Automatic levels, also known as optical levels or auto levels, are essential tools in the construction industry. Surveyors, builders and civil engineers use these critically important instruments every day for large and small construction projects.
We have compiled a shortlist of the best automatic optical levels, based on a comparison of features, prices and customer reviews.
Here is everything you need to know.
Best Automatic Levels For Construction:
Careful research has allowed us to determine that the following 7 auto levels are among the best optical levels available today at walk-in stores or from online retailers.
| Top-rated Automatic Optical Levels 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|
Professional Choice | Leica Geosystems NA532
| Read My Review |
Top Quality | Topcon AT-B4
| Read My Review |
Best Budget | David White AL8-32
| Read My Review |
Best Value Kit | Bosch GOL32CK
| Read My Review |
Well-Built | Nikon AL-NIKON-AX-2S
| Read My Review |
Best Automatic Levels For Surveyors in 2024
The optical level review below gives you a detailed, easy-to-read-and-understand breakdown of the best automatic levels currently available.
#1 - Leica NA532 32x Automatic Level
It is no secret that construction sites provide leveling challenges because they are never perfect. Civil engineers and builders have to contend with obstructions and uneven surfaces.
This device from Leica Geosystems has been crafted to provide you, the user, with consistently reliable and accurate measurements so that you can get access to the straightest and safest construction environment.
The Leica NA532 optical level is packed with quality features including exceptionally powerful 32x magnification. Perfect for use on big construction projects, it also includes a hard carrying case for protection during transport and an easy-to-understand Owner’s Manual CD.
It operates without batteries. Leica Geosystems products are popular with construction professionals which may be reason enough for any surveyor to consider it.
- Powerful 32x magnification assures bright, clear images at increased distances
- Highly accurate, quick and easy measurements
- Ruggedly-constructed and able to withstand the harshest elements
- A little pricey
If price is not a factor, you may want to consider purchasing this Leica NA532 automatic optical level. It provides very powerful magnification along with bright, clear images that can make your job easier.
#2 - Topcon 24x Automatic Level AT-B4
Topcon has a reputation for top quality products. This model does nothing to dispel that belief. The Topcon AT-B4A Automatic Level enables civil engineers, surveyors and builders to take extremely accurate horizontal plane and angle measurements.
This Topcon level features powerful 24x magnification and a superior telescope design that provides its user with clear and bright views.
This is also a versatile product that ensures precise leveling when work takes place near heavy equipment or busy, overcrowded roads and highways. And its short focus (1.6 ft. min.) makes it perfect for smaller jobs like landscaping, fence building and pipe-laying.
Ruggedly constructed, this practical auto level provides protection against powerful water jets from all directions and can even withstand a sudden shower or a torrential downpour.
- Convenient one-speed focusing knob
- Features 360-degree/400 gons horizontal circle
- IPX6 water-resistant body for better protection
- 5-year warranty
- Priced higher than its primary competitors
This Topcon AT-B4 automatic optical level has received high praise from many of its users for its effectiveness as a high-quality leveling device and for its many superior built-in features. While it may seem a bit “pricey” compared to similar products, the good feedback it has received speaks well for this dependable device.
#3 - David White AL8-32 32x Power Automatic Optical Level
Specifically designed to make every leveling job easier and more accurate, this David White auto level has an excellent sighting scope and bubble vial built right into the rugged housing for greater durability.
Its wire-hung magnetically-damped compensator effectively holds the “level line of sight” within 15 arc seconds of level. That means this device will consistently enable you to get accurate readings which will aid in your construction project.
Importantly, the machine’s larger aperture results in more light to filter through so that you always get a sharper image. A horizontal circle with easy-to-recognize-and-read white on black graduations is another superior feature.
Clearly, the David White AL8-32 auto level is packed with the kinds of features that will help you “get the job done.”
- Provides up to 1/32 inch accuracy at distances up to 100 feet
- An effective working range up to 400 feet
- Lock-out device protects compensator during transport
- Lightweight just 3.4 pounds so it’s easy-to-carry around
- No grade rod or tripod included
Users love the fact that the David White AL8-32 is easy to use and that its rugged carrying case seals tightly to keep out dust, dirt and rain.
