Drone Comparison

ROCK R3 vs R3 Pro vs Ultra: Complete LiDAR Comparison

An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.

Feature	ROCK R3 V2	ROCK R3 Pro V2	ROCK Ultra
Points	320k pts/s single / 640k dual	640k pts/s single / 1,280k dual	Up to 1,000,000 pts/s
Range	120 m @ 60% reflectivity	120 m @ 60% reflectivity	1,000 m @ 80% / 500 m @ 20% reflectivity
Accuracy	2-3 cm @ 40 m AGL	2-3 cm @ 40 m AGL	2-3 cm @ 120 m
Weight	1,260 ±10 g	1,260 ±10 g	1.21 kg (1.40 kg with 26 MP camera)
Camera	26 MP	26 MP	26 MP or 45 MP (optional)

Pricing shown reflects average US rates — indicative ranges, not a quote. Actual costs vary by location based on local market conditions, regulations, and project logistics — both within the US and internationally. Get a custom quote

Option A ROCK Robotic

ROCK R3 V2

Entry Professional

The R3 V2 brings professional drone LiDAR to a compact, affordable package on a 16-laser sensor.

Pros

Affordable entry
Aerial PPK and handheld SLAM modes
2-3 cm published accuracy
DJI M300/M350 SKYPORT mount

Cons

Lower point density
Shorter range
Basic features

Best For

Entry LiDARSmall projectsLearning

Option B ROCK Robotic

ROCK R3 Pro V2

Professional Standard

The R3 Pro V2 doubles the R3 V2's laser count to 32 and its point rate, for production work.

Pros

Production ready
Double the R3 V2 point rate
32-laser sensor
Professional support

Cons

Higher cost
Same 120 m range as the R3 V2
Two returns

Best For

Professional mappingSurvey workProduction

Option C ROCK Robotic

ROCK Ultra

Maximum Performance

The ROCK Ultra delivers the longest reach and the highest return count in the ROCK line for demanding projects.

Pros

Highest point rate in the line
≥7 returns through canopy
Longest published range
1550 nm Class 1 laser

Cons

Most expensive
Highest power draw (45 W typical)
Requires capable drone

Best For

Large projectsMaximum accuracyDemanding applications

Our Expert Verdict

Depends on Your Needs

R3 V2 for entry, R3 Pro V2 for production (double the point rate on the same 120 m range), Ultra for reach and canopy penetration (1,000 m at 80% reflectivity, ≥7 returns).

Choose ROCK R3 V2 if...

Choose R3 V2 for affordable entry into professional drone LiDAR.

Choose ROCK R3 Pro V2 if...

Choose R3 Pro V2 for production surveying and professional mapping.

Choose ROCK Ultra if...

Choose Ultra for long-range flights and dense vegetation where return count decides the deliverable.

Download the Spec Sheets

Original manufacturer documents, free with no email required — verified against each manufacturer's live copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Ultra worth the upgrade?

For dense vegetation and high flights, yes — it is the only one of the three with ≥7 returns and a 1,000 m measurement range (at 80% reflectivity). All three publish the same 2-3 cm accuracy class, though the R3 sheets quote it at 40 m AGL and the Ultra at 120 m.

Equipment Used

Professional Equipment In This Comparison

The professional equipment in this comparison, compared spec by spec. Specifications shown are the manufacturers' published figures. Models THE FUTURE 3D operates are identified on their own pages.

ROCK Robotic

Current

ROCK Robotic