Top 10 Best Surveying Tripods (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 2022)

Working in harsh outdoor conditions regularly can take a toll on surveying equipment. That’s where the CST/Berger 60-ALQCI20-O Surveying Tripod comes in. This surveying tripod is at the top of the list for a pretty good reason.

Compared to other surveying tripods, this one is conveniently lightweight. As a matter of fact, users found this 8.4-pound surveying tripod easy to carry during fieldwork. It even comes with a heavy-duty polypropylene webbing shoulder strap, which you can surely rely on when carrying the tripod to the field.

Despite the fact that it’s lightweight, reviews suggest that this surveying tripod is built well enough to last for many years and to withstand regular use. This is because this tripod for surveying equipment is made of aluminum and coated with an electrostatic powder finish.

Simply put, this surveying tripod can resist damage, scratches, and harsh outdoor elements. It’s the best surveying tripod to bring to the field on a regular basis!

With an industry-standard 5/8-11 mounting thread and quick clamp, this surveying tripod allows easy mounting of surveying equipment. It also features a flat head for quick surveying setups and a hollow design for optical laser plummets.

What’s more, this tripod for surveying equipment has extendable legs. It can extend to 63 inches long and collapse to 38 inches for storage.

Uneven terrain and regular use won’t be a problem when you use the DEWALT DW0737 Heavy-Duty Tripod. Many customers agree that this surveying tripod is excellently built and sturdy, ideal for the toughest of jobs.

Made of quality aluminum, this heavy-duty surveying tripod is, without question, built to last. And although it certainly is heavy-duty, it weighs a mere 8.3 pounds. Couple its lightweight construction with its built-in shoulder strap, and you have a sturdy tripod for surveying equipment that’s easy to carry on the job site.

Apart from that, this surveying tripod comes with a quick-release clamp and a flat head with a universal 5/8-11 mounting thread. It also features pointed steel feet, which securely anchor the surveying tripod to the ground.

That means this tripod can secure and stabilize any surveying instrument on any kind of terrain for accurate results. At the same time, it can save time spent on tedious setups and allow more time for surveying tasks.

Another great thing about this tripod is that its length can be extended to 60 inches to suit any surveying application. It can also collapse to 38 inches long for easy transport and storage. But the best thing about this surveying tripod is that it’s the most affordable on the list, and it’s safe to say that its price does not compromise its quality at all!

Contractors and other professionals will love having the Bosch BT300 Heavy-Duty Elevator Tripod in their arsenal. The fact that it’s constructed with heavy-gauge aluminum further proves what customers say about the durability and portability of this surveying tripod.

Like most tripods for surveying equipment, this one has adjustable legs, allowing it to extend from 47 inches to 110 inches long. But what makes this tripod different is that it offers an adjustable two-section elevator column. While it isn’t reversible, it can still add another 20 inches to the tripod height.

With these features, this tripod is ideal for laser levels and other surveying instruments. Users have an easy time adjusting this tripod for laser level to their desired working heights. Some customers even like using this laser level tripod for their cameras and video equipment to capture a complete view of an area.

This laser level tripod also features a metal and gear rack system and a swiveling base for smooth adjustments and stable assembly. Plus, it comes with an industry-standard 5/8-11 thread and a plumb bob hook, allowing easy and stable setups for guaranteed accuracy.

At 16 pounds, this tripod for laser level is relatively lightweight and easy to transport. Moreover, it comes with a heavy-duty poly webbing shoulder strap, making it convenient to carry as well.

Another heavy-duty DEWALT surveying tripod made its way into the list of the best surveying tripods, and rightfully so. Customers are more than satisfied with their purchase of the DEWALT DW0736, especially because this aluminum surveying tripod serves as a pretty sturdy base for rotary lasers, other surveying tools, and even satellite antennas and telescopes!

Weighing 10 pounds, this DEWALT surveying tripod is slightly heavier than the DW0737. Despite that, the DW0736 has the ability to extend longer than the DW0737 surveying tripod. It can collapse to 42 inches long and extend to 68 inches long.

So not only does this surveying tripod have a well-built and relatively lightweight construction, but it also offers long extendable tripod legs—convenient for surveying and other applications.

As was mentioned earlier, this surveying tripod weighs 10 pounds, which is lightweight enough to carry with ease. To add to its portability, it comes with a built-in shoulder strap, allowing users to bring it without difficulty to the job site.

And what’s more, this tripod for laser levels and other surveying equipment comes with quick-release legs and universal 5/8-11 thread for easy assembly. It also features a flat head design and pointed steel feet for secure and stable setups on uneven terrain.

Top-notch quality and convenient, the Stabila 08560 Elevator Tripod is a great piece of equipment to add to your tool collection. Customers agree that it’s a little more expensive and a bit heavier (it weighs 13.2 pounds) than other surveying tripods, but its quality is well worth the price. You get what you pay for indeed!

Users love this Stabila tripod’s micro-adjustments, removable ground bracket on its head, and integrated bubble level, providing them with easy setups. Plus, the tripod comes with a leg strap that secures its legs during transport and a shoulder strap that lets users easily carry it anywhere.

For a stable assembly on outdoor terrain, this tripod for laser level has a rapid locking mechanism, a spread stopper with chain, and spikes at the end of its legs. But if you’re working on tiles or wooden floors indoors, you can also make the tripod stable by covering its spikes with rotatable hard rubber shoes.

