A laser range finder is a useful tool for a builder or finisher. It allows you to instantly measure the distance to an object. Laser rangefinders are used not only in construction, but also in the installation of communications, interior and landscape design, inspection work, and even during hunting. We will analyze what laser rangefinders are, give advice on choosing a tool, give the TOP of the best models and review them.
Content:
Rangefinder types
Rangefinders according to the principle of operation are usually divided into:
- laser;
- Ultrasonic.
Roulettes of the first type use a laser beam reflected from the surface to take measurements. The distance is calculated based on the phase shift of the signal being modulated by the beam. Such devices are highly accurate, can be used both indoors and in the field. The disadvantages of laser rangefinders include their sensitivity to bright sunlight, as well as the inability to measure the distance to transparent objects, such as windows. In this case, it is recommended to use a target, which manufacturers usually include in the package.
Ultrasonic tape measures work on the principle of echolocation. They measure distance based on the reflection of a sound wave from an obstacle. The disadvantages of such devices include less accuracy. The fact is that the sound wave propagates quite widely and can be reflected from different surfaces, which affects the result. Another advantage of laser rangefinders over ultrasonic rangefinders is that the former are designed to work with long distances. However, the advantages of ultrasonic roulettes include the ability to work with transparent objects, as well as insensitivity to sunlight.
comparison table
| Place in the ranking / Name | Expert evaluation | Price range, rub. |
| Rating of budget rangefinders | ||
| Xiaomi Duka LS-P Laser Range Finder | 85 out of 100 | From 1442 to 2100* |
| Skil 0520 AD | 87 out of 100 | From 2230* |
| RGK D60 NEW | 89 out of 100 | From 2577 to 3490* |
| BOSCH PLR 25 | 92 out of 100 | From 3909 to 4879* |
| Rating of rangefinders of the middle price category | ||
| BOSCH GLM 40 Professional | 90 out of 100 | From 5127 to 5900* |
| RGK-D100 | 93 out of 100 | From 5 990* |
| RGK DL50G green beam | 94 out of 100 | From 6590* |
| BOSCH GLM 50 C Professional | 96 out of 100 | From 7499 to 10 537 * |
| Rating of premium rangefinders | ||
| Bosch GLM 80 Professional | 89 out of 100 | From 10 693 to 14 600* |
| Leica DISTO D2 NEW | 92 out of 100 | From 12 480 to 13 440* |
| RGK D120 | 95 out of 100 | From 12 990* |
| BOSCH GLM 120C | 98 out of 100 | From 16,495 to 25,200* |
TOP 12 included laser and ultrasonic rangefinders. Models were selected taking into account technical characteristics, cost and feedback from buyers and craftsmen.
The best budget rangefinders
The list includes laser and ultrasonic roulettes worth up to 5,000 rubles.
Xiaomi Duka LS-P Laser Range Finder
Xiaomi Duka LS-P Laser Range Finder is a laser rangefinder with advanced functionality. The device is equipped with the ability to measure the maximum and minimum distance, measure the angle, calculate the area, volume, Pythagorean function. The built-in sight simplifies pointing the beam at the object.
Specifications:
- Price - 1,442 - 2,100 rubles.
- User ratings - 4.7;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 40 m (without reflector);
- Error - 1 mm;
- Power source type - battery;
- Additional functions - minimum and maximum distance, calculation of angle, volume, area, Pythagorean function.
Skil 0520 AD
Skil 0520 AD - Ultrasonic type range finder with extended functionality. The device is capable of taking measurements at a distance of 50 cm to 15 m. The error rate is +/-0.5 / +/- 1 digit. The manufacturer included a carrying case in the package. The case is made of durable materials, the weight of the device is 200 g.
Specifications:
- Price - 2230 rubles.
- User ratings - 4.5;
- Rangefinder type - ultrasonic;
- Measurement range -0.5-15 m;
- Error - 3 mm;
- Power source type - batteries;
- Additional functions - memory, addition and subtraction, calculation of volume, area.
RGK D60 NEW
RGK D60 NEW is a laser rangefinder designed for quick measurement of premises. The measurement time is 2 seconds. In this case, the error indicator is no more than 2 mm. The device measures the distance to the object in the range from 0.3 to 60 m.
