As well as magnifying birds, an unsteady scope will also magnify any vibrations meaning the image will be poor and may result in eyestrain or headaches.

For maximum stability a tripod will need to be sturdy and rigid. However, it must not be so heavy that you cannot carry it with you when out in the field.

Check the maximum load of your tripod which will normally be listed as part of its specifications. Ideally your tripod should hold 2.5-3 times the weight of your tripod head, spotting scope with eye piece and any accessories you are planning to use such as a digital camera and adapter. The extra load capacity will allow you to turn the scope from side to side and forwards and backwards without straining the tripod head.

Thicker legs will make for the steadiest tripod but of course they will also be heavier. Remember if you are planning to go bird watching in windy environments your tripod will need to be more stable than usual. Modern materials such as carbon fibre will be lightweight without compromising on strength compared to aluminium tripods. However, carbon fibre tripods usually cost more than aluminium tripods. Legs that spread far apart from each other will offer the best stability.

You will also need to consider the height of your tripod. A straight spotting scope requires a tripod that will extend over your head so you can look up at a bird. With an angled scope the tripod can be a few inches shorter because you look downwards into the eyepiece. A shorter tripod will be more stable so you may want to consider buying an angled scope for bird watching.

If you are going to carry your tripod on your shoulders when out in the field consider choosing one with padded legs as it will be more comfortable. You can also buy tripods with straps so it can be hung on your shoulders like a rifle or buy a backpack for carrying both your scope and tripod.

For bird watching avoid silver-coloured or shiny tripods as the reflection from the surface may frighten the birds away. You can buy tripods in many different colours – a jet black or camouflage tripod would be ideal for birding.

Finally, although you want to buy a tripod that you can afford, don’t compromise on quality. Buy a tripod from a trusted brand and remember that an investment in a well made tripod will pay off in the long run and bring you more enjoyment to your bird watching hobby.