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Survey Tripods
The Short Answer
A survey tripod supports your laser, optical level, or total station on a stable, adjustable platform. The right tripod depends on the instrument: flat-head tripods for lasers and levels, dome-head for total stations and theodolites, and elevating tripods when the instrument must be raised above obstructions. Express Tools stocks aluminum, fiberglass, and heavy-duty elevating tripods from Nedo, SitePro, and other pro brands.
The tripod is the most underrated accuracy component in the kit: a flimsy tripod moves in wind and traffic vibration, and every bit of that movement becomes grade error. Instrument class matters — a robotic total station needs a rigid, dome-head wood or fiberglass tripod, while a rotary laser is happy on a solid flat-head aluminum model.
Elevating (crank-up) tripods raise the instrument head as much as 10+ feet for working over parked equipment, formwork, or crowds — standard kit for laser screed and machine-control setups.
Survey Tripods In Stock
Topcon
Topcon Machine Control Kit with RL-HV2S Self-Leveling Dual Grade Laser, Deluxe LS-100D Receiver, Inch Rod, Tripod / Rechargeable - Machine Receiver and Magnetic Mount - Model 1051612-22-K2-LS-B200W-MM
Starting at
$4,895
Topcon
Topcon RL-200 2S (314920762-2T) Dual Slope Grade Laser Package with LS-80X Receiver, Inches Rod and HD Tripod - Rechargeable
Starting at
$3,570
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision GL622N-29 Dual Grade Laser INCHES Package with HL760 Receiver, Remote and Elevator Tripod
Starting at
$3,295
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision GL412N-26 Single Grade Laser w/ CR700 Receiver, INCHES-Rod and Tripod
Starting at
$2,726
Topcon
Topcon RL-HV2S Self-Leveling Dual Grade Laser Complete Kit with LS-100D Receiver, Inches Rod and Tripod - Rechargeable - 1051612-22-K2
Starting at
$2,195
Topcon
Topcon RL-HV2S Self-Leveling Dual Grade Laser Complete Kit with LS-100D Receiver, Tenths Rod and Tripod / Rechargeable - 1051612-22-K1
Starting at
$2,195
Topcon
Topcon RL-HV2S Self-Leveling Dual Grade Laser DB Kit with LS-80X Receiver, Inches Rod and Tripod / Alkaline - 1051612-21-K2
Starting at
$1,975
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision HV1305C-18S Horiz/Vert Interior/Exterior RED Beam Laser Package with CR700 Multi-Use Receiver, Remote, TENTHS Rod, Heavy Duty Aluminum Tripod and Small Case
Starting at
$1,895
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision HV1305C-29S Horiz/Vert Interior/Exterior RED Beam Laser Package with HL760 Receiver, Remote, INCHES Rod, HD Standard Tripod, Small Case - Rechargeable
Starting at
$1,595
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision LL1505C-26A Laser Level Package with CR700 Multi-Use Receiver, Rod INCHES, Tripod and Large SYSTEM Case
Starting at
$1,495
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision DET-2K Theodolite Kit - 2-Second Accuracy (Digital Transit and Tripod)
Starting at
$1,495
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision LL300N-X22 PRO Laser Package with Deluxe Receiver, Remote Control, INCHES Rod, HD Tripod, Rechargeable Batteries and Small Case
Starting at
$1,445
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision LL300N-X11 PROMAX Laser Package with Deluxe Receiver, Remote Control, Tenths Rod, HD Tripod, Rechargeable Batteries and Small Case
Starting at
$1,445
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision LL300N-X11 Laser Package with Deluxe Receiver, TENTHS Rod, HD Tripod and Small Case
Starting at
$1,295
Topcon
RL-H5A Self-Leveling Laser PS.RB Kit with LS-100D Receiver, Rechargeable Batteries, Grade Rod INCHES and Tripod - 1021200-16-K2
Starting at
$1,065
Topcon
RL-H5A Self-Leveling Laser PS.DB Kit with LS-100D Receiver, Grade Rod INCHES and Tripod - 1021200-17-K2
Starting at
$1,025
Topcon
Topcon RL-H5A Self-Leveling Laser PS.DB2 Kit with LS-80X Receiver, Measuring Rod INCHES and Tripod - 1021200-50-K2
Starting at
$785
Topcon
Topcon RL-H5A Self-Leveling Laser PS.DB Kit with LS-80L Receiver, Measuring Rod 10ths and Tripod - 1035258-01 (uses Alkaline Batteries)
Starting at
$785
Topcon
Topcon RL-H5B Self-Leveling Laser PS.DB2 Kit with LS-80L Receiver, Alkaline Batteries, Grade Rod Inches and Tripod- 1021200-33-K2
Starting at
$660
Topcon
Topcon RL-H5B Self-Leveling Laser PS.DB2 Kit with LS-80X Receiver, Alkaline Batteries, Grade Rod Inches and Tripod- 1021200-73-K2
Starting at
$660
Spectra Precision
Spectra Precision LL300S-CR72 PRO Laser Package with CR700 Multi-Use Receiver, Remote, Rechargeable, INCHES-Rod, HD Tripod and Case
Starting at
$1,770
Frequently Asked Questions
Flat head or dome head — which tripod do I need?
Match the instrument base: rotary lasers and most optical levels mount on a flat-head tripod with a 5/8-11 stud. Total stations and theodolites use a dome (curved) head so the instrument can be shifted and precisely centered over a point. Buying the wrong head is the most common tripod mistake.
Aluminum vs fiberglass vs wood tripods?
Aluminum is light and affordable — fine for lasers and levels. Fiberglass and wood damp vibration better and are dimensionally stable across temperature swings, which matters for total stations and long-occupation setups. Heavier is generally steadier.
What is an elevating tripod for?
An elevating tripod has a crank column that raises the instrument head — often to 10 feet or more — so a rotary laser can shoot over obstructions like formwork, spoil piles, or equipment. They are standard on laser screed crews and large concrete pours.
Will any tripod fit my laser or total station?
Almost all professional instruments use the 5/8-11 thread standard, so thread fit is rarely the issue — head shape (flat vs dome), load rating, and stability are what to match. Check the instrument weight against the tripod’s rated capacity, especially for robotic total stations.
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