The rangefinder is also able to calculate the area, including the total area, volume, the mode of continuous measurement, measurement of a given distance, the function of addition and subtraction is also provided. The device has a built-in memory for 100 measurements. Measurements can be made with four reference points. The package includes batteries, a hand strap, a carrying case and instructions.
Specifications:
- Price - 2577 - 3490 rubles;
- User ratings - 4.8;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 60 m;
- Error - 2 mm;
- Power source type - batteries;
- Additional functions - memory for 100 measurements, calculation of volume and area, addition and subtraction, continuous measurement mode.
BOSCH PLR 25
BOSCH PLR 25 is a laser rangefinder designed to measure distances up to 25 meters. The received figures are displayed on the color display. If there is no activity for more than 5 minutes, the device will automatically turn off to conserve battery power.
The last ten measurements are automatically stored in the device's memory. The rangefinder has two starting points for measuring: from the trailing or leading edge. Additionally, there is a function for adding and subtracting, displaying the minimum and maximum values, calculating the area and volume.
Specifications:
- Price - 3909 - 4879 rubles;
- User ratings - 4.8;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 25 m;
- Error - 2 mm;
- Power source type - batteries;
- Additional functions - memory for 10 measurements, addition and subtraction, calculation of the maximum and minimum measurement, area, volume.
The best mid-range models
The TOP 4 includes models costing from 5,000 to 10,000 rubles.
BOSCH GLM 40 Professional
BOSCH GLM 40 Professional is a high-precision professional laser rangefinder required for construction work. The measurement error is 1 mm, the maximum range is 40 m. The device has a memory for 10 measurements.
The device can be used at temperatures ranging from -10 to 45 degrees. the rangefinder is equipped with the function of calculating the volume and area, there is a continuous measurement mode.The rugged case has a degree of dust and moisture protection IP54.
Specifications:
- Price - 5127 - 5900 rubles;
- User ratings - 4.8;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 40 m;
- Accuracy - 1.5 mm;
- Power source type - batteries;
- Additional functions - memory for 10 measurements, calculation of area, volume, continuous measurement mode.
RGK-D100
RGK D100 is a multifunctional laser tape measure designed for measurements at a distance of up to 100 meters with an error of up to 1.5 mm. The bright beam is visible even in sunny weather. The device provides a function for calculating an unknown height using the Pythagorean theorem, addition and subtraction, calculation of area and volume, continuous measurement mode. The last 30 measurements are stored in the device memory.
Specifications:
- Price - 5990 rubles;
- User ratings - 4.9;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 100 m;
- Accuracy - 1.5 mm;
- Power source type - batteries;
- Additional functions - memory for 30 measurements, calculation of area, volume, addition, subtraction, Pythagorean function, continuous measurement mode.
RGK DL50G green beam
RGK DL50G is a rangefinder with a green laser beam, designed to measure distances up to 50 m long, as well as calculate area, volume and height. The error of the apparatus is 2 mm. The wavelength of the generated beam is 500-535 m.
The tape measure has a continuous measurement mode, a built-in tilt sensor for measuring the angle of 360 degrees, a function for calculating, adding and subtracting, measuring volume and indirect measurements. There are 4 reference points to choose from.
Specifications:
- Price - 6590 rubles;
- User ratings - 4.9;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 50 m;
- Error - 2 mm;
- Power source type - batteries;
- Additional functions - memory for 30 measurements, calculation of area, volume, addition, subtraction, Pythagorean function, continuous measurement mode, angle calculation.
BOSCH GLM 50 C Professional
BOSCH GLM 50 C Professional is a modern professional laser meter that allows you to measure height, distance, angle. All data is displayed on a screen equipped with a bright backlight with the function of automatic rotation to a horizontal and vertical position.
The case has a degree of dust and moisture protection IP54. The device has a built-in memory for 50 cells. The rangefinder provides the ability to establish communication with a tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth or a USB port.
Specifications:
- Price - 7499 - 10,537 rubles;
- User ratings - 4.7;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 50 m;
- Accuracy - 1.5 mm;
- Power source type - batteries;
- Additional functions - memory for 50 measurements, calculation of area, volume, angle calculation, Bluetooth.
best pprofessional models
The TOP 4 includes rangefinders costing from 10,000 rubles.
