Which Athlon Midas Tripod Is Right for Your Spotting Scope?

A spotting scope without a solid tripod is a paperweight. At 40x or 60x magnification, even a light breeze or footsteps on soft ground turn your image into an unusable blur. The tripod isn't an accessory — it's the foundation that makes your optics investment usable.

Athlon's Midas tripod line gives you five options across two materials and a wide range of load capacities. Each model shares the same Arca-Swiss compatibility and twist-lock leg system, but they differ meaningfully in weight, height, load capacity, and included accessories. This guide breaks down exactly which Athlon Midas Tripod matches your scope, your field style, and your budget — so you buy the right one the first time.

TL;DR — Quick Summary▾

The Athlon Midas tripod line spans five models from the $312.49 MSRP aluminum AL28 to the $874.99 carbon fiber CF40. For most spotting scope users, the CF32 offers the best balance — 55 lbs of load capacity at only 5.7 lbs, with both a ball head and leveling head included. On a budget? The AL28 handles any spotting scope at a fraction of the price. Need maximum stability for heavy optics or competition shooting? The CF40 held 200+ lbs in independent testing. See the full comparison table below.

Table of Contents▾

• What Every Athlon Midas Tripod Shares
• Athlon Midas Tripod Comparison
• Our Picks: Every Athlon Midas Tripod Ranked by Use Case
• How to Choose the Right Athlon Midas Tripod
• Complete Your Setup: Saddle Mount and Binocular Adapter
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Every Athlon Midas Tripod Shares

Before diving into individual models, here's what's consistent across the entire Midas line:

• High-tension twist locks on all leg sections — quiet, one-handed operation
• Arca-Swiss compatible heads — mount any Arca-plate spotting scope, camera, or accessory without adapters
• Three leg angle positions (80°, 55°, 25°) for fast repositioning on uneven terrain
• Interchangeable feet — rubber for hard surfaces and blinds; included spiked feet for dirt, snow, and loose ground
• Lifetime transferable warranty — no receipt, no registration required. Athlon repairs or replaces if damaged through normal use
• Multiple leg sections for compact folding (three on the AL28, four on all CF models)

The carbon fiber models (CF29, CF32, CF36, CF40) add a dual head system — both a ball head and a leveling head/bowl mount are included. They also come with a tripod hammock for wind stability, shoulder sling with pad, MOLLE leg wraps, and a padded carrying case. The AL28 includes a ball head and carrying case but not the leveling head or field accessories.

Athlon Midas Tripod Comparison

On pricing: These are Athlon's MSRPs. Authorized dealers like AstroTelescopium typically offer significant savings below MSRP — check individual product pages for current pricing.

Key patterns in the lineup:

• The CF29 and CF32 share the same 65" max height and 26" folded size — but the CF32 adds 22 lbs of load capacity for just 0.2 lbs more weight
• The CF36 and CF40 step up to 71" max height and 55 mm ball heads — built for taller users and heavier rigs
• Only the AL28 uses a center-shaft design; all CF models are spreaderless with no center column

Our Picks: Every Athlon Midas Tripod Ranked by Use Case

Best Budget Spotting Scope Tripod: Midas AL28

MSRP: $312.49 | 4.7 lbs | 26 lb load capacity

The AL28 is the entry point into the Midas line and the only aluminum model. Its traditional center-shaft design gives you 10 inches of fine height adjustment without touching the legs — useful at the range or in a blind where you need to dial in your viewing height quickly. A built-in bubble level on the 36 mm ball head helps with alignment.

At 26 lbs of load capacity, the AL28 comfortably supports any spotting scope on the market. Even the Athlon Cronus G2 UHD 20-60x86 — one of the heavier spotting scopes in Athlon's lineup — weighs well under that threshold. The ball head's friction control and fluid pan lock deliver smooth panning for tracking wildlife or scanning a course of fire.

Best for: Spotting scope users on a budget, range sessions where the tripod stays in one spot, birding blinds, and anyone who wants a straightforward tripod without the complexity of a dual-head system.

Trade-offs: No leveling head included (ball head only), no tripod hammock or shoulder sling, and aluminum dampens vibrations more slowly than carbon fiber. For high-magnification glassing in windy conditions, a CF model's faster vibration settling and hammock attachment make a noticeable difference.

Best Lightweight Carbon Fiber Option: Midas CF29

MSRP: $599.99 | 5.5 lbs | 33 lb load capacity

The CF29 is the lightest entry in the carbon fiber lineup at 5.5 lbs. That weight matters when you're packing a tripod, spotting scope, and the rest of your kit into backcountry — every ounce compounds over miles. Folded to 26 inches, it fits alongside or inside most hunting and hiking packs.

This is where the Midas line's dual-head system begins. You get both a 44 mm ball head with Arca-Swiss quick-release plate and a separate leveling head with bowl mount. The leveling head lets you establish a level platform independent of leg adjustment — valuable on slopes and uneven ground. The full accessory kit (hammock, sling, shoulder pad, spiked feet, MOLLE leg wraps, padded case) means no additional purchases.