Some have considered it the best automatic level at its price range, and have been impressed by its high precision technology, a fact that makes this level effective and worth the purchase price.
#4 - Bosch 32x Automatic Optical Level Kit GOL32CK
This Bosch device is loaded with a broad range of superb features. For example, it has an automatic self-leveling compensator with both horizontal and vertical crosshairs and stadia lines.
The Bosch 32CK Optical Level features a powerful 32x magnification and a large aperture that provides bright and clear images. It provides superb accuracy at 1/16 inch at 100 feet.
And if that is not enough, this kit also includes a tripod, a rod, a hard case for easy portability, a lens cap, a plumb bob and a variety of useful adjustment tools.
The perfect leveling device for big, outdoor job, this Bosch auto level is, like the company’s many other products, highly regarded and coveted.
The Bosch Optical Level GOL 32CK has gained a lot of positive feedbacks from its users. Many found that the tool is sturdy, easy to use and valuable for the money.
- Rugged and durable all-metal housing with IP54 protection
- Powerful 32x magnification that enables a working range of 330 feet
- Provides effective 1/16-inch accuracy at 100 feet
- Secure lock-out device protects the compensator during transport
- Lightweight and compact, it may be better suited for smaller jobs
Bosch is a highly-regarded manufacturer famous for quality products. For surveying tasks, the Bosch GOL32CK optical level is considered one of the top choices of professional builders.
#5 - CST/berger 55-SLVP28ND 28X Magnification Automatic Level Kit
This practical kit has been designed to give you the benefit of fast, easy set-ups and accurate leveling readings. And it succeeds. It provides features that make your job easier. For instance, it has 28x magnification that gives you access to an effective range of 350 feet.
This CST/berger Automatic Level includes a sunshade that you can use in a variety of difficult weather conditions. And it provides 1/16 inch accuracy at 200 feet.
Importantly, this automatic level is water-resistant. It can get wet and still function perfectly.
Packed with a broad range of outstanding built-in features, this device is ideally suited to handling big, tough assignments. Highly rated, it has the reputation of a leveler that can help you to get the job done, no matter how difficult.
- Magnetically-dampened, wire-hung compensator for optimum range and accuracy
- Large effective aperture and minimum focus of one foot
- Includes a top-mounted optical peep sight for quick reference
- Need to be calibrated regularly
Although some users have reported problems with calibration, others love this CST/Berger 55-SAL28ND auto level for its sturdy design. It’s ideal for big construction jobs. If you’re looking to purchase an easy to use automatic optical level, you may wish to consider buying this one.
#6 - Nikon AL-NIKON-AX-2S Automatic Level with Circle, 360 Degree
Nikon has always been famous for its cameras. It may now be building a reputation for its manufacturing expertise when it comes to automatic optical levels. Consider the device named above.
The Nikon AL-NIKON-AX-2S Automatic Level delivers a high level of accuracy and it is remarkably easy to use for a variety of civil engineering and construction projects.
Additionally, it is lightweight, compact, rugged, durable and, importantly, water-resistant, as well. In fact, this auto level is able to withstand light rain and dusty conditions with equal effectiveness.
What’s more, Nikon’s famed, high-quality optics provide you with brighter, clearer images and superior minimum focusing when working in confined spaces.
It also has a magnetic built-in compensator. Clearly, this is a device that can tackle important jobs, both big and small.
- Powerful 20x telescope with a 30mm objective lens for clear, bright images
- Water-resistance for use in light rain and in dusty conditions
- A special base plate enables mounting on flat or domed-head tripods
- Designed specifically for small construction projects
- Requires the use of batteries
Nikon is a world-class company, famous for its superior optics. This Nikon AL-NIKON-AX-2S, as might be expected, has superior optics and the price is right.
Users have been pleased with its budget-friendly price tag and its performance. It offers you a solid purchase option.
