I have used both and for me the baseplate is just easier and friendlier. One with adjustable declination, mirror and useful scales on its housing just works...less expensive generally too.

The lensatic is more accurate with the sighting wire and lens but you need to remember to compensate for declination, and the increased accuracy is not something I have ever found necessary in my uses which do not include laying out artillery fire.

For me compass/map work is easier with a compensated baseplate.



My favorites in this group are the Suunto Global Ranger, the Recta matchbox, and the old Michael's (Leupold) Sportsman crusing type compass.

I rarely take the lensatic out.