A Rokslide reviewer who upgraded from a Vortex High Country II to the CF29 noted that the twist locks are "quiet to operate and easily slides without any catching" and reported "no wobbling at all" in wind. The same reviewer called the quick-release plate a significant improvement, eliminating the play he experienced with his previous tripod.

Best for: Backcountry hunters who need carbon fiber dampening at the lowest weight, birders who carry their setup for miles, and anyone pairing a spotting scope in the 3-8 lb range with field portability as the top priority.

Trade-offs: At 33 lbs of load capacity, it handles most spotting scopes easily but isn't sized for heavy dual-purpose rifle/optics use. If you anticipate mounting heavier equipment, the CF32 adds 22 lbs of capacity for only 0.2 lbs more.

Best All-Around Athlon Midas Tripod: Midas CF32

MSRP: $724.99 | 5.7 lbs | 55 lb load capacity

The CF32 is the sweet spot of the Midas line. It shares the same 65" max height, 26" folded length, and 44 mm ball head as the CF29 — but jumps from 33 lbs to 55 lbs of load capacity with just 0.2 lbs of additional weight. That's an enormous capability increase for a negligible weight penalty.

55 lbs of capacity means you can confidently mount heavy 80-85 mm spotting scopes, pair optics with rifle-mounting accessories, or simply have headroom that ensures zero flex and micro-vibration at high magnification. A Sniper's Hide reviewer using the CF32 for PRS competition noted that the friction control enabled "precise adjustment" with "just enough flex for fine aim adjustments," calling it "such a pleasure to use" compared to his previous tripod head.

The CF32 is the most-reviewed model in the Midas line across forums and publications. A reviewer from The Truth About Guns found it "incredibly intuitive and easy to use" and chose it over dedicated spotting scope stands for multi-purpose applications.

Best for: The buyer who wants one tripod that handles everything — spotting scopes, photography, competition shooting, and field glassing. If you're choosing one Midas tripod and aren't sure, this is the one.

Trade-offs: Same 65" max height as the CF29. If you're tall (6'2"+) and prefer standing use with a straight spotting scope, the CF36 or CF40's 71" max height may be more comfortable.

Best Athlon Midas Tripod for Large Spotting Scopes: Midas CF36

MSRP: $812.49 | 7.7 lbs | 66 lb load capacity

The CF36 steps up in every dimension. At 71" max height (6 inches taller than the CF29/CF32), it's better suited for standing use by taller users or for straight-body spotting scopes that benefit from extra tripod height. The 55 mm ball head — shared with the CF40 — provides smoother, more controlled movement under heavy loads than the 44 mm head on the smaller models.

66 lbs of load capacity handles the largest spotting scopes, heavy binoculars on mounting arms, and dual-purpose setups without strain. For users pairing an Athlon Ares G2 UHD 20-60x85 or Cronus G2 UHD 20-60x86 spotting scope with a rifle mount, the CF36 has the capacity and rigidity to keep everything rock-solid.

Best for: Users with large 80-100 mm objective spotting scopes, tall users who need standing-height viewing, and anyone who values the stability advantages of wider 36 mm carbon fiber legs and a 55 mm ball head.

Trade-offs: At 7.7 lbs and 29" folded, it's heavier and larger than the CF29/CF32 pair. If you're packing into remote areas where every pound matters, the CF29 or CF32 makes more sense unless you specifically need the extra height or load capacity.

Maximum Stability for the Range: Midas CF40

MSRP: $874.99 | 8.4 lbs | 88 lb load capacity

The CF40 is the flagship of the Midas line — 40 mm carbon fiber legs supporting 88 lbs of rated load capacity. In a review for The Firearm Blog, a reviewer hung over 200 lbs of body weight from the tripod without the legs collapsing. That's more capacity than most users will ever need, but it translates to absolute rigidity and zero flex under normal loads — exactly what matters at 60x magnification in wind.

The CF40 shares the CF36's 71" max height and 55 mm ball head. Twist locks are "half a turn" to unlock each section, as confirmed by The Firearm Blog reviewer.

Outdoor Life included the CF40 in their Best Hunting Tripods roundup, describing the Midas line as "packed with value: two different heads to accommodate either rifles or optics, the beefiest carbon legs in our field."

Best for: Competition shooters, range use with heavy optics, fixed-position observation where weight is secondary to absolute stability, and users who need to mount both a rifle and spotting scope on the same tripod.

Trade-offs: At 8.4 lbs, it's the heaviest Midas tripod. For field carry beyond short distances from a vehicle, the CF32 or CF29 is more practical. The 88 lb capacity is well beyond what any spotting scope requires — you're paying for rigidity and overbuilt confidence, not because your optics need it.

How to Choose the Right Athlon Midas Tripod

Match Load Capacity to Your Optics

A good rule of thumb: your tripod's rated load capacity should be at least 2-3x the weight of your complete optics setup (scope + head + plate + accessories). This isn't about preventing collapse — it's about eliminating micro-vibrations from structural flex. A 5 lb spotting scope on a 26 lb rated tripod (AL28) is perfectly stable. A 10 lb scope + heavy eyepiece on the 33 lb CF29 works fine. But if you're stacking a rifle mount, night vision, or other heavy accessories, the CF32's 55 lb capacity gives you breathing room.

