Nikon AS-2C Automatic Level with 360° Horizontal Circle

Data Sheet

Overview

The Nikon AS-2C Automatic Level is a precision optical leveling instrument designed for professional land surveying, construction, engineering, and elevation measurement. Featuring powerful 34× magnification, ±0.8 mm leveling accuracy per 1 km double-run, and a 360° graduated horizontal circle, the AS-2C delivers reliable performance for demanding field applications.

Built with Nikon's high-quality optical system and a wire-hung, air-damped automatic compensator, the AS-2C provides a clear, erect image and automatically maintains a level line of sight after the instrument has been properly set up.

The integrated 360° horizontal circle distinguishes the AS-2C from the standard AS-2, allowing operators to measure approximate horizontal angles and establish directions in addition to performing precise elevation measurements.

Its durable construction, straightforward operation, and included protective plastic carrying case make the Nikon AS-2C an excellent choice for surveyors and contractors who require dependable optical leveling without electronic components or batteries.

Key Features

• 34× telescope magnification for precise staff readings at longer distances
• ±0.8 mm accuracy per 1 km double-run leveling without a micrometer
• 360° graduated horizontal circle for horizontal angle measurements
• 45 mm objective lens for bright, clear target visibility
• Automatic compensator with ±12' working range
• ±0.3" compensator setting accuracy
• 1.0 m (3.28 ft.) minimum focusing distance
• Erect image telescope for straightforward leveling staff readings
• 2.5" telescope resolving power
• 1:100 stadia ratio for approximate distance estimation
• 10'/2 mm circular level sensitivity
• Compact optical design with no batteries required
• Includes protective plastic carrying case

Precision Leveling for Surveying and Construction

The Nikon AS-2C is designed for projects where accurate elevation measurements are essential. Its high-precision optical system achieves a standard deviation of ±0.8 mm per 1 km double-run leveling, making it suitable for demanding construction and engineering surveys.

For applications requiring even greater precision, the AS-2C can achieve ±0.4 mm per 1 km double-run when used with a compatible optional micrometer.

Typical applications include:

• Establishing and transferring benchmarks
• Construction elevation control
• Foundation and concrete formwork leveling
• Road and highway construction
• Grading and drainage verification
• Structural elevation monitoring
• Utility and pipeline installation
• Topographic and engineering surveys

The instrument's optical design allows crews to work without batteries, charging equipment, or electronic displays.

360° Horizontal Circle for Directional Measurements

Unlike the standard Nikon AS-2, the AS-2C includes a graduated 360° horizontal circle for measuring approximate horizontal angles between targets.

The horizontal circle features:

• 360° angular measurement capability
• 80 mm (3.2 in.) graduated circle diameter
• 1° minimum scale increments
• 10' direct scale reading
• 1' estimated reading

This additional functionality allows operators to establish approximate directions, measure horizontal angles, and perform basic alignment tasks alongside conventional leveling work.

The horizontal circle is intended for general directional measurements and does not replace the angular precision of a theodolite or total station.

High-Quality Nikon Optics with 34× Magnification

The AS-2C features Nikon's precision optical system, providing a clear, upright view of leveling staffs and distant targets.

Its 34× magnification and large 45 mm objective lens make it easier to identify fine graduations and take accurate readings across longer sight distances.

The telescope also offers:

• 1°20' field of view
• 2.5" resolving power
• 1.0 m minimum focusing distance
• Erect image for comfortable viewing

These features make the AS-2C well suited for both detailed leveling work and general construction applications where clear optics improve measurement efficiency.

Automatic Compensator for Consistent Accuracy

The Nikon AS-2C uses a wire-hung, air-damped automatic compensator that automatically establishes a level line of sight when the instrument is within its compensation range.

The compensator provides:

• ±12' compensation range
• ±0.3" setting accuracy
• Air-damped stabilization

After the operator approximately levels the instrument using the circular bubble, the compensator makes fine adjustments to maintain a horizontal sight line.

This reduces the need for repeated manual adjustments and helps crews obtain consistent elevation measurements throughout the workday.

Stadia Distance Measurement

In addition to precise leveling, the Nikon AS-2C includes stadia markings for estimating distances to a leveling staff.

With a 1:100 stadia ratio and zero additive constant, operators can estimate horizontal distances using the difference between the upper and lower stadia readings.

This provides a convenient method for approximate distance determination during preliminary site work, leveling, and construction measurements without requiring a separate distance-measuring instrument.

Nikon AS-2 vs. AS-2C

The Nikon AS-2 and AS-2C share the same precision optical platform, including 34× magnification, a 45 mm objective lens, ±0.8 mm leveling accuracy, and an automatic compensator.

The primary difference is the 360° horizontal circle included on the AS-2C.

Choose the Nikon AS-2C if you want the precision of the standard AS-2 with the added ability to measure approximate horizontal angles and establish directions.

Ideal Applications

The Nikon AS-2C is suitable for a wide range of professional surveying and construction tasks.

• Land Surveying: Benchmark establishment, elevation transfer, differential leveling, and survey control
• Construction: Foundation leveling, concrete formwork, structural elevations, and general site verification
• Civil Engineering: Road grades, drainage systems, utility installation, and infrastructure construction
• Precision Leveling: High-accuracy elevation measurements and monitoring applications
• Education and Training: Teaching optical leveling, stadia measurements, and basic horizontal angle observation

Technical Specifications

What's Included

• Nikon AS-2C Automatic Level with 360° Horizontal Circle
• Protective Plastic Carrying Case

Tripod, leveling staff, and other surveying accessories are sold separately.

Professional Leveling with Nikon Precision

The Nikon AS-2C Automatic Level combines high-quality optics, precision automatic leveling, and a graduated 360° horizontal circle in one dependable field instrument.

With its 34× magnification, ±0.8 mm leveling accuracy, and air-damped compensator, the AS-2C is an excellent choice for professionals who need reliable elevation measurements and basic horizontal angle capabilities without relying on batteries or electronic components.

Absolute Accuracy provides professional surveying equipment support and can assist with selecting compatible tripods, leveling staffs, and accessories for your Nikon automatic level.