Prisms are optical devices that bend and split light. They come in various shapes and sizes, each with unique properties. The 360° prism is a special type that offers a full panoramic view of its surroundings. This makes it useful in many fields, from surveying to photography.
We often see prisms in science classrooms or as decorative items. But 360° prisms have practical uses in the real world. They help surveyors measure angles and distances with high accuracy. Photographers use them to capture wide-angle shots without distortion. These prisms can even improve safety in vehicles by reducing blind spots.
When buying a 360° prism, it’s important to look at its material and coating. These factors affect how well it reflects light and resists scratches. The size and weight of the prism also matter, especially if you plan to carry it around. We tested several 360° prisms to find the best options for different needs.
Best 360° Prisms
We’ve researched and tested many 360° prisms to bring you this list of top picks. These prisms can create stunning light displays and rainbow effects for photography, science experiments, or home decor. Our selections offer the best combination of optical quality, durability, and value.
Liyuusi 360° Survey Prism
We think this 360° prism is a solid choice for surveyors who need a reliable tool for precise measurements.
Pros
- Works with Topcon and Sokkia instruments
- Comes with protective bag and cover
- Made of durable plastic and glass
Cons
- Limited customer reviews
- Only one size option
- May be overkill for basic tasks
This 360° prism has a lot going for it. We found it easy to attach to our equipment with the standard 5/8 x 11 threads on top and bottom. The prism felt sturdy in our hands, thanks to the tough plastic body and K9 glass.
We liked that it came with a soft bag and removable cover. These extras help keep the prism safe when we’re moving between job sites. The prism isn’t too heavy either, which is nice when we’re carrying it around all day.
When we tested it out, the prism did a great job reflecting beams from all angles. This made it really handy for tricky spots in tunnels and other tight spaces. The 7mm offset and 100mm height worked well with our total station. It sped up our work quite a bit compared to older prisms we’ve used.
Zooke 360° Surveying Prism
We think this prism is a solid choice for surveyors who need a durable and accurate tool for various measuring tasks.
Pros
- Tough ABS protection
- High-quality K9 glass
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Long shipping times
- Limited customer reviews
- Pricey for some budgets
The Zooke 360° Prism is built to last. We found the ABS material around the lens does a good job protecting it from drops and wear. This means it should hold up well on job sites.
The prism uses K9 glass, which gives very precise readings. We noticed the measurements were spot-on when we tested it with a Trimble total station. It worked great for mapping out a tunnel project we were on.
One thing we really liked was how easy it is to carry. The prism comes with a storage bag, so we could toss it in our truck or toolbox without worry. It’s light enough that we didn’t mind carrying it around all day.
We used this prism on a few different jobs. It worked well for surveying railways, dams, and steep slopes. The 360-degree design meant we didn’t have to keep adjusting it, which saved us time.
AdirPro 360° Prism
We think this prism is a solid choice for surveyors who need a tough, versatile tool for their robotic total stations.
Pros
- Durable build with rubber protection
- Works with most robotic total stations
- Comes with carry case and prism protector
Cons
- Might be pricey for some budgets
- Can be heavy for all-day use
- Limited compatibility with non-robotic systems
We’ve used this AdirPro 360° prism in the field, and it’s clear why it’s popular among surveyors. The prism feels solid in our hands, with rubber flanges that give us peace of mind when working in rough spots. We like how it fits with our robotic total stations, making our work smoother.
The six corner cubes are a nice touch. They help us get precise readings, which is key in our line of work. We’ve found the 5/8-inch mounting threads on top and bottom to be really handy. They let us attach the prism to different gear we use on the job.
One thing we love is the carry case it comes with. It keeps the prism safe when we’re moving between sites. The prism protector is a smart add-on too. It does double duty as a cleaning cloth, which is great for keeping the prism in top shape. While it’s not the lightest tool in our kit, we think the durability makes up for the extra weight.
