What is the Best Laser Tape Measure Available?
The Leica Disto in my opinion is the best laser tape measure available today. The Leica Disto was the one of the first laser tape measures to come to the market and is still the best one today. I have had a Leica Disto since 2007 and never had any trouble with it.
There are 8 Disto’s in the Leica range of laser tape measures. In this article I shall be reviewing the current Leica Disto D2. The Leica Disto D2 is not the entry level disto and has a lot of the functions that most users will need. The recommended retail price for the Leica Disto D2 is £165. But is it worth paying this much for a laser tape measure?
Disclaimer: This site, and in particular this page, contains affiliate links to products. You are under no obligation to but if you visit and buy something from their site from a link on this site, we will receive a small commission, the price you pay will remain the same. This helps to keep this website running and your help is appreciated.
The Leica Disto D2.
The Leica Disto D2 sits above the D1 and the D110 in the Leica Disto range. It is the first one, in the range, to be able to measure up to 100m. It is a compact device that also has a long-range capability. It also has many useful functions and can transmit readings via Bluetooth for error free transmission.
What is the maximum distance the Leica Disto D2 can measure?
The Leica Disto D2 can measure up to 100m. This is in favourable conditions and to surfaces that reflect the laser beam well. Favourable conditions are most likely to be indoors. This is also where surfaces will be easy to measure to.
What is the accuracy of the Leica Disto D2?
The quoted accuracy for the Leica Disto D2 is plus or minus 1.5mm. This is for measurements of 0.050m to 100m. Checking the Leica Disto can be done easily. In the article, beginners guide to laser tape measures, on this website I go through how I check my Leica Disto for accuracy. You can read the beginners guide to laser tape measures here.
How do you measure with the Leica Disto D2?
Taking measurements with the Leica Disto D2 is very easy and straightforward. The default mode is to measure from the rear of the Disto. This is where the multi-function end comes in handy to. The multi-function end piece allows the easy measurement from corners, hooking around corner edges and getting into small recesses. The Leica Disto D2 automatically adjusts the measurement distance depending on the position of the multi-function end piece.
What if I struggle to get a measurement with the Leica Disto D2?
If you do ever struggle with measuring distances with any laser tape measure, I would suggest getting a target plate or a kodak grey card. The target plate or the kodak grey card will enable maximum distance measurements as it is the ideal reflective surface. I went for the Leica A4 Target Plate like this one on I found on amazon. I find it is better for the longer distances than the smaller, cheaper options like these ones that are on amazon.
These cards are especially useful in the lighter conditions outdoors. As they have different coloured sides, they can help with targeting over larger distances too as they reflect the laser beam better. Another option for spotting the laser beam is to get a pair of red tinted glasses like these ones. Check out the latest prices for red tinted glasses on amazon here.
Disclaimer: This site, and in particular this page, contains affiliate links to products. You are under no obligation to but if you visit and buy something from their site from a link on this site, we will receive a small commission, the price you pay will remain the same. This helps to keep this website running and your help is appreciated.
- Bluetooth Smart (4.0)
- Measure areas and volumes
- Flip-out end-piece – For measuring from edges or corners
- Pythagorean functions - Indirect width and height measurements for inaccessible positions
- Leica Disto Sketch
- Durable, waterproof white balance card with matte finish to minimize reflections
- Neutral 18% Grey Card / Gray Card Photo perfect DSLR, Video, Film and Photography
- Get your white balance right in seconds and always have the perfect photography exposure
- Set includes 3 Portable Compact Color Calibrated card, Premium Lanyard, Free Ebook 18 Composition Rules For Better Photos (received by email))
- 100% No-Hassle Money Back Guarantee. If youre no satisfied with your purchase, return it and well provide you with a full refund.Absolutely no questions asked
Will the Leica Disto D2 Measure in Daylight?
The Leica Disto D2 will measure distances outdoors in daylight. The maximum distance that it will measure to may be reduced. This can be down to the atmospheric conditions at the time. Dusty environments will hamper the maximum distance that can be measured. The same can be said for rainy conditions. Fog however, will severely hamper the distance laser tape measures can measure too.
Can the Leica Disto D2 be used outside?
