6 best optical levels

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Levels are used to accurately calculate the surface plane and dimensions of the future foundation or other building objects. They allow you to correctly set the coordinate axes on the ground, regardless of the evenness of the soil relief. Among the varieties of levels, the most affordable are optical models, where a specialist needs to look through the eyepiece and calculate the level of the plane using a graduated scale. Here are some of the most popular and proven products in this industry that experts have found.

Rating of the best optical levels for construction

When compiling TOP-6 levels with an optical tube, we took into account the range of the device, the ability to zoom in on the image, the error of the optics. We also focused on the packaging of the product, the permitted operating temperature and user reviews.

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best optical levels for construction	1	BOSCH GOL 26 D + BT 160 + GR 500 rail	RUB 21,769
	2	Sokkia B40	RUB 21,750
	3	Leica NA332 (840383)	RUB 15,960
	4	Condtrol 32X (2-3-047) with tripod	RUB 15,990
	5	BOSCH GOL 20 D Professional (0601068400)	RUB 10,300
	6	RGK N-32 (4610011870071)	RUB 13,229

BOSCH GOL 26 D + BT 160 + GR 500 rail

Rating: 4.9

The experts awarded the first place to the optical construction level from Bosch. This is a device with a 36 mm objective lens, capable of magnifying an image up to 26x. Thanks to this power, it will be possible to measure a distance of up to 100 m. The minimum focusing for calculations starts from 30 cm. The optical sight is able to calculate the height, plane flatness and angles. Judging by the reviews, this is a very solid level, assembled efficiently and without backlash. It measures length accurately and a performance of 100 m is more than enough for most construction projects. All adjustments are smooth and effortless.

The product got to the first place for the complete set. The set includes a reliable level, a tripod with adjustable legs, a carrying case on a belt that protects the optical device from impacts during transportation. In addition, the manufacturer applies an aluminum level that can be expanded to a height of 5 m.

Advantages

• quick change in tripod height;
• it is convenient to rotate the micrometer screws;
• clear scale of the horizontal limb.

disadvantages

• for some, the 160 cm tripod will be low;
• does not have verification from state control (initially when sold in a store);
• in cold weather, hands freeze from the aluminum bar.

Sokkia B40

Rating: 4.8

The second place is taken by a level with a 36 mm objective lens and the ability to zoom up to 24x. The device is equipped with a sturdy carrying case to protect the optical device during transport. The product is already leaving the store with a verification certificate and it can be immediately used in work, which is what builders like in reviews. The minimum measured area starts from 20 cm, and the error does not exceed 2 mm per km. The rangefinder weighs only 1.85 kg, so it is not difficult to move around the object with it. The Japanese manufacturer encloses instructions in Russian and adjustment tools with the product, but the tripod and the bar will have to be purchased separately.

The level is recognized as the best in terms of the quality of work in difficult conditions, for example, when there is vibration on the ground (heavy equipment is working nearby) or a strong, gusty wind blows. The optical device is equipped with a sensitive compensator that takes into account the arising tripod tilt and ensures image stability while maintaining the plane.

Advantages

• light weight 1.85 kg;
• durable case included;
• verification certificate is attached to the goods;
• the accuracy of measuring horizontal angles is 1º.

disadvantages

• first you have to aim at the mark through the front sight;
• high price.

Leica NA332 (840383)

Rating: 4.8

The level from the Swiss brand is designed to work at temperatures from -20 to +50 degrees. The optical tube is equipped with a 36 mm lens, but it magnifies the image up to 32 times. In this case, the error in measuring the distance is not more than 1.6 mm. The dimensions of the device are 30x20x20 cm and it weighs 1.5 kg. The model has already been entered into the state register and is accompanied by a verification certificate. The product is delivered in a plastic case that protects the objective lens during transportation. According to the reviews, surveyors like the enlightened optics, which provide good visibility in rain or fog conditions.

The main advantage of the level is a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. Although the optical device is already in the lead due to Swiss quality, such a manufacturer's commitment instills complete confidence in the level's performance.

Advantages

• verification certificate is attached to the level;
• the optical system is well protected from light exposure;
• clear markings on the scale;
• light weight 1.5 kg.

disadvantages

• high price;
• the screws slide slightly in your hands.

Condtrol 32X (2-3-047) with tripod

Rating: 4.7

The level stands out against the background of the above due to the optimal combination of cost, functionality and equipment. The model has a price of 3-6 thousand rubles. lower than that of competitors, but at the same time supports image enlargement up to 32 times. There is a magnetic compensator inside, and the set includes a tripod, a case and a telescopic rail with a millimeter scale. The sight is optical here, which makes it easier to aim at the target. The error does not exceed 1.5 mm. The smallest measuring area starts at 60 cm.

Experts considered the optical level to be the best due to the increased lens diameter of 38 mm. This provides increased light penetration and guarantees better visibility. We recommend the product especially for construction sites, where it is required to display coordinate axes and lay planes at distances of 100-120 m.

Advantages

• average error 1.5 mm;
• optical sight;
• magnification 32x;
• entered in the state register.

disadvantages

• sold without a verification certificate.

BOSCH GOL 20 D Professional (0601068400)

Rating: 4.6

The optical distance meter is suitable for measuring distances on construction sites with a length of up to 60 m. It can be used for leveling class III and IV. This category includes offsets of excavation points, control marks of the foundation level, determination of the locations of the design laying of piles, columns, slabs and trusses. A specialist with its help will be able to easily perform a breakdown of the construction grid or routing. The error here slightly exceeds the performance of the above optical models and is 2.5 mm. The body of the level has an IP54 level of water protection and its operation is permitted in the rain. The optics are designed for use at temperatures down to -10 ° C.

This is another level that has proven itself well due to the precise work of the compensator. If the plane being built deviates from the horizon, the optical device will automatically align the image within the range of ± 15º. For this, a crosshair of the reticule is used, which passes the sighting beam through itself, acquiring a horizontal position. Another advantage of the product is the price, which is more affordable than that of analogues.

Advantages

• compensator operation within 15º;
• the possibility of increasing up to 20x;
• attractive price;
• high-aperture lens 36 mm in diameter;
• work at a temperature of -10 degrees is permissible.

disadvantages

• an error of 2.5 mm is greater than that of competitors.

RGK N-32 (4610011870071)

Rating: 4.5

The optical model is made with a 32 mm lens, which is capable of zooming in up to 32x. The minimum focus distance starts from 30 cm, which allows using the level even in tight mines, tunnels and basements. The device is suitable for construction sites with a length of up to 100 m. The reading accuracy has a deviation of up to 1.5 mm per kilometer. But it is not very convenient to use the limb due to the closed scale, which can only be observed through a small window. The level weighs 1.7 kg and is equipped with a plastic storage box. In the reviews, surveyors praise the clear picture of the optical system and the absence of image twitching.

We considered the level to be the best due to the case with increased protection. Its tightness is at the level of IPx6, which allows the optical device to work not just in the rain, but even under direct strong jets of water. The manufacturer also allows the level to be used at temperatures down to -40 ° C, which makes it one of the few suitable for the Far North. The next advantage is the product warranty for 25 years.

Advantages

• durable plastic box;
• large and convenient focus adjustment screw;
• minimum working distance from 30 cm;
• internally magnetic damping is applied.

disadvantages

• the sight has a front sight, which is less convenient than the optical version;
• the limb can be seen only through a small window.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.