2 best lensatic compass

A lensatic compass is a specialized type of compass used for navigation, particularly in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and military operations. It is known for its accuracy and reliability in determining directions. Here are some key points about the lensatic compass:

  1. Design: The lensatic compass is a compact and rugged instrument. It typically consists of a metal casing, a sighting wire or lens, a floating compass card, and a thumb loop for stability.

  2. Sighting Mechanism: One of the distinctive features of a lensatic compass is its sighting mechanism. It has a hinged cover with a lens and a sighting wire. To take a reading, you look through the lens and align the sighting wire with your target. This allows for precise aiming at distant objects.

  3. Compass Card: Inside the compass, there is a floating compass card marked with cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) and degree markings. The card is free to rotate and aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field when the compass is held level.

  4. Base Plate: Many lensatic compasses have a transparent base plate with ruler markings. This allows you to measure distances on maps and perform basic navigation calculations.

  5. Luminous Markings: To be usable in low-light conditions, lensatic compasses often have luminous markings on the compass card and other key components. These markings glow in the dark and make it possible to read the compass at night.

  6. Declination Adjustment: Some lensatic compass models come with a declination adjustment feature.Declination is the angle between true north (geographic north) and magnetic north. By adjusting for declination, you can obtain true north readings, which are essential for accurate navigation.

  7. Use: To use a lensatic compass, you typically follow these steps:

    • Open the compass cover and hold the compass level.
    • Look through the sighting lens and aim the sighting wire at your target.
    • Read the direction indicated by the compass card's arrow or degree markings.
    • Account for declination if necessary to obtain true north.
  8. Applications: Lensatic compasses are commonly used in outdoor activities such as hiking, orienteering, survival training, and military operations. They are prized for their accuracy and durability in challenging environments.

  9. Maintenance: Proper care and maintenance of a lensatic compass involve keeping it clean, dry, and protected from extreme temperatures. Additionally, periodically check for any air bubbles in the compass card or other signs of damage that may affect accuracy.

In summary, a lensatic compass is a specialized navigation tool designed for precision and durability in outdoor and wilderness environments. Its sighting mechanism and features make it a valuable instrument for individuals who rely on accurate directional information during their adventures or professional activities.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best lensatic compass on the market
  

Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass, Accurate Waterproof Hand Held Compasses with Pouch for Hiking Camping Navigation Survival Backpacking Orienteering

Cammenga

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  • MADE IN THE USA - This aluminum compass is the top quality pocket compass on the market. Accurate to +/- 40 mils, it performs flawlessly in extreme temperatures.
  • OFFICIAL US MILITARY COMPASS - With this professional tactical compass survival is more likely. A survival compass backed by our government!
  • WANT A COMPASS YOU CAN TRUST? Stay safe with this accurate compass for backpacking. Self powered lighted pocket compass provides illumination for over 12 years.
  • BUILT TO LAST - This handheld compass is water proof, sand proof and constructed with a powder coated aluminum frame for optimal endurance. Waterproof compass for hiking.
  • MULTI-USE - Hand held compass can be used as a hiking compass, camping compass, surveyor compass, backpacking compass, hunting compass, youth scout compass, boat compass and orienteering compass.

