Tripods & Monopods
Benro Tortoise Carbon Fibre Lightweight Birdwatching / Travel 4 section Tripod C/W with Flat Base S4PROVideo Head - Wt 2.4Kg
Lightweight Travel Birdwatching Kit - The small yet mighty Tortoise Series Tripod has been developed for those looking for a compact, lightweight travel tripod, that punches above its weight when it comes to weight capacity and stability. Without the addition of a center column, the diameter of a folded Tortoise is just 3.1in (8cm) making it extremely portable and easy to stow in a backpack. Maximum weight capacity 4kg (8.8lb)
Benro Mach3 Aluminium Series 2 - 3 Section Tripod c/w Carry Case. Wt 1.75kg
As part of our most advanced range of photo tripods, the Mach3 TMA27A combines classic design with advanced materials. High performance twist locks and magne.sium castings make this aluminum tripod ideal for birdwatching and indoor or outdoor photo shoots.
Benro Mach3 Aluminium Series 2 - 4 Section Tripod includes a carry Case. Wt 1.76kg.
As part of their most advanced range of photo tripods, the Mach3 TMA28A combines classic design with advanced materials. High performance twist locks and magnesium castings make this aluminum tripod ideal for birdwatching and indoor or outdoor photo shoots.
Benro Mach3 9X Carbon Fibre Series 2 - 3 Section Tripod c/w Carry Case. Wt 1.42kg
Carbon Fibre Version - and also Monopod Conversion: It is extremely simple to convert one of the Mach3 TMA27C's legs into a monopod adding even more versatility.
Leofoto Manba LV-284C + BV-5 Tripod Kit
Great Birdwatching Tripod - The Leofoto LV-284C+BV-5 is a lightweight carbon fiber tripod and fluid head kit that is perfect for birdwatching, videography and photography. Wt: 4.lbs 10oz (2.1Kg)
Leofoto Ranger LS-365C + PG-1 Gimbal Head Tripod Kit
The Ranger LS-365C carbon fiber tripod with PG-1 gimbal head is ideal for birdwatching, sports photographers, nature photographers and wildlife photographers. The 'swing arm' moves smoothly, making it easy to find the right balance. By using carbon and smart perforated support arms, this combination of tripod with swing head Wt: 6lb 2oz (2.8Kg)
Leofoto Ranger LS-323C Carbon Fiber Tripod with Spider Bowl
The Leofoto Ranger LS-323C Carbon Spider Bowl Tripod is designed for professionals for stability and versatility. It accommodates heavy set ups, up to 20kg which allows for diverse angles in photography/videography and excellent stability for bird watching. The spider bowl provides a secure and stable connection between the tripod legs and the head. This bowl allows for easy levelling adjustments, ensuring the camera remains horizontal even on uneven terrain. Wt: 1.42kg/3.13lb
Leofoto Ranger LS-364C Carbon Fibre Tripod
The perfect tripod for travelling and for photographers who demand nothing but the best for their photography adventures. The 36mm tripod legs enhances the stability while making it more compact at 54cm, allowing for ease to travel with. UNC 1/4 mounting holes on the bottom and side of the spider allow for versatile mounting options, expanding the tripod's functionality beyond just photography. WT: 1.77kg/3.9lb
Leofoto Ranger LS-365C Lightweight Carbon Fiber Half Ball Levelling Tripod
The beautifully crafted Leofoto Ranger LS-365C carbon fibre tripod legs folds down small but offers a decent maximum height and mighty 20kg load rating. The Ranger LS-365C is the best weight to performance tripod on the market. It allows for all terrain without affecting the performance to produce great photos/videos. Having a 3/8 thread allows it to be used for birdwatching, Photography and videography. Wt: 1.77kg/3.9lb
Leofoto VH-30 Two-Way Tripod Head
Leofoto VH-30R Two-Way Head is ideal for the action part that enables you to track moving subjects with ease, from birds in flight to aircraft at an airshow, to all manner of sports and wildlife scenarios. It’s very versatile as well, holding a weight of 15kg. Suiting anything and everything from spotting scopes to cameras with big, heavy telephoto lenses, and for shooting stills or video. Wt: 0.45kg/1lb
Manfrotto 190X 3-Section Aluminium Tripod with XPRO Fluid Video Head
Ideal Tripod kit for Birdwatching and taking Videos
Manfrotto MT190GOA4 190 Go! MS Aluminium 4 Section Tripod With Twist Locks
Great Tripod for Birdwatching
Manfrotto MT190X 3-Section Aluminium Camera Tripod
Great Tripod for Birdwatching - Big Seller!
Tripods & Monopods
Whether you are capturing wildlife at dawn, filming action sports, glassing distant landscapes, or simply looking to improve image sharpness, tripods & monopods are essential tools for photographers, videographers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Designed to provide stability, precision, and comfort, these support systems help you get the most from your camera, spotting scope, or binoculars—no matter your experience level.
