Leica CS50 Data Collector | Basic, 4G/5G & DISTO Options

Need a different setup? Contact us and we can help configure your CS50.

Data Sheet

Overview

The Leica CS50 Data Collector brings Leica Captivate surveying workflows to a rugged handheld controller with a modern Linux platform. Its NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor helps crews work with large CAD files, IFC models, measurements, and project imagery while keeping field software responsive.

A 5-inch color multi-touch display and 67-key backlit QWERTY keypad give you both touchscreen and physical controls. Choose the Basic model, add built-in cellular connectivity with the 4G/5G model, or select the 4G/5G + DISTO model for an integrated laser distance meter. Every configuration includes two GEB334 batteries and a GKL311 charger.

What's Included

• 1 × Leica CS50 controller in your selected model
• 1 × Leica CS50 multilingual Quick Guide (p/n: 1071406)
• 2 × GEB334 Li-Ion batteries, 10.8V / 3450mAh (p/n: 954518)
• 1 × GKL311 Single Charger Prof 3000 (p/n: 799185)

Optional selections: Add Leica Captivate Measure & Stakeout software and/or the GHT63/GHT66 pole mount set using the selectors above. Software and the pole mount are included only when selected. Survey instruments and poles shown in photos are sold separately.

Available Models

Leica CS50 Basic

The CS50 Basic includes 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of internal storage, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.4. It is a practical choice for crews that use WLAN or a mobile hotspot for internet access and do not need an integrated cellular modem or DISTO.

Leica CS50 4G/5G

The CS50 4G/5G adds an integrated 4G LTE / 5G RedCap modem with physical micro-SIM and eSIM support. It also increases memory to 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage and adds built-in L1/L5 GNSS positioning. Choose this model for connected fieldwork and more room for large project files.

Leica CS50 4G/5G + DISTO

This model includes the same memory, storage, cellular modem, and GNSS features as the 4G/5G version, plus an integrated Leica DISTO laser distance meter with a 1 MP camera. The DISTO helps you measure remote or difficult-to-reach points with less repositioning.

Model Comparison

Cellular connectivity requires a suitable data plan and network coverage. The integrated modem supports 5G NR Release 17 RedCap (SA) and 4G LTE Cat 4.

Leica CS50 vs CS20: What Are the Differences?

The Leica CS50 updates the handheld Captivate controller format with a Linux platform, more memory and storage, multi-touch, and newer communication options. The CS20 uses Windows EC7 and has a smaller memory and storage capacity. Both controllers retain a 5-inch WVGA display, a 67-key QWERTY keypad, a listed eight-hour battery life, and a 1.2 m drop or shock rating.

More room for project data

The CS50 Basic has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, compared with 1 GB of RAM and 4 GB of storage in the CS20 Basic. The CS50 cellular models provide 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. That gives the CS50 16 to 32 times the listed internal storage capacity of the CS20, depending on model. Storage capacity is not a measure of processing speed, but it gives crews more room for project files and imagery.

Updated connectivity and charging

The cellular CS50 models add 5G RedCap and eSIM support alongside 4G LTE. All CS50 models include Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB-C onboard charging. For crews moving from a CS20, check any existing serial cables, memory cards, and power accessories against the CS50's USB-C and microSD connections before changing controllers.

A familiar format with different dimensions and weights

The CS50 keeps the CS20's 284 mm length and handheld QWERTY layout. It is 7 mm wider and 4 mm thinner. Weight depends on the model: the CS50 Basic and cellular models weigh more than their corresponding CS20 versions, while the CS50 DISTO weighs slightly less than the CS20 LTE Disto.

Choosing between the CS50 and CS20

Choose the CS50 when your priorities include larger project datasets, modern wireless connectivity, multi-touch operation, and USB-C charging. An existing CS20 may remain suitable for established workflows when its software, instrument connections, and file capacity meet your needs. Review the software and instrument compatibility section below when planning an upgrade.

View Leica CS20 models and configurations. Comparison specifications are based on Leica's CS50 datasheet 1080644en, November 2026, and CS20 datasheet 913454enus, July 2024. Features vary by model.

Key Features

• Linux operating system with Leica-managed updates
• NXP i.MX 8M Plus processor for demanding field datasets
• 5-inch WVGA color multi-touch display
• 67-key backlit QWERTY keypad for field operation
• Dual-mode Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy 5.4
• Long-range Bluetooth for compatible instrument connections
• Wi-Fi 6 with dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz support
• USB-C dual-role port for host/device use and onboard charging
• Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC card and USB-C stick support
• 8 MP rear autofocus camera with flash that can also serve as a torch
• Ambient light sensor, speaker, and dual microphones
• Exchangeable GEB334 battery with a listed operating time of 8 hours
• IP66/IP68 dust and water resistance
• 1.2 m / 4 ft drop rating and MIL-STD-810H rugged design
• Operating temperature from -30°C to +60°C
• Dimensions: 284 × 157 × 45 mm / 11.2 × 6.2 × 1.8 inches

Battery runtime varies with settings, connectivity, applications, and field conditions.

Leica CS50 Technical Specifications

Regulatory and Sustainability Information

Leica lists the following regulatory approvals by model:

The datasheet also lists ACEPIP, J-Moss, RoHS, and WEEE under sustainability. Leica reports 75% recyclability at end of life. Its reported carbon-footprint stages are materials: 39 kg CO2e; distribution: 0.5 kg CO2e; and use: 1.8 to 21.4 kg CO2e. These are manufacturer-reported stage figures, rather than a single total footprint.

