Lensatic Compass vs. Baseplate Compass

I have both compasses. As a field archaeologist since 1976 I have used the Silva Ranger base plate for all my work because of the reasons you have mentioned, plus the fact that the side rulers scales are in sync with the USGS topographic 7.5 maps 1:24,000 scale; whereas the lensatic Cammenga uses the 1:50,000 scale which is primarily designed to use with Military maps or 15 minute maps which are harder to get.

All great compasses. I have trained and utilized both, plus the addition of the M2 (I've even navigated with it although I do not reccommend it for folks whom are not very comfortable with compasses). For navigating, I would use either the Cammenga or Suunto MC2. The non-declinating aspect of the Cammenga can be overcome by just getting used to adding or subtracting as needed based upon the date found in the declination chart on the bottom of the map. For laying a howitzer battery or mortar section, calling for and adjusting fire, or laying out a property line, I would use the M2.

Glad to see you back, good video! Like you said most of us in the Military (I served in 2/75 Rangers) got quite familiar with the Cammenga tritium lensatic compass. I continue to use it, but started using the Suunto MC-2 compass years ago, I carry the Cammenga as a backup, because I began teaching civilians and Boy Scouts land navigation, etc. My only other comment is: since most people won't be going overseas, a "G" global compass is not necessary and is more expensive.

Excellent! Good to have you back on YouTube.

For functionality, the Suunto. But for durability, something that will survive, the Cammenga. With that, I prefer the Cammenga as yes, you can do many things with the Suunto, but if you work with and know your compass, for me, the Cammenga is the compass of choice first time everytime.

1st video in a year. He’s back!

You can shave with the mirror on the Suunto!

Great video, thank you. I was a 19d Scout in the Army. Love my tritium but agree the baseplate style is very useful. Make the Sunnto with tritium and win the world. Take care man.

I carry one of each in my backpack.

Great video! Subscribed!

New sub - great video!

I like the Cammenga for its durability and lack of bubbles. I have learned how to use it on a map without a protractor, and clicking in the declination is trivial, so I don't see the downsides others complain about. I make my 1:50000 and 1:25000 maps for free with CalTopo. Having a compass with an adjustable declination is a double edged sword. It can either simplify things or it can double your error if you get it wrong. I do carry a cheap Silva 1-2-3 compass as a backup because two is one, one is none.

I have used both the M-2 as a Field Artillerymen (13B) and when I became "Warrior Leader Course Instructor I was putting out Land Nav markers I really fell in love Suunto MC-2 for it's ease of use. Living in Colorado it's my camping and backpacking go to for plotting my bearing. From one Old Red Leg to a Grunt thanks for your service buddy to our great country.

If one would set up the map one is using with the lines drawn indicating true north (taking into act declination) then the lensatic could bed used very easily.

I enjoyed your video. I have not used a compass for walking trails / mid wilderness since I was in the Boy Scouts 52 years ago. Reading instructions from a book is a pain ... Do you know of any video that teaches how to use the Suuonto MC2 compass?

Good explanation, thank you for showing the proper use of the Lensatic. It seems like in so many other videos they fold the sight wire down to about 45 degrees. Then they’ll fold the lens bracket forward to meet it. Sight wire should be at 90 and lens back for compass to cheek method. And thanks again, I’ve been using it for yrs and never noticed that the whole dial moves on the Lensatic. It seems obvious now but I never noticed that difference before. Also, the military uses the model 3H. Yours says model 27?

Declination is different depending on which coast you are + or - ( East or West ).

Quick question. Been looking at a new compass, and your videos have convinced me to get the Suunto M2-C G. Even though most likely only use in northern hemisphere. Live in USA. My question is which version do you recommend? I see UTM USGS, various metric , imperial and such. Intend to us with USGS topo maps. Watched your whole series on land navigation. Thank very much for these excellent teaching videos!

Can someone please answer the below questions? - When conducting land navigation in open country, is the lensatic a better option? as you can take a bearing to another point far away for better accuracy. - is using the baseplate a better option for close country/forest? Im practicing my in thick forest, and i notice that the baseplate is FAR more effective (much quicker rate of march) than the lensatic. I used to use the lensatic but i found it useless in the forest due to limited visibility. Its also impractical when i reach obstacles as 'boxing' around it would take mental effort and calculations that were often inaccurate. Since changeing to the baseplate, i have been able to do navigation legs up to 4km in thick forest, within 300m of the target. I sacrifice a bit of accuracy for speed but i aim off and use catching features so i know where i will be. When i navigate obstacles using the baseplate, i just approximate how many paces left or right im taking to bypass it and find i naturally correct myself back onto my bearing line. This has taken some practice. Does anyone else think the baseplate is superior in forests?

Agreed. Baseplate is the way to go