Complete Automatic Level Package for Contractors
The Spectra Precision AL28M-2 delivers everything a contractor needs to establish accurate elevation control on the jobsite—right out of the box. This ready-to-work kit pairs the proven AL28M 28-power optical auto level with a graduated inch measuring rod and a heavy-duty tripod, eliminating the guesswork of component compatibility and getting your crew productive from day one. Whether you're setting foundations, grading a site, or placing concrete forms, the AL28M-2 gives you dependable 1/16" accuracy without the learning curve or expense of digital laser systems.
Product Overview and Jobsite Applications
The Spectra Precision AL28M is built around a magnetically dampened compensator that self-levels within ±15 arc minutes, locking in a reliable horizontal line of sight even on uneven or vibration-prone terrain. The 28x magnification optic provides a sharp, bright image at typical contractor working distances, and the coated lens system reduces glare in direct sunlight. The instrument weighs just over 4 lbs, making it easy to reposition across a large site without fatigue. This kit is especially well-suited for foundation layout, slab elevation checks, drainage and utility grading, retaining wall alignment, and general site benchmarking where consistent elevation transfer is required across multiple setups.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 28x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
- Accuracy: 1/16" at 100 ft (1.5 mm/km standard deviation)
- Compensator Type: Magnetic dampening, self-leveling
- Compensator Range: ±15 arc minutes
- Minimum Focus Distance: 3 ft (1 m)
- Field of View: 2.5° (140 ft at 1,000 ft)
- Working Range: Up to 200 ft recommended
- Weight (instrument only): 4.2 lbs
- Tripod Thread: 5/8" x 11
What's in the Kit
- Spectra Precision AL28M Auto Level — 28x magnification optical level with magnetic compensator and bubble vial
- Inch Measuring Rod — Graduated in feet and 1/8" increments, collapsible for transport
- Heavy-Duty Aluminum Tripod — Adjustable legs with wing nuts, 5/8"x11 mounting thread, wide footprint for stability on soft ground
- Lens Cloth and Carrying Case — Protective hard case keeps optics clean and instrument secure between jobs
Job Applications
Foundation Layout: Use the AL28M-2 to transfer benchmark elevations to batter boards and confirm footing depths are consistent across the full foundation perimeter before pour day.
Site Grading and Drainage: Quickly shoot grades across a pad or drainage swale, reading rod heights at multiple stations to verify slope and catch low spots before finish grading.
Form Work and Slab Control: Set screed rails and form elevations with confidence, using the rod to confirm every form segment hits the target height within tolerance.
Retaining Walls and Utility Trenches: Maintain consistent elevation across long linear runs where cumulative error from hand levels or string lines would otherwise add up over distance.
Compatible Accessories
- Spectra Precision FR24 Fiberglass Rod — Metric and dual-grad options
- Replacement Aluminum Tripod with Wide-Stance Legs
- Optical Level Carrying Case — Padded hard shell
- Plumb Bob and String Line Kit for Layout Work
- Lens Cleaning Kit for Optical Instruments
Related Guides
- How to Set Up and Use an Automatic Level on the Jobsite
- Optical Level vs. Laser Level: Which Is Right for Your Project?
- Reading a Leveling Rod: A Contractor's Quick Reference
- Foundation Layout Best Practices with an Auto Level
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the AL28M-2 kit include everything I need to start leveling right away?
- Yes. The AL28M-2 kit includes the AL28M optical level, a graduated inch measuring rod, and a heavy-duty aluminum tripod. No additional purchases are required to begin elevation work. A lens cloth and protective carrying case are also included.
- What is the maximum useful range of the AL28M auto level?
- Spectra Precision rates the AL28M for reliable use up to approximately 200 feet per setup in typical contractor conditions. Beyond that distance, rod graduations become harder to resolve clearly at 28x, and atmospheric shimmer can affect reading accuracy. For longer distances, multiple instrument setups with intermediate benchmarks are recommended.
- Can the AL28M be used with metric rods?
- Yes. The AL28M optical level is compatible with any standard metric or dual-graduation leveling rod. The kit ships with an inch-graduated rod, but metric or combination rods are available separately if your project specifications require metric measurements.
- Is the AL28M-2 accurate enough for concrete slab and foundation work?
- Absolutely. The AL28M delivers 1/16" accuracy at 100 feet, which comfortably meets the tolerance requirements for residential and light commercial foundation layouts, slab pours, and form setting. For precision engineering survey work requiring sub-millimeter accuracy, a digital level would be more appropriate, but for the vast majority of contractor applications the AL28M-2 performs reliably.