But what makes this surveying tripod perfect for laser levels is that it features a rack and pinion crank on its adjustable column. This feature allows users to adjust the laser level tripod up to 66 inches long, making it easy to achieve the optimal working height.

Measuring differences in elevations will just be a breeze when you have the Johnson Level and Tool 40-6350 Universal Tripod/Grade Rod Kit in your toolbox. This kit includes the brand’s most popular tripod and grade rod.

Users agree that this Johnson surveying tripod is sturdy enough for use in harsh outdoor conditions, and at 15.47 pounds, it’s neither too heavy nor flimsy. They also like how convenient it is to have both a quality tripod and grade rod in one kit for working on roads, slopes, and water pipes, among others.

With its adjustable legs, this tripod for laser level can collapse to 36 inches long for convenient storage and extend to 60 inches long to achieve your preferred working height.

This Johnson surveying tripod offers a 5/8-11 thread that connects quickly to optical tools and rotary lasers. Plus, this tripod for laser level features sharp metal feet for stability on rugged terrain, enabling surveying equipment to yield accurate results. The kit also includes removable rubber feet to cover the sharp metal feet when working indoors.

Meanwhile, the Johnson 13-foot grade rod is constructed with durable aluminum and coated with a protective silver anodized finish, ideal for the harshest field conditions. This grade rod features increments in feet/tenths on the front and in feet/inches on the back. Combine this brand’s most popular grade rod with the laser level tripod, and you can level and measure elevation grades with the utmost accuracy.

With its rotating top plate and gear-driven column, the Northwest Instrument (NWI) NAT96 Heavy-Duty Tripod can turn a difficult surveying task into a whole lot easier one. Its features make it ideal for tasks that require the use of GPS instruments and robotic surveying equipment. This is because the NWI elevating tripod can stabilize these surveying instruments and help users easily adjust these instruments’ heights.

Users report that while the tripod’s leg clamps are not as top-notch as those of the other tripods on the list, these clamps function well enough. Plus, its 9-foot telescoping column and rotating top plate make this surveying tripod a real steal. With these features, users can set their laser levels at their preferred height without difficulty.

Northwest Instrument designs its tripods for surveying equipment to be fairly lightweight and durable, and the NWI NAT96 is no different. Made of aluminum, this surveying tripod is sturdy enough to withstand tough job site conditions and regular use. And because of its aluminum construction, shoulder strap, and 46-inch collapsed length, this tripod for laser level is easy to carry and transport.

Weighing roughly 7 pounds, the Mountlaser SJA10 Aluminum Survey Tripod prides itself on being the most lightweight on this list of the best surveying tripods of 2021. Crafted from durable aluminum, it guarantees long-lasting durability and convenient portability as well. Users like the fact that this surveying tripod can keep laser levels secure and stable.

For added stability, this laser level tripod is designed with pointed metallic feet, which can anchor it in damp soil or rough terrain. This tripod for laser level also has a quick-release locking mechanism and copper center screw on its flat head to secure surveying instruments. Add that to its adjustable legs that can extend up to 65 inches, and you can get accurate measurements from your auto level, theodolites, and other surveying instruments.

In addition to its lightweight construction, this laser level tripod comes with a shoulder strap for easy portability. It also collapses to roughly 40 inches long and includes a carry bag so that you can safely store your tripod during transport.

If you’re not a fan of aluminum tripods, then you’ll love having the SitePro HVFG20-DC Fiberglass SITEMAX Heavy-Duty Dual Clamp Tripod. At 18 pounds, it features heavy-duty construction for a more stable surveying setup.

While it’s a bit heavier than the other tripods on the list, its built-in ergonomic handle, leg straps, and heavy-duty poly-webbing shoulder strap make this surveying tripod easy to carry. This surveying tripod also comes with a plastic cap to protect and cover its head during transport.

Made of fiberglass with powder-coated metal hardware, this surveying tripod is not only durable but also resistant to wear, moisture, and humidity. And unlike aluminum, this fiberglass surveying tripod can withstand changes in temperature. It’s perfect for working in harsh field conditions!

But let’s talk about how stable this surveying tripod is. Apart from its heavy-duty fiberglass construction, it has a large round precision-machined head and legs with a dual clamp design. This dual clamping includes both a quick clamp and a wing screw mechanism. That means it can provide surveying instruments with extra stability and you with precise measurements.

With its wooden legs, fiberglass dowels, and powder-coated metal parts, the SitePro 01-WDF20-DCB Heavy-Duty Fiberglass and Wood Tripod seems extremely solid and built to last. And according to reviews, it does seem that way.

Users say that this fiberglass and wood surveying tripod is pretty heavy-duty, ideal for their theodolites, total stations, and other surveying equipment. And because it’s made of hardwood and fiberglass, this surveying tripod is certainly stable and weather-resistant. Plus, it can extend up to 72 inches long. For stable setups and accurate measurements in any weather condition, this tripod is your best bet.

To add to its stability, this surveying tripod comes with dual clamps, just like the SitePro SITEMAX tripod. It also has a large precision-machined head and replaceable shoe points for a secure surveying setup on uneven ground.

Lastly, this SitePro tripod has an ergonomic carry handle and poly-webbing shoulder strap for easy transport and plastic head cap for protection while in transit.