Recommend a descent loupe

[BruceS]

I am currently using an ancient one that my grandfather had, I am kind of attached, but its it ruff shape. What do you recommend? I don't need the very top of the line. But I do want a good one that doesn't distort color and will last. Also what specs. Do you use? I'm use to a 10x. 20mm.

How about the ones with built in led lighting? It's only for coinage, as I don't deal with stones.

I appreciate any help. Thanks BruceS.

[ldhair]

[DaveG]

There have been many threads on this subject, both here and ATS.

 

Many people will recommend the expensive ($100+) Zeiss and Eschenbach lenses in their various combinations.

 

However, almost all of the real pros I know, including the former TPG graders, use the Bausch & Lomb 5x Packette, which costs $15 or so (I bought mine a long time ago).

 

If you buy one of the expensive magnifying glasses, you'll want a lanyard to hang it around your neck so you won't lose it, whereas you'll never lose an inexpensive lense like the B&L. (I bought mine in 1993 and haven't lost it yet.)

 

As far as magnifying power goes, I'd go with a 5x for grading and perhaps a 10x if you want to identify varieties - anything more is overkill, especially for grading.

[michael]

zeiss 3x6x9 in combo with a 20x bausch and lomb hastings triplet

 

has saved me too much to count over 35+ years

[e1cnr]

I got one of these on eBay for about $15 delivered, not top of line but inexpensive and durable

 

H.E. HARRIS WIDE FIELD 16X FOLDING LOUPE

 

 

I use it mostly for varieties and discerning die polish from cleaning

[bsshog40]

I have a nice 7x B&L that was only about $35. Works great for me.

[Conder101]

Hmmm a descent loupe. Is that one that makes things look smaller?

[RWB]

That's the kind used to examine family trees, or possibly coins with a pedigree.

[bsshog40]

Hmmm a descent loupe. Is that one that makes things look smaller?

I just caught that conder!

[jayman1970]

Hmmm a descent loupe. Is that one that makes things look smaller?

 

Could be used to examine some of the egotism here!!

[rmpsrpms]

All kidding aside, for around 5x-7x I like to use enlarger lenses instead of loupes. They're far better quality than any available loupe, and much cheaper, since no one is doing enlarging anymore. You can get a Nikon 50mm f2.8 for $25 or so, or if you don't want to spring for Nikon you can get others even cheaper. Once you try one for 5-7x you will never go back. For higher power, loupes make sense because they have smaller cases. But for lower power the larger size of the enlarger lens (not really that much bigger than the larger loupes...) makes sense.