
Nikon XF Series Mechanical Total Stations
The Nikon XF Series Mechanical Total Stations are built to make surveying faster, easier, and more accurate in real-world field conditions. Packed with productivity-focused features and powered by superior Nikon optics, the XF Series delivers crisp, bright sighting—even in low-light environments—so professionals can work confidently from start to finish.
The Nikon XF portfolio gives surveyors the flexibility to choose the EDM technology best suited for their work, ensuring efficient and accurate field operations across a wide range of applications. With proven workflows and advanced onboard software, Nikon XF total stations are designed to maximize productivity on every jobsite.
Key Features & Benefits
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Dual color touchscreens allow Survey Basic and Layout Pro to run onboard and be controlled from both faces
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Superior Nikon optics provide clear, bright sightings even in challenging lighting conditions
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Hot-swappable batteries reduce downtime and keep crews working longer
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Lightweight, compact design for easy transport, storage, and handling
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Rugged construction built to withstand tough jobsite conditions
Choose the Right EDM for Your Work
Both Nikon XF and Nikon XF-HP total stations measure prisms and non-prism targets at various ranges, with each EDM technology optimized for specific use cases:
Nikon XF – Time of Flight EDM Strengths
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Long-range measurement capability
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Very fast performance, ideal for interrupted line-of-sight conditions
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Nikon-powered autofocus for quick, precise targeting
Nikon XF-HP – Phase Shift EDM Strengths
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Easy non-prism edge and corner measurements
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High-precision performance
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Extended battery life for longer field sessions
Built for the Field, Connected to the Office
Nikon XF total stations are built tough for demanding environments and trusted by surveyors worldwide. With Bluetooth connectivity and the Total Station File Transfer app, data moves seamlessly from the field to the office—often before you do—reducing rework and improving efficiency.
Economical, reliable, and feature-rich, the Nikon XF Series combines rugged durability, advanced measurement technology, and Nikon’s renowned optical quality, making it the right choice for surveying, construction layout, and infrastructure projects of all sizes.
Angular Accuracy Options – Nikon XF Series
The Nikon XF Series is available in multiple angular accuracy configurations, allowing you to choose the right level of precision for your specific application.
| Model Accuracy |
Horizontal / Vertical Accuracy |
Best For |
| 1″ (1 Second) |
±1 arc second |
High-precision surveying, control work, infrastructure, demanding engineering projects |
| 2″ (2 Second) |
±2 arc seconds |
Construction layout, detailed site work, professional surveying |
| 3″ (3 Second) |
±3 arc seconds |
General construction, layout, and everyday field applications |
| 5″ (5 Second) |
±5 arc seconds |
Basic layout, site preparation, cost-effective surveying tasks |
Note: Accuracy availability may vary by specific Nikon XF or XF-HP model. Please refer to individual model specifications or contact our technical team for assistance selecting the correct configuration.
How to Choose the Right Accuracy
Choose a higher accuracy (1″–2″) for precise surveying, control work, and projects where tight tolerances are critical. A mid-range accuracy (3″) is ideal for most construction layout and site work. Lower accuracy options (5″) are well suited for general layout, basic positioning, and cost-effective applications where extreme precision is not required.
Nikon XF vs Nikon XF-HP — Side-by-Side Technical Comparison
| Specification |
Nikon XF (Time of Flight EDM) |
Nikon XF-HP (Phase Shift EDM) |
| EDM Technology |
Time of Flight |
Phase Shift |
| Primary Use Case |
Long-range measurement, obstructed line of sight |
High-precision layout, edge & corner measurement |
| Angle Accuracy Options |
1″ / 2″ / 3″ / 5″ |
1″ / 2″ / 3″ |
| Angle Reading System |
Absolute rotary encoders |
Absolute rotary encoders |
| Minimum Angle Display |
0.1″ / 1″ selectable |
0.1″ / 1″ selectable |
| Compensator |
Dual-axis liquid-electric |
Dual-axis liquid-electric |
| Compensator Range |
±3′ |
±3′ |
| Compensator Accuracy |
≤1″ |
≤1″ |
Distance Measurement (EDM)
| EDM Performance |
Nikon XF |
Nikon XF-HP |
| Reflectorless Range (Typical) |
Up to 1,300 m |
Up to 600 m |
| Reflectorless Range (Max) |
Up to 1,500 m (conditions dependent) |
Optimized for short–mid range |
| Single Prism Range |
Up to 5,000 m |
Up to 3,000 m |
| Accuracy (Prism) |
±(2 mm + 2 ppm) |
±(1.5 mm + 2 ppm) |
| Accuracy (Non-Prism) |
±(3 mm + 2 ppm) |
±(2 mm + 2 ppm) |
| Measurement Time (Fine) |
~1.2 s |
~0.8 s |
| Measurement Time (Tracking) |
~0.4 s |
~0.3 s |
| Autofocus |
Nikon-powered autofocus |
Nikon-powered autofocus |
Optics & Display
| Feature |
XF |
XF-HP |
| Telescope Magnification |
30× |
30× |
| Objective Aperture |
45 mm |
45 mm |
| Minimum Focus Distance |
1.5 m (EDM: 0.5 m) |
1.5 m (EDM: 0.5 m) |
| Displays |
Dual color touchscreen (front & rear) |
Dual color touchscreen (front & rear) |
| Onboard Software |
Survey Basic / Layout Pro |
Survey Basic / Layout Pro |
Data, Power & Connectivity
| Category |
XF |
XF-HP |
| Internal Memory |
~2 GB |
~2 GB |
| External Storage |
USB flash drive |
USB flash drive |
| Wireless |
Bluetooth® (optional) |
Bluetooth® (optional) |
| Battery Type |
Hot-swappable Li-ion |
Hot-swappable Li-ion |
| Operating Time |
~8–10 hours |
~11–13 hours |
| Charging |
External quick charger |
External quick charger |
Environmental & Physical
| Specification |
XF |
XF-HP |
| Operating Temperature |
−20°C to +50°C |
−20°C to +50°C |
| Ingress Protection |
IP54 |
IP54 |
| Instrument Weight |
~5.5 kg (with battery) |
~5.5 kg (with battery) |
| Tribrach / Plummet |
Detachable tribrach, optical plummet |
Detachable tribrach, optical plummet |
| Mount Thread |
5/8″ × 11 |
5/8″ × 11 |
Which Should You Choose?
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Choose Nikon XF if you need long-range reflectorless measurement, fast acquisition, or frequently work with interrupted lines of sight.
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Choose Nikon XF-HP if you need maximum precision, clean non-prism edge measurements, and extended battery life for detailed layout work.