Leica Disto D5

[PhilBeech]

Has anybody used this for measuring outside and getting tree heights?

 

What is your opinion?

 

Please stay off the clinometer debate as this is not what I require.

 

Many Thanks

[Dean Lofthouse]

I've got the "lite" and it's very difficult seeing the laser in day light outside

[PhilBeech]

Thanks Dean.

[WorcsWuss]

We use Distos, as Dean says, laser dot on 'normal' ones is near impossible to see outside. Accuracy very good though.... We're due a new one and having watched the video on the Leica site I'm tempted to push for a D5.....

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

Yes, seeing the dot in bright sun can be difficult.

You can buy some red tinted safety specs that are supposed to overcome this but I have never tried them. I use the D8 so don't have a problem with not seeing the dot. The accuracy is potentially very good but is still reliant on the operator (watch out for parallax error on large crowned broadleaves).

[Old Mill Tree Care]

Does anyone use these for jobs like measuring out fencing or measuring and setting out a patio job?

 

It's primary function would be measuring trees of course but it got me thinking, one tool for multiple jobs.

Any thoughts?

[WorcsWuss]

I use our disto for lots of things, the d5 or d8 are going to be a lot more versatile, although for the cost of them, can they be justified over a trundle wheel for jobs like measuring fencing?

[benedmonds]

I spent the extra on the D8. Always use the camera function when measuring tree heights and it works well for me.

[Old Mill Tree Care]

I spent the extra on the D8. Always use the camera function when measuring tree heights and it works well for me.

 

What exactly do you use it for?

Is it well worth it or just a luxury?

[Andy Clark]

Got the D8 too, and yes, IMO is WELL worth the extra pennies - but only IF you're gonna use it regularly and it's gonna earn its keep.

 

If you kit out with extras, like the tripod and the various different target plates too, then there's not many things that the set up can't do.

 

The tripod comes in handy when measuring heights - just stand it at a convenient central location, and away you go - pinging multiple heights VERY accurately thanks to the lcd targeting screen.

 

Using the target plates and all the pythagoras functions, you can easily plot out and measure a patio, or an area for turfing, or shrub/flower bed - or anything else that you might need to know the area for.

 

Plus it'll link via bluetooth to a laptop or tablet pc for entering data straight into a compatible software app. .

 

The only thing that it lacks is an in built compass for linear measurements at a distance - like crown spread or distance of crown from a building.

 

 

Hope that helps.

 

 

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