The Leica Disto D2 has an IP54 Rating. This means that all the Leica Disto D2 offers partial protection from dust that might harm the level and protected from water splashes with limited ingress and no harmful effects. The Leica Disto D2 is construction site tough. Just do not store it in a wet condition. Always dry of the Disto before putting away.
What units does the Leica Disto D2 Use?
The Leica Disto D2 will measure any distance. The distance it measures can be shown in metric or imperial distances. To change the units displayed by the Leica Disto D2 is easy. Press and hold the units button change the units shown. There are four different ways to display the unit. First is the metric, then imperial feet and inches (0‘ 0“ ½ ), then displayed as (0’ 0in ½ ) and finally displayed as (0.00 ft). I don’t know anyone that would work in decimal feet though, so the last display setting makes no sense to me.
What is the Weight of the Leica Disto D2?
The Leica Disto D2 only weighs 100 grams. This weight includes the weight of the 2 AAA batteries that powers the Leica Disto D2.
Can the Leica Disto Measure Areas?
Yes the Leica Disto D2 can measure areas. Areas of walls, ceilings and floors can be easily calculated by the Leica Disto D2. You do not have to note down the individual readings, these are presented on the screen with the area result.
Can the Leica Disto D2 Measure Volumes?
Yes the Leica Disto D2 can measure volumes too. In the same way as the Leica Disto D2 measures areas, all you need is 3 dimensions for a volume. You do not have to note down the individual readings, these are presented on the screen with the area result.
What is the Painter function on the Leica Disto D2?
With the painter function you can determine the total wall area of a room without having to note down any intermediate results. This is done by simply measuring the lengths of all the walls, which you then can add or subtract as required. Once you have measured all the walls you require you can then measure the room height. This is then automatically multiplied by your previous measurements to give an overall calculated area.
Can the Leica Disto D2 measure angles?
The Leica Disto D2 can be used for finding angles. But this is not its primary role. If you need to calculate angles then you may well be served going for the Leica Disto S910. It does have a triangle function though.
What is the Triangle function on the Leica Disto D2?
The triangle function is a handy utility. With the triangle function you can calculate the area of a multi-cornered room or area. All you need to do is divide the room into imaginary triangles. Then, using only three measurements you can determine the area of each of these triangles. You can then add them up cumulatively. You can also see a detailed display of the angle of the triangle.
Will the Leica Disto D2 work with the Leica Disto Plan App?
Yes the Leica Disto D2 will work with the Leica Disto Plan App. This App is a great addition for using with the Leica Disto D2. It has many good features that will make your measurements easier to draw up and plan. There are in-app purchases that are required for the features. It is available on the play store here https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.leica.distoplan and I believe it is available for apple devices to on their store.
Does the Leica Disto D2 come with a carry case?
Yes the Leica Disto D2 does come with a carry case. The carry case is rugged enough to survive outdoors and protect the Disto inside. It has a smooth shell outer and a soft cloth interior. It also has a Velcro belt buckle attachment.
What Warranty comes with the Leica Disto D2?
The standard warranty is 1 year. If you register your Leica Disto D2 with Leica within 8 weeks of purchase, then you can get 3 years warranty.
I have had my Leica Disto A5 for 13 years now and haven’t had any trouble with it at all. It is still accurate when checked against a traditional tape measure. I would recommend buying any Leica Disto for its build quality and longevity.
What is the best price for the Leica Disto D2?
The recommended retail price for the Leica Disto D2 is £165 in the UK. You may find it on special offer from time to time. The best way to know if you are getting at the best price is to compare it with the price that is currently available to buy on amazon. You can check the latest price for the Leica Disto D2 on Amazon here.
Would I buy the Leica Disto D2?
I would yes. I have the Leica Disto A5 and would not hesitate to buy another one if I needed too.
- Bluetooth Smart (4.0)
- Measure areas and volumes
- Flip-out end-piece – For measuring from edges or corners
- Pythagorean functions - Indirect width and height measurements for inaccessible positions
- Leica Disto Sketch
Related Articles
5 of the Best Laser Tape Measures Available.
Are Cheap Laser Tape Measures any Good?
Beginners guide to laser tape measures
Review of the Mileseey S2 laser tape measure
The purpose and importance of laser tape measures