Think About Height

Tripod height requirements depend on your scope configuration:

• Angled spotting scopes let you use a shorter tripod because the eyepiece angles upward — a 60-65" tripod works for most users
• Straight spotting scopes need the tripod at roughly eye level, so taller users may need the CF36 or CF40's 71" max height
• Seated or bench use only requires 30-40" — all five models handle this easily with partially extended legs

Carbon Fiber vs. Aluminum

Carbon fiber dampens vibrations significantly faster than aluminum — studies from The Center Column measured carbon fiber settling in roughly 1.5 seconds after a bump versus 4.3 seconds for aluminum. At 40-60x magnification, that difference means the carbon fiber user is back to a clear image while the aluminum user is still waiting.

Carbon fiber also doesn't conduct cold, so it won't freeze to your hands in sub-zero conditions. And it won't corrode or oxidize over years of field use.

Aluminum still makes sense for two scenarios: budget (the AL28 is half the price of the cheapest CF model) and stationary use where vibration settling time matters less because you're not repositioning frequently.

Consider Portability

If you're carrying your tripod more than a few hundred yards from a vehicle:

• CF29 (5.5 lbs, 26" folded) and CF32 (5.7 lbs, 26" folded) are the most packable
• AL28 (4.7 lbs, 27" folded) is lightest but you trade carbon fiber's vibration advantage
• CF36 and CF40 (7.7-8.4 lbs, 29" folded) are best suited for vehicle-based setups

The CF models include a shoulder sling and pad for field carry. The AL28 comes with a carrying case but no sling.

The Value Argument

Most competitors sell tripod legs, heads, and accessories separately. A comparable carbon fiber tripod with a ball head, leveling head, spiked feet, hammock, and carrying case from Vortex (Radian) runs roughly $1,300. The Athlon Midas CF32 includes all of that at $724.99 MSRP — and authorized dealers offer additional savings below MSRP.

Complete Your Setup: Saddle Mount and Binocular Adapter

The Athlon Midas tripods pair with two accessories that expand what you can mount:

• Athlon Saddle Mount ($212.49 MSRP) — Arca-Swiss compatible saddle for mounting rifles directly to the tripod. Works with the leveling head that comes with all CF models.
• Athlon Binocular Tripod Adapter ($24.99) — Threads onto full-size binoculars with a standard 1/4"-20 tripod socket. Mount your Athlon Cronus or Midas binoculars to any Midas tripod for extended, shake-free viewing.

The complete Athlon system — tripod, ball head, leveling head, saddle mount, and binocular adapter — uses the same Arca-Swiss interface throughout, so everything works together without adapters or compatibility concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a carbon fiber tripod for my spotting scope?▾

Not necessarily. The aluminum AL28 provides more than enough stability and load capacity for any spotting scope. Carbon fiber's main advantages are faster vibration dampening (critical in windy conditions at high magnification), lighter weight relative to capacity, and cold-weather comfort. If you primarily glass from a vehicle, blind, or range bench, the AL28 is a capable and more affordable choice. If you carry your tripod in the field and glass in varied conditions, carbon fiber's vibration performance and included accessories justify the step up.

What Athlon Midas Tripod works best for birding?▾

For birding, the CF29 or CF32 are the strongest choices. Birding often involves carrying your setup to a location and standing for long periods, so the CF29's 5.5 lb weight is appealing. But the CF32 adds substantial load capacity for only 0.2 lbs more, making it the better pick if you use a larger 80 mm+ spotting scope or plan to add accessories like a phone adapter for digiscoping. Both fold to 26" and include a shoulder sling for comfortable carry.

Can I mount a rifle on the Athlon Midas Tripod?▾

Yes — the CF models (CF29, CF32, CF36, CF40) include a leveling head with a 3/8" stud that accepts rifle saddles, including Athlon's own Saddle Mount. The ball head also has an Arca-Swiss clamp that works with Arca-compatible rifle chassis. The AL28 has only a ball head, which can hold a rifle via an Arca plate but doesn't offer the leveling head's independent platform adjustment preferred for precision shooting.

What's the difference between the CF29 and CF32?▾

The CF29 and CF32 share the same max height (65"), folded length (26"), 44 mm ball head, and full accessory package. The CF32 has 32 mm legs versus the CF29's 29 mm, which gives it a 55 lb load capacity versus 33 lbs — a 67% increase. The weight difference is just 0.2 lbs (5.5 vs 5.7 lbs). Unless you need to shave every fraction of a pound, the CF32 is the better value for the significant jump in load capacity and rigidity.

Does Athlon include a ball head with their tripods?▾

Yes, every Midas tripod ships with a ball head — 36 mm on the AL28, 44 mm on the CF29/CF32, and 55 mm on the CF36/CF40. All ball heads are Arca-Swiss compatible with quick-release plates, friction control, and fluid pan lock. The CF models also include a separate leveling head, so you get two mounting systems in the box.