Leica TS16 vs iCR70
If you're new to robotic total stations, don't buy blind.
I’ve run both the Leica TS16 and the Leica iCR70 on many live jobs, and the truth is simple: they’re built for different types of work. If you’re a trainee or moving up from basic pegging and manual set out, choosing the right kit can save you a lot of time, stress, and money.
The Leica TS16 with Captivate is the survey-standard option. It’s the stronger choice for precision survey work, complex calculations, and higher-level QA across multiple sites. But it comes with a steeper learning curve, and the software is definitely aimed more at experienced users than beginners.
The Leica iCR70, on the other hand, is a groundworks machine. It’s faster to get running, easier to use as a one-man robotic setup, and far more beginner-friendly in the field. If you want something practical, efficient, and hard to get wrong, the iCR70 is the easier entry point.
A quick no-BS comparison:
Leica TS16: Best for multi-site QA and Topographical Surveys. Older models lack large files sizes which slows you down.
Leica iCR70: Best for fast groundworks setups and straightforward robotic workflows and a complete beast when it comes to speed.
Ease of use: TS16 has a steeper curve; iCR70 is much more intuitive.
Battery life: TS16 gives you 16 hours in the field; iCR70 is around the same, and both built to handle rough weather.
Price: TS16 is typically £20k+ new, iCR70 sits closer to £18k+ new so more of a long-term investment. Second hand can be much cheaper.
Contacts? I got contacts.
Avoid rental rip-offs; own the tool that owns the job.
I’d give the win to the iCR70. It’s practical, quick to learn, and it pairs perfectly with my Set Out lessons on robotic workflows. If your work leans more toward precision surveying, complex checks, and higher-level QA, the TS16 is where it really starts to shine.
Want to master the iCON? Enroll in Level Up — includes setup guides and file exports.
Posted March 2026 | Tags: total station, Leica, groundworks
