Some embodiments include a laser tracker having: a base defining a standing axis; a beam steering unit for emitting a measurement radiation; a distance measuring unit for determining the distance to the target; and angle measurement functionality for determining an alignment of the beam steering unit. The beam steering unit can swivel around the standing axis and a tilt axis relative to the base. A measurement axis is defined by an emission direction of the measurement radiation. The laser tracker may include a target-seeking unit having lighting means and at least one target-seeking camera having a position-sensitive detector. The one target-seeking field can be illuminated by means of the lighting means. A search image for the position dependent identification of the target can be detected with the target-seeking camera and at least part of the lighting beam reflected on the target can be determined as a search image position.