Choosing the right 3D laser scanner can make or break a project. Whether you're capturing a historic building, documenting an industrial facility, or conducting a forensic investigation, the scanner you select affects accuracy, workflow efficiency, and ultimately your bottom line. At Laser Scan Chicago, we use FARO Focus equipment and understand the real-world trade-offs between these two industry leaders.
Product Lines Overview
FARO Focus Series
FARO's flagship terrestrial scanner line, the Focus Premium and Focus Core, are phase-based scanners designed for speed and ease of use. The Focus Premium offers a range of up to 350 meters and integrated compensation sensors, while the Focus Core targets budget-conscious users who need reliable indoor performance up to 70 meters. FARO also offers the Focus Swift, an indoor-optimized variant with built-in SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) capability for fast, registration-free capture.
Leica RTC360 and BLK360
Leica's terrestrial line centers on the RTC360, a high-speed, high-accuracy scanner capable of capturing 2 million points per second with a range of 130 meters. For lighter-duty or budget applications, the BLK360 G2 offers a compact, one-button solution popular with architects and engineers needing fast site documentation. Leica also produces the ScanStation P-Series for long-range, survey-grade applications.
Accuracy
Both manufacturers publish impressive accuracy specs, but the real-world picture is nuanced. The Leica RTC360 delivers 3D point accuracy of ±1.9 mm at 10 meters: excellent for dimensional control and BIM workflows. The FARO Focus Premium claims ±1 mm accuracy under ideal conditions. In practice, environmental factors (temperature, humidity, surface reflectivity) affect both scanners similarly. For survey-grade work requiring sub-millimeter accuracy, Leica's ScanStation P-Series or FARO's high-end terrestrial models are the better choice.
Speed and Throughput
The Leica RTC360 excels in speed, capturing a full-dome scan in under 2 minutes with onboard HDR imaging. FARO's Focus series is competitive, with a standard scan completing in 2–5 minutes depending on resolution settings. For large facilities or time-sensitive projects, the Leica's faster cycle time translates to more setups per day and lower overall field costs. FARO counters with strong auto-registration tools that reduce office processing time.
Portability
Both scanners are field-portable, but there are meaningful differences. The Leica BLK360 G2 weighs just 900 grams: the most portable full-feature scanner on the market, easily carried in a backpack for rapid walk-through scans. The FARO Focus Core weighs about 4.2 kg and is similarly compact. The RTC360 is heavier at 5.35 kg but includes a robust carrying case and quick-release mounting system. For confined-space or high-volume interior work, the BLK360's form factor is a genuine advantage.
Software Ecosystems
Software is where these platforms diverge most significantly. FARO bundles FARO Scene, a mature, full-featured point cloud processing suite with automatic registration, filtering, and export to formats including E57, RCP, and RCS. Leica's ecosystem revolves around Cyclone REGISTER 360 for registration and Cyclone 3DR for advanced deliverables, with tight integration to BLK Data Manager for mobile captures. Both connect to downstream tools like Autodesk ReCap, Revit, and NavisWorks. Teams already invested in Autodesk workflows often find Leica's ecosystem slightly more frictionless; FARO Scene edges ahead for forensic and industrial inspections.
Pricing Tiers
List pricing fluctuates, but as a general guide: the FARO Focus Core starts around $25,000–$35,000; the Focus Premium runs $45,000–$65,000. On the Leica side, the BLK360 G2 lists near $18,000, while the RTC360 falls in the $60,000–$75,000 range. The Leica ScanStation P-Series starts above $90,000 for survey-grade precision. Factor in software licenses, accessories, and training when budgeting: total cost of ownership often differs from purchase price alone.
Best Use Cases
- FARO Focus: Industrial inspections, forensic documentation, as-built MEP, large outdoor structures, long-range exterior facades.
- Leica RTC360: Fast-paced commercial construction documentation, BIM/VDC capture, heritage recording, multi-story interiors.
- Leica BLK360: Architectural walk-throughs, real estate documentation, quick-turnaround floor plans.
Which Scanner Is Right for Your Project?
There's no universal winner. The best scanner is the one matched to your workflow and deliverable requirements. At Laser Scan Chicago, we select equipment based on project scope, site conditions, and the precision your team actually needs. Contact us to discuss how our FARO Focus platform will deliver the fastest, most accurate results for your Chicago-area project.