Bosch GLM 80 Professional
Laser rangefinder BOSCH GLM 80 Professional allows you to measure at distances up to 80 m. At the same time, the error level does not exceed 1.5 mm.The device is powered by a built-in Li-Ion battery, one charge lasts up to 25,000 measurements. Built-in tilt sensor.
There are 4 start points for measurements. The durable case is made of rubberized plastic, there is a level of dust and moisture protection IP54. The data is displayed on an LCD display with a bright backlight. The package includes a carrying case.
Specifications:
- Price - 10,693 - 14,600 rubles;
- User ratings - 4.7;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 80 m;
- Accuracy - 1.5 mm;
- Power source type - battery;
- Additional functions - measurement of volume, area, angle of inclination.
Leica DISTO D2 NEW
Leica DISTO D2 NEW is a laser rangefinder with a whole range of functions. In particular, the device is able to measure volume, area, add and subtract, calculate unknown height, and also work in continuous measurement mode.
A two-stage shutdown system is provided to conserve battery life. The use of X-Range technology provides a measurement range of up to 100 meters. The device has a built-in memory for the last 10 measurements; a Bluetooth module is used for data transfer.
Specifications:
- Price - 12,480 - 13,440 rubles;
- User ratings - 4.6;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 100 m;
- Accuracy - 1.5 mm;
- Power source type - batteries;
- Additional functions - memory for 10 measurements, calculation of area, volume, addition, subtraction, continuous measurement, Bluetooth.
RGK D120
RGK D120 is a laser rangefinder equipped with a digital viewfinder. The instrument measures distances up to 120 meters. The device is equipped with the function of calculating the area, volume, specified distance, continuous measurement and marking mode, built-in memory. A folding bracket is installed on the body. A USB port is provided for connecting to a PC.
Specifications:
- Price - 12,990 rubles;
- User ratings - 5.0;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 120 m;
- Error - 2 mm;
- Power source type - battery;
- Additional functions - measurement of height according to the Pythagorean theorem, continuous measurement system, calculation of area and volume, memory, marking mode.
BOSCH GLM 120C
BOSCH GLM 120 C is a laser rangefinder with a digital viewfinder equipped with the Zoom function. This improves the accuracy of measurements over long distances. The case has an IPS display. All measurements can be transferred to a smartphone via Bluetooth.
Specifications:
- Price - 16,495 - 25,200 rubles;
- User ratings - 5.0;
- Rangefinder type - laser;
- Measurement range - 120 m;
- Accuracy - 1.5 mm;
- Power source type - battery;
- Additional features - Bluetooth.
Criterias of choice
When buying a laser rangefinder, special attention should be paid to the following indicators:
- Measurement distance;
- Level of error;
- Characteristics of the laser wave;
- The presence of memory;
- Availability of additional functionality.
Household rangefinders are designed for a maximum range of up to 60 meters. Professional devices allow you to work with distances up to 250 meters. Laser roulettes also have limitations on minimum distances. In this case, if the distance to the object is insufficient, the reflected beam simply will not hit the receiver.
Modern rangefinders are highly accurate. For laser devices, the error is no more than 1-2 mm, for ultrasonic devices it is 3-5 mm. For specialized optical hunting rangefinders, the error can be up to 1 meter.
The wavelength of the laser determines the color of the beam. For devices with a wavelength of 535-550 nm, a green beam, for devices with a wave of 635-650 nm - red.
Semi-professional and professional rangefinders are equipped with memory. The number of memorized measurements is determined by the selected model.
Professional rangefinders are equipped with additional functionality. Some models are able to automatically calculate the volume, height of the building, the angle of inclination, the area of \u200b\u200bthe room or walls in it. The latter feature is especially useful for painters and finishers.
Conclusion
When choosing a rangefinder, one of the main criteria is the maximum measurable distance. For finishers working in standard apartments, a tape measure with a maximum distance of 20 meters will suffice. Builders may need devices with a maximum measurement of 40-65 m. When working outdoors, as well as in warehouses, hangars or stadiums, powerful professional laser rangefinders that measure the distance to objects removed by 100 m or more will come in handy. To work at long distances, to improve accuracy, additional equipment is needed in the form of a tripod, a viewfinder with a zoom.