User questions & answers

Question: Can I be sure that I will receive recently manufactured compass if I order it from here
Answer: All the compasses in our inventory have manufacture dates in the last five months.
Question: Does the compass come with a canvas pouch
Answer: The Compass comes with a good quality nylon pouch that secures with a snap. There is a sturdy strip of heavy nylon on the backside of the pouch to allow it to be secured to web gear with either Alice or Molle type clips. The compass also comes with a nylon lanyard of good quality to allow it to be carried around your neck if desired. This is a well made compass and worth the money in my opinion. I hope this helps.
Question: I just took a night time navagation course and am wondering if you can set a bearing with this without the use of a flashlight
Answer: I have NOT purchased this item so I cannot verify that it meets the MIL-SPEC. But If this is made to MIL-SPEC the bezel will have 120 detent notches that correspond to three degrees of arc. Rotate the bezel to set the luminous line to align with the fixed black line. Then rotate the bezel one click for every three degrees between NORTH and the desired course. Simple example: to travel west (270° Magnetic) rotate the bezel 30 clicks clockwise. Then when you align the north seeking arrow with the luminous line 270° will be under the black line. Of course with this style compass you have to do the math to correct for the mag. deviation in your area. If you want a compass that handles that for you, consider a Silva Ranger or similar where you declinate the compass to whatever area you are navigating and don't have to do the math. But the Silva does NOT have radioactive markings so you will need to "charge it" with a light from time to time which goes back to your original question. I used the military issue compasses for several decades and thought they were great, especially the older version that had a Radium paint rather than Tritium. Radium dials were far brighter and had a long half life decay.
Question: US manufactured or China
Answer: If it is not listed made in the U.S.A., then it is most likely made in the PRC irregardless of the letters U.S. stamped in it. If it were a genuine U.S.A. made tritium lensatic compass, the price would be over $100.00 easily.

Product features

Trusted by Soldiers Around the World

They’ve been to battlefields all over the world. As the U.S. Military’s official compass manufacturer (Defense Logistics Agency DLA), Cammenga’s Tritium Lensatic Compasses have proven themselves repeatedly in almost every kind of environment and situation. With each compass, you carry the added assurance of Tritium-based, self-powered lighting that needs no “recharging.” To put it simply: When it comes to performance and accuracy, Cammenga leaves all other compasses behind.

Technical Specifications

  • Equipped with 7 Tritium micro-lights, providing continuous illumination for over 12 years.
  • Shockproof, damage-resistant design. Sandproof for extra durability.
  • Waterproof to considerable depths.
  • Accuracy +/- 40 mils.
  • Performs flawlessly in temperatures ranging from -50° F to 150° F.
  • Uncompromised by temperature changes due to its non-liquid filled needle housing.
  • Uses a copper induction-damping ring that slows, settles and steadies the compass needle quickly.
  • Constructed with a powder-coated, aluminum frame for optimal endurance.
  • Proudly made with the highest quality in the U.S.A.
  • National Stock Number (NSN): 6605-01-196-6971

Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass with Carrying Bag, Waterproof and Shakeproof, Army Green

Sportneer

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price
  • PROFESSIONAL GRADE: This professional grade military compass will always lead you in the right direction. Ideal for camping, military usage, emergencies, and anywhere the beaten track takes you
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The lensatic function increases the reading’s accuracy with a lens on the rear sight that magnifies the card dial – so you’ll always get an accurate reading
  • MILITARY CONSTRUCTION: Tough and tenacious, the military construction with waterproof and shakeproof properties is built to survive the harshest of hikes
  • PORTABLE: Keep the compass near you with a belt loop attachment, or place it safely in your pocket with a carrying case, so you can keep your hands gripped on the mountain you’re scaling
  • FLUORESCENT: The compass’ interface glows in the dark, so even when night falls, you can still soldier on

User questions & answers

Question: Do you have other style compass, I'm looking for a compass with inclinometer
Answer: Yes, we have a compass with clinometer. Please click the following link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B081R5ST38?ref=myi_title_dp . Thanks.
Question: Is this compass made in the U.S
Answer: Made in China
Question: What is the procedure for adjusting declination
Answer: You can NOT adjust the declination on this compass.
Question: Can you provide an electronic copy of the booklet which came with the compass? I'm finding the font size in the booklet difficult to read
Answer: I'd be with you on that since I'm over 50! Even the manual is hard to read, though. ! I am looking around to buy a compass, and wanted to see how easy the manual would be to read after the PDF file was offered by the seller after you asked your question. It was a disappointment -- although must be 10X better than the one that came with it. Even when you enlarge it on your computer, the print is not even a solid line. Perhaps the manufacturer should re-do their manual to make it much easier to read. Have you found the manual easy to read? Did you print it? Maybe it appears better once it's printed.

Product features

Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass with Carrying Bag, Waterproof and Shakeproof, Army Green
Military Construction
Centimeter Scale
Inch Scale
Table of Measurement

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