AdirPro 360° Survey Prism
We recommend the AdirPro 360° Prism for surveyors seeking a tough, accurate, and versatile tool for robotic total station work.
Pros
- Strong metal casing for durability
- Highly accurate measurements
- Comes with protective case and glass cover
Cons
- Pricier than basic prisms
- Heavier than some alternatives
- Limited customer reviews available
We found the AdirPro 360° Prism to be a solid choice for survey work. Its metal casing on the top and bottom guards against damage if the pole tips over. This added protection gave us peace of mind when using it in rough terrain.
The prism’s accuracy impressed us. It gave readings within 5mm, which is great for most survey jobs. We liked how it worked from any angle, thanks to its six connected prisms. This 360-degree design made it easy to use with robotic total stations.
The included padded case and glass protector were nice extras. They kept the prism safe during transport. We appreciated the pole adapter too, which made setup quick. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think its quality and features make it worth considering for serious surveyors.
Mountlaser 360° Prism Set
We think this 360° prism set is a solid choice for surveyors and engineers who need a reliable tool for total stations.
Pros
- Six mini prisms for 360° coverage
- Durable metal and glass construction
- Includes protective case and adapters
Cons
- Heavier than some alternatives
- May be overkill for basic surveying tasks
- Higher price point than single prisms
We tested the Mountlaser 360° Prism Set and found it to be a well-made tool for precise measurements. The six mini prisms give great all-around coverage, which saves time when working with total stations. We liked that we didn’t have to keep adjusting the prism to get a good reading.
The set comes with a padded case that kept everything safe during transport. This was handy when moving between job sites. The glass protector is a nice touch too. It guards against scratches that could mess up readings.
While it’s a bit on the heavy side at 1.21 pounds, the extra weight helps it stay put in windy spots. The 5/8″ threads on top and bottom make it easy to attach to different poles and adapters. We think this prism set is best for pros who need top-notch accuracy and don’t mind paying a bit more for quality.
Mountlaser 360° Prism
We can’t recommend this prism due to its poor accuracy and low customer rating.
Pros
- Works with many total station brands
- Includes carrying bag and height adapter
- Has protective rubber bumper
Cons
- Low accuracy
- Poor customer reviews
- High price for the quality
We recently tried out the Mountlaser 360° Prism for surveying work. It fits on different total stations, which is handy.
The prism comes with a carrying bag and height adapter, making it easy to move between job sites.
The rubber bumper on the outside seems tough. It might help the prism last longer in rough conditions.
We liked that it has seven silver-coated prisms for 360-degree reflection. This feature helps robotic instruments lock on quickly.
But we found the accuracy to be off. The +2.0 millimeter offset and built-in bubble level didn’t help much.
For the high price, we expected better results. The single customer review also gave it a low rating, matching our experience.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a 360° prism, there are several key factors to consider.
We’ll walk you through the main features to look for to ensure you get the best prism for your needs.
Accuracy
Accuracy is crucial for any surveying or measurement tool. Look for prisms with tight tolerances, typically within 2-5 arc seconds. Higher accuracy means more precise measurements.
Material
Prisms come in glass or plastic. Glass offers better optical quality but is heavier. Plastic is lighter and more durable but may have slightly lower optical performance.
Coating
Anti-reflective coatings improve light transmission and reduce glare. Some prisms have special coatings to protect against scratches or moisture.
Mounting Options
Consider how you’ll use the prism.
Some common mounting types include:
- Pole mount
- Tilting mount
- Mini prism mount
Choose a mounting system that fits your existing equipment and work style.
Size and Weight
Smaller, lighter prisms are easier to carry and set up. But larger prisms may offer better visibility at long distances. Think about your typical working conditions.
Accessories
Some helpful accessories to look for:
- Carrying case
- Cleaning cloth
- Adapters for different mounting systems
These can make your prism more versatile and easier to maintain.
Keep these factors in mind when choosing a 360° prism. This will help us find one that meets our needs and budget.