Experts are divided about the wisdom of having binoculars with a built-in compass showing in the field of view. There are several arguments against this configuration. Repairmen say that the compass is the weakest link in the system. The compass protrudes outward from the binoculars, and is thus the first thing to be damaged. Some users feel that having the compass in the field of view is distracting when you are not using it. On the other hand, having the compass integral with the binoculars will probably let you take more accurate bearings due to steadiness and ease of sighting. It will also let you take bearings on objects too far away to otherwise see clearly, or in dim lighting conditions. On balance, we feel that if you are primarily interested in using the binoculars for navigation purposes, having the compass might be a good idea. But if you want them for astronomy or the horse races, maybe not.