Retikel

Retikel, in Indonesian and Malay usage, refers to the reticle: the pattern visible in the viewing field of an optical instrument that is used for aiming, alignment, and measurement. The term parallels the English word reticle and is widely understood in discussions of optics and firearms optics in those languages.

In firearms optics, riflescopes commonly use reticles such as simple crosshairs, duplex patterns, or mil-dot designs. Other instruments that employ reticles include surveying scopes, theodolites, telescopes, and some camera viewfinders or electronic displays. Some reticles are illuminated with LEDs or fiber optics for visibility in low light, while others are etched or projected onto a glass element. Modern devices may also render the reticle as a digital overlay.

Functionally, the reticle provides reference marks that help the user align the instrument with a target and perform measurements or ballistic corrections. Reticles are positioned in the reticle plane, which may be in the ocular or objective side depending on the optical layout. Many designs incorporate scales or marks that correspond to angular or linear units, enabling range estimation, windage, or drop compensation.

Historically, reticles have played a key role in astronomy, surveying, and weaponry. Early patterns were simple crosshairs, evolving over time into more complex markings to support precise aiming and measurement. The Indonesian term retikel reflects this shared concept across optical disciplines.

See also: reticle in optics, crosshair, mil-dot reticle, ballistic reticle, theodolite.