What Are Tripods & Monopods and How Do They Work?
Tripods are three-legged support systems that offer maximum stability for cameras, spotting scopes, binoculars, and video equipment. By evenly distributing weight across three points of contact, tripods dramatically reduce camera shake, allowing for sharper images, smoother video, and more accurate viewing—especially at high magnifications or slow shutter speeds.
Monopods, by contrast, use a single leg to provide support while maintaining greater mobility. They are particularly popular with sports and wildlife photographers who need to move quickly while still benefiting from reduced fatigue and improved steadiness.
Both tripods and monopods can be paired with different head types—such as ball heads, pan-and-tilt heads, or fluid video heads—to suit specific applications. They are widely used across photography, videography, birdwatching, astronomy, and field sports, and are often found alongside equipment like spotting scopes, binoculars, and spotting scope accessories.
How to Choose the Right Tripods & Monopods for Your Needs
Selecting the right support system depends on how and where you plan to use it. While all tripods and monopods aim to improve stability, key specifications and features can make a significant difference in real-world performance.
Load capacity and stability should always be your starting point. Your chosen tripod or monopod must comfortably support the combined weight of your camera or optic and any accessories. Heavier professional DSLR or video setups benefit from robust models with higher weight ratings, while compact travel tripods are ideal for lightweight mirrorless cameras or binoculars.
Material choice affects both durability and portability. Aluminium tripods offer excellent strength at a more accessible price point, making them popular with beginners and general users. Carbon fibre models are lighter and absorb vibration more effectively, which is especially valuable for long hikes, wildlife observation, or professional fieldwork.
Height and leg sections determine comfort and versatility. A tripod should reach your natural eye level without relying on the centre column, as extending the column can reduce stability. Models with multiple leg angle positions are particularly useful for low-angle photography or uneven terrain.
Head type compatibility is another important consideration. Ball heads provide fast, intuitive adjustments for photography, while pan-and-tilt heads offer precise control for landscape work. Fluid heads are favoured for video and digiscoping due to their smooth, controlled movement.
Weather resistance and durability matter greatly for outdoor use. Look for corrosion-resistant components, sealed leg locks, and rugged construction if you plan to use your support in wet, sandy, or cold environments.
Top Tripods & Monopods Brands and Models at Uttings
At Uttings, the range of tripods and monopods is carefully selected to meet the demands of both enthusiasts and professionals. From lightweight travel designs to heavy-duty field systems, you will find options suited to photography, videography, and optical observation.
Many customers pair their support systems with equipment from our photography accessories and spotting scope accessories ranges, ensuring compatibility and long-term reliability. Whether you are upgrading your existing setup or building a complete kit, Uttings offers trusted brands known for precision engineering and outdoor performance.
| Use Case | Recommended Support | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife photography | Carbon fibre tripod | Vibration reduction and stability |
| Sports photography | Monopod | Mobility with added support |
| Birdwatching | Tripod with pan head | Comfortable long-term viewing |
Tripods & Monopods Tips and Expert Advice
For beginners, a stable tripod can immediately improve image quality by eliminating hand shake, especially in low light or when using long lenses. It also encourages more thoughtful composition and framing. Professionals, meanwhile, rely on advanced tripods and monopods for consistent results, repeatable camera positions, and fatigue reduction during long sessions.
When using spotting scopes or binoculars at higher magnifications, even small vibrations become noticeable. A well-matched tripod not only improves clarity but also reduces eye strain during extended observation—making it a valuable addition for birders and wildlife watchers.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning leg locks and checking fittings, will extend the life of your support system and ensure reliable performance in the field.
Tripods & Monopods FAQs
What load capacity do I need for a tripod?
You should choose a tripod rated to support at least 1.5 times the weight of your camera or optic setup for optimal stability.
Are carbon fibre tripods worth it?
Carbon fibre tripods are lighter and dampen vibration better than aluminium, making them ideal for travel, wildlife, and professional use.
When should I use a monopod instead of a tripod?
Monopods are best when mobility is important, such as sports or action photography, where quick repositioning is essential.
Do I need a tripod head?
Yes, a suitable head allows precise control and smooth movement. The best choice depends on whether you shoot photos, video, or use optics.
Can tripods be used with binoculars?
Many binoculars can be tripod-mounted using an adapter, greatly improving comfort and image stability at higher magnifications.
How tall should my tripod be?
Your tripod should reach eye level without extending the centre column to maintain maximum stability.
Why Buy Tripods & Monopods at Uttings
Uttings is a family-run business based in Norwich, established in 1976, with decades of experience in outdoor and field sports retail. We stock premium tripods and monopods from the world’s leading brands, carefully chosen for performance, reliability, and value.
With over 45,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, our reputation is built on expert customer service, fast delivery, and a genuine passion for the great outdoors. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, our knowledgeable team is here to help you choose the right support system with confidence.