Hands on NEW Leica Disto D2 with Bluetooth

NEW Leica Disto D2 with Bluetooth

Hands on with the NEW Leica Disto D2 with Bluetooth.

First of all this new model is called the same globally, for sometime US models have had a different numbering scheme to the rest of the world.  For example the D110 is known as the E7100i, hopefully Leica will continue to unify the model numbering as new models come along.  One more thing to talk about with model numbering is with calling this the D2 a model number that was used only a few years ago and you will still find the (OLD) D2 being sold online and in stores.  The (OLD) D2 did not have bluetooth so do not get confused when trying to buy the (NEW) D2 which does say “NEW” on the box, the key is if it has Bluetooth then it is the new model.  Model numbers should be their to stop confusion not create confusion.  Anyway thats enough about model numbers lets now look at laser distance meter itself.

Opening the box you find the laser distance meter itself and under a cardboard flap is the carry pouch. The D2 operate on 2 “AAA” batteries and the batteries are inserted behind a panel at the rear in a similar fashion to previous models. Insert your fingernail and click down the lock on the battery cover and lever open the cover from the top, the battery installation is clearly marked.

If you have used other Leica disto’s the basic operation is very familiar.  Press the red button for about 3 seconds to power up and the LCD display will power up further presses of the red button take the measurements.  To power off press and hold for 3 seconds on the clear/off button.

The Leica Disto D2 feels extremely light in the hand but the build quality is extremely high as you would expect for a Leica Disto.  The plastic casing has a generous amount of rubber over moulding on it which gives the feel of security in the hand and the sense that it would take a bit of a tumble without major damage.

The LCD display is extremely clear and crisp under all lighting conditions, something that has improved over the last few years on the more entry level models by Leica. The LCD displays 3 lines of measurement plus indicating mode of operation, the position that the measurement is being made from (front of D2, Rear of D2 or from extended flip out part) and units of measure.

The Leica Disto D2 has all the standard features you would expect;

• Continuous measurement
• Surface area calculation (painter)
• Volume calculation
• Addition and Subtraction
• Pythagorus indirect height measurement (two methods)
• Stake Out
• Min Max
• Memory (10 measurement)
• Time delay measurement
• Bluetooth smart

Bluetooth is a handy addition to this model which will see it sell well.  Its worth noting though that it is Bluetooth smart or V4 and so not backward compatible with older PDA or laptop hardware you may be using.  It is compatible with the Leica app which you can do basic floor plans and place measurements on photos (Apple and Android).  It is also compatible with other third party apps and software supporting the Bluetooth smart (V4) version.

The multifunction end piece as with previous models by Leica feels durable compared to some brands I have used and the auto switching extremely useful and reliable.  For those not sure on usage of the end piece, its handy for measuring right into the corners of walls or particularly checking square on windows and doorways.

The IP rating for dust and water protection is IP54 which is very good for this class of laser distance measure so it should provide many years of good service in a construction site environment.

There are some extra detailed information the New D2 can now give you.  After performing a surface area or volume measurement you will see a small triangle symbol on the bottom left corner of the screen.  Press and hold the Func button for 2 seconds to reveal this further information such as total perimeter and total wall area when using the volume function.  Check out the videos below for more details on this its pretty cool.

Switching between units of measure is a little tricky until you know the trick, on previous models there was a “units” button but not on the new Leica Disto D2, on this model you press bothe the “+” and “-” buttons simultaneously each press cycling through the units of measurement available see image below.

In conclusion I found the New Leica D2 a very pleasing laser distance measure to use.  The display was clear and bright, measurements quick and precise with very few failed readings.  Range was good but as always the 100m (330 feet) is targeting against a perfect surface or Leica target plate.  So for a laser distance meter with Bluetooth and all the basic features you can’t go past the New Leica D2, yes you will find cheaper units but the build quality, even on Leica’s more entry level products, is excellent.

Videos

Specifications

US Stores

Amazon USA
disto d2

Canada Stores

Amazon Canada
disto d2

UK & Ireland Stores

Amazon UK
disto d2

Australian Stores

Amazon Australia
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