The integrated DISTO is identified as a Class 2 laser product under IEC 60825-1 (2014-05). Technical specifications and approvals above follow Leica's November 2026 CS50 datasheet.

Optional Leica Captivate Software

None

No Captivate software license is included with this selection. Choose this option when arranging compatible CS50 software separately. Contact us to check licensing for your setup.

Measure & Stakeout

Adds Leica Captivate Measure & Stakeout (p/n: 827719) to your selected CS50 configuration. This software supports everyday field measurement, survey data collection, and stakeout workflows with compatible Leica instruments. Contact us for additional Captivate applications or a custom software package.

Optional Pole Mount Set

Select Yes (GHT63 & GHT66) to add:

• 1 × GHT63 pole clamp (p/n: 767880)
• 1 × GHT66 controller holder plate (p/n: 807157)

This set provides the holder and clamp for mounting the CS50 to a survey pole. The pole is sold separately.

Captivate and Instrument Compatibility

The CS50 runs Leica Captivate 2027 or newer. Leica lists compatible total stations including the TS20, TS13, TS16, TS07, TS10, TS60, TM60, and MS60, along with GS18, GS16, GS05, GS10, and GS25 GNSS equipment. Compatibility depends on the instrument model, software version, and selected workflow. Compatible Captivate instruments require v12 or newer; some newer functions require software support on both the controller and the instrument.

The CS50 also supports Hexagon GeoCloud for project data sharing and GeoCloud Fleet for supported fleet workflows. Contact Absolute Accuracy if you would like help matching the CS50 to your existing Leica equipment.

Leica CS50 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Leica CS50 used for?

The Leica CS50 is a handheld survey data collector and field controller for Leica Captivate workflows. Crews use it with compatible instruments for field measurement, construction layout, topographic data collection, and point stakeout. The controller provides the field interface; the selected instrument, software license, and applications determine the measurement functions available.

What is the difference between CS50 Basic, CS50 4G/5G, and CS50 DISTO?

Basic has 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The 4G/5G version adds a cellular modem, micro-SIM and eSIM support, L1/L5 GNSS positioning, 8 GB of RAM, and 128 GB of storage. The 4G/5G DISTO version adds an integrated laser distance meter and its 1 MP camera.

Does the Leica CS50 Basic have 5G or an integrated DISTO?

No. The Basic model uses WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity and has neither an integrated cellular modem nor a DISTO. Select a cellular model for built-in mobile data, and the DISTO model for the integrated laser distance meter.

Does every CS50 have a camera?

Yes. Every CS50 model has an 8 MP rear-facing autofocus camera with flash. The DISTO model also includes the separate 1 MP camera associated with its integrated DISTO.

How long does the CS50 battery last, and can it charge through USB-C?

Leica lists eight hours of battery life with the exchangeable GEB334 battery. All three CS50 models support onboard charging through USB-C. Runtime depends on settings and operating conditions. This listing includes two batteries and a GKL311 charger; listed runtime is not a guarantee of a combined sixteen-hour working day.

Does the CS50 have a larger screen than the CS20?

No. Both have a 5-inch WVGA display. The CS50 adds multi-touch, while retaining a physical QWERTY keypad for field input.

Is the built-in GNSS the same as a survey rover?

The cellular CS50 models include L1/L5 positioning for GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, and Galileo. Leica's CS50 datasheet does not state survey-grade RTK accuracy for that internal GNSS. Configure the controller with a compatible external surveying receiver and the required software for precision GNSS survey work.

Is Captivate software included with every configuration?

No. Select Measure & Stakeout to include the quoted Captivate software license. Selecting None supplies the controller package without that license. Confirm any existing license's eligibility for your CS50 before ordering a hardware-only configuration.

Is the pole mount included?

Only when the GHT63/GHT66 pole mount option is selected. That option includes the GHT63 clamp, p/n 767880, and GHT66 holder plate, p/n 807157. A survey pole and the survey instrument are sold separately.

Can the CS50 work without an active cellular plan?

The Basic model has no cellular modem. WLAN, removable storage, and compatible Bluetooth instrument connections provide other connection and data-transfer options. Cellular models require an appropriate plan and supported network coverage to use their mobile-data modem; cloud services also require an internet connection.

Which Captivate version does the CS50 use compared with the CS20?

The CS50 requires Captivate 2027 or newer. Leica lists the CS20 among the devices supported by Captivate v12. Check controller software and instrument software separately when upgrading, because support for a controller operating system and support for a connected instrument are different requirements.

Can I reuse CS20 batteries with a CS50?

Leica confirms that the CS50 uses the same batteries as the CS20. The CS50 battery specified for this package is the exchangeable GEB334. Confirm the condition of older batteries before relying on them for field runtime.

Can the CS50 handle CAD files, IFC models, and imagery?

The CS50 platform is designed for those demanding field datasets. Usable workflows depend on the Captivate version, installed applications, project content, and available storage. Choose the cellular models' 8 GB / 128 GB specification when memory and storage capacity are priorities.

Manufacturer References

• Leica CS50 technical datasheet, 1080644en, November 2026
• Leica CS50 manufacturer overview and compatibility information
• Leica CS20 technical datasheet, 913454enus, July 2024, used for the CS50 vs CS20 comparison.

For help selecting the CS50 model, Captivate license, and accessories for your equipment, contact Absolute Accuracy at info@aaisurvey.com.