#7 - Sokkia B40A 24X Automatic Optical Level
This auto level features powerful and effective 24x magnification and is ideally suited for taking highly accurate horizontal plane, angle and distance measurements.
In truth, it has been designed for landscaping, fence building, setting foundations and other similar, small projects.
Its many features include 1/16 inch accuracy, a built-in compensator and a high-performance telescope that consistently delivers bright and sharp images.
Its ultra-short focusing distance of just 7.9 inches from the end of the telescope makes it easy to use in tight or confined locations.
The Sokkia automatic level includes an optional diagonal eyepiece that can be used in extremely tight spaces, a plumb bob, a lens cap, a vinyl cover, a hard carrying case that’s been designed to keep your device safe during transport and a cleaning cloth.
- Accurate, simple to use
- Includes IPX6 water-resistance capability
- 5 Year Warranty
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and not a good choice for big outdoor projects
- Not very durable
This device has its share of supporters. It represents a good value because of its budget-friendly purchase price. If you’re looking for help with small construction jobs, this Sokkia B40 automatic level may be right for you.
Best Automatic Levels Comparison
Nowadays, the market is flooded with auto levels from many major manufacturers. Prices and quality vary. The question you may be asking yourself is this: “How do I choose the right auto level?”
The below comparison table clearly indicates the key features of each product. All you have to do is decide which features are most important to you for the work you do.
| Leica NA532 | Topcon AT B4 | David White 45-D8932 | Bosch GOL 32CK | CST/berger 55-SLVP28ND | Nikon AL-NIKON-AX-2S | Sokkia B40 | |
| Best Overall | Top Quality | Best Budget | Best Value | Easy to Use | Affordable | Low Price | |
| Magnification | 32x | 24x | 32x | 32x | 28x | 20x | 24x |
| Shortest Focus | 0.1m (0.3 ft) | 0.3m (1 ft) | 0.3m (1 ft) | 0.3m (1 ft) | 0.3m (1 ft) | 0.75m (2.46 ft) | 0.2m (7.9 in.) |
| Objective Aperture | 36mm (1.42 in.) | 32mm (1.26 in.) | 40mm (1.6 in.) | 36mm (1.42 in.) | 40mm (1.6 in.) | 30mm (1.2 in.) | 32mm (1.26 in.) |
| Leveling Accuracy | n/a | 1/16-in @ 100-ft | 1/32-in @ 100-ft | 1/16-in @ 100-ft | 1/16-in @ 200-ft | 1/8-in @ 100-ft | 1/16-in |
| Working Range | n/a | 250-ft (76m) | 400-ft (120m) | 400-ft (120m) | 350-ft (107m) | 200-ft (60m) | 250-ft (76m) |
| Protection Rating | IP56 | IPX6 | IP54 | IP54 | Water-resistant | IP52 | IPX6 |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 5-year | 2-year | 1-year | 5-year | 1-year | 5-year |
| See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon | See price at Amazon |
Why Use Auto Levels In Surveying?
Automatic optical levels enable construction professionals to erect high-rise buildings, construct roads and highways and complete all sorts of huge projects.
The auto levels used for these massive projects are often surprisingly small, compact and portable.
They are also packed with the kind of technology that enables a builder to clearly and effectively determine contours in the land upon which construction will take place.
Yes, these instruments are, in essence, “leveling tools” which provide builders with the vital information they need to “level the ground” before construction begins.
Of course, manufacturers long ago realized that automatic optical levels could also be useful for small projects.
So it should come as no surprise that many automatic levels have been designed as surveyors’ equipment that is best suited for smaller projects such as landscaping, fence building and pipe-laying.
Big or small project, surveyors, construction professionals and civil engineers all readily admit that the work they do is helped immensely by automatic optical levels.
Conclusion
That’s it. You have now had an opportunity to learn about the finest automatic optical levels available today. They are all excellent devices and one may be perfect for you.
When you’re satisfied that you know enough to make a decision there will be only one thing left to do. Buy the device of your choice and “start working.”
Bruce Rivers
