a reasonable rate.

7. Orion 9055 Min-EQ Tabletop Equatorial Telescope Mount

Here I brought you a small yet sturdy equatorial tripod. Orion 9055 Min-EQ is a worthy option for those who witness starry skies while traveling. It has a worth-praising portability level.

If you’re looking for a small yet sturdy telescope for yourself, put your hands on Orion 9055 Min-EQ Tabletop. This tripod is a life savior for equatorial telescope owners. There are times when you have to carry your telescope and tripod to places.

At that time, you feel the urge to own a supportive and portable tripod. And this piece is the thing you’ve been wanting. It has a latitude range from 9 to 72. The usual height of this tripod is 14”.

This tripod lets you install a small telescope of 7 lbs. in it. This boon also features an EQ-1 equatorial mount head made of rugged metal. And that is perched on a petite tabletop tripod including three thread on-legs.

If you pair up this tripod with an SLR camera or 35mm DSLR camera, you can execute some of the finest astrophotography sessions. The tripod will enable you to dual slow-motion control cable that ensures manual tracking latitude adjustments and what not! Choosing the right kind of tripod is no longer tough after this tripod’s arrival.

What to Consider While Buying The Best Telescope Tripod?

There comes a lot of confusion while choosing a tripod for telescope. If you have never purchased a mounting tripod for your telescope, it can be difficult for you to buy one.

As there is a wide range of varieties in tripod sets, choosing the right one among all the varieties is pretty essential. I have compiled some of the substantial points that you should consider while buying a tripod for your telescope.

Height

You can extend a tripod’s height from 20 inches to 70 inches. Being able to adjust the tripod height is a very essential characteristic of a high-end tripod. If you want to enjoy the view of a starry night from a perfect eye vision, you need to adjust the height of your tripod.

None wants to settle down for a tripod that can’t support him with the perfect eye vision and height. You shouldn’t be stooping for looking through the telescope. Paying for a tripod with perfect height adjustment features will change your experience.

Durability

A high-end tripod always features heavy-duty legs and They also include additional durability in their leg locks. Settling down for a low-cost and fragile tripod set will make your pay more in the long run.

Cheap tripods have fragile center columns that aren’t able to reduce the vibration when extended to the highest position. Make sure that you purchase a tripod that is made of Aluminum or steel.

Both of these materials are withstanding. Even though aluminum ensures durability with effortless usage, steel is also a good bid.

Budget

No matter what you’re going to buy, budget plays a major role in every case. Tripods are no different. Some tripods claim high-brow features at a very cheap rate. I think purchasing them won’t be a wise decision.

If you fix a budget of $100 at least for your desired tripod, you get a top-notch tripod without compromising with the quality. And if you want to put your hands on an expensive one, you have a lot of options to choose from. The sky’s the limit in that case.

Load Capacity

A well-manufactured tripod comes with impressive weight capabilities and stands still while a device is mounted on it. A user has to choose a tripod that matches the load capacity of the user’s desired device.

It’s not like that tripod will break into pieces if its weight capacity exceeds. But you should always be cautious about vibrations. Unwanted vibrations can create disturbance in your experience. And make sure that you don’t exceed the weight capacity of the tripod.

Leg Materials

Most of the tripods invented by reputed brands feature rubber feet. And these rubber feet enhance the stability of your tripod while watching the stars. Whether you’re setting the tripod on a slippery surface or a hard one, its rubber feet will do their work in every situation.

And if you’re scouring for a tripod that’ll stand still on soil, there’s no substitute for a tripod with spikes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can you use a camera tripod for a telescope?

Yes, you can use a camera tripod for a telescope. If you attach some of the essential telescope tripod parts with the camera tripod, you can have a satisfactory experience.

How do you attach a telescope to a tripod?

Find out three screws on the tripod. Align these three screws with the holes located in the tripod. They will ensure that the tripod is in place. Then locate the tripod in the center hole of the tripod.

Are spotting scope tripods universal?

It depends on what type you’ve chosen among several tripod types for telescope. The answer is yes if you’ve chosen a tripod that supports universal spotting scope. Otherwise, it’s a no.

Conclusion

We can never deny the importance of the telescope tripod for visual pleasure. A starry night becomes dreamier and aesthetics with a top-grade tripod for telescope. If you’re looking for your desires stability on your tripod while watching the stars, these recommended tripods will be the best.

I have brainstormed and researched for hours to present you with this article. I have also discussed with some of the experts before suggesting anything. I believe you can rely on this article for purchasing the best telescope tripod.