EINSTAR · 3D Scanners
EINSTAR 2 review: the sensible first “serious” 3D scanner
Blue laser lines plus infrared for under $900. A desk-bound all-rounder that copes with dark and shiny parts better than most budget scanners.
Very good
Best for Hobbyists scanning replacement parts and props at a desk
List price$899
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Preview review. Compiled from manufacturer specifications and published information. We will update the scores after hands-on testing.
Our verdict
The EINSTAR 2 is the scanner we would point most 3D-printing hobbyists to first. It adds blue lasers to the infrared scanning of the original EINSTAR, so dark and shiny parts are less of a fight, and at $899 it costs far less than the VEGA or Rockit. It is not the tool for very fine detail on tiny objects, and independent accuracy measurements are still scarce.
What we like
- 17 parallel blue laser lines plus an infrared projector
- Big store discount: $899 vs $1,249 list
- Manufacturer says black and reflective parts scan without spray
- Same StarVision software as the rest of the EINSTAR family
- Refurbished units available from $799
What could be better
- Better at general-purpose scanning than ultra-fine detail on small parts
- Few independent accuracy measurements published so far
- No crossed-laser mode, unlike the Rockit
- Lower-resolution texture camera than the Rockit
Score breakdown
Overall = 35% Speed and tracking + 25% Accuracy and detail + 20% Software and ease of use + 20% Value. How we test
What is it?
The original EINSTAR earned a reputation as the best handheld scanner under $1,000: infrared, easy software, good with people. The EINSTAR 2 keeps that infrared mode for large objects and bodies, and adds 17 parallel blue laser lines for parts that infrared struggles with: dark plastics, machined metal and anything with sharp edges.
On the official store it is $899 at the time of writing, down from a $1,249 list price.
Who it is for
Think of the person who prints replacement parts, cosplay armour and car interior clips. They scan at a desk next to their PC, they want clean edges for CAD, and they do not want to coat everything in scanning spray. That person is exactly who the EINSTAR 2 is built for.
Technical overview
- Laser mode: 17 parallel blue lines for detail and difficult surfaces.
- Infrared mode: a projector for larger objects and people.
- Software: EINSTAR StarVision, shared with the VEGA and Rockit, so tutorials carry over.
Shining 3D says it scans black and reflective objects directly, without spray. One independent comparison describes it as optimised for broad, general-purpose scanning rather than ultra-detailed digitising of very small objects, which matches what we would expect from parallel lines rather than a dense crossed pattern.
What we could and could not verify
We want to be clear here: there are fewer hands-on EINSTAR 2 reviews with measured results than for the VEGA, the Revopoint POP 3 Plus or the original EINSTAR. Most published accuracy claims come from Shining 3D or resellers. We have marked this as a preview review and will update the scores as more test data appears.
EINSTAR 2 vs the rivals
- vs Revopoint POP 3 Plus ($526): cheaper and great for colour scans of medium objects, but it is infrared-only and reviewers found its colour texture washed out. The EINSTAR 2’s blue lasers handle dark, shiny and mechanical parts better. See EINSTAR 2 vs POP 3 Plus.
- vs Revopoint INSPIRE 2 ($439): the INSPIRE 2 uses infrared laser lines and can run from a phone, but needs a capable PC for laser mode. Cheaper, lighter, a bit fussier with tracking.
- vs EINSTAR Rockit ($1,519): the Rockit adds crossed lasers, a battery and Wi-Fi. Worth it for mechanical work away from a desk; overkill for most hobbyists.
Price and value
At $899 the EINSTAR 2 is where scanning stops feeling like a toy without becoming a professional expense. The bundle with the Accessories Pro Kit ($1,298) is worth considering if you will scan small parts on a turntable often.
Final thoughts
If you want one scanner to digitise parts for 3D printing and you work at a desk, the EINSTAR 2 is the safest recommendation in this guide. Buy the VEGA instead if you scan outdoors or away from a computer.
Sources
Full specifications
| Technology | 17 parallel blue laser lines + infrared projector |
|---|---|
| Use cases | Small to large objects, people (infrared mode) |
| Texture camera | Colour, lower resolution than Rockit |
| Software | EINSTAR StarVision |
| Bundles | Scanner $899 · + EXModel Personal $1,124 · + Accessories Pro Kit $1,298 |
| Refurbished | $799 on the official store |
| Released | 2025 |
Ready to buy?
EINSTAR 2
List price $899. Prices change often, so check the current deal.
Head-to-head
EINSTAR 2 compared
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