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 Replies: 16 / Views: 3,656 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
787 Posts |
Hello,
Have any of you used the 10x led loupes?
I am really thinking of buying one, but would like some input from others who already use them.
Brands names and prices are more than welcomed as well.
I am looking at a top end of around $35.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1150 Posts |
I have one that was given to me by my father-in-law. I'm not too impressed with it. The magnification isn't up to par and the LED light is small and doesn't cover the entire coin so its more or less a pain in the rear to use. I, personally, stick with a strong halogen lamp and 16x loupe.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
I would not go any higher then a 14x and that is if you search for errors and varieties. A 10x is what you need for general examination. John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1610 Posts |
I use a 30X loupe (most people would think I would use a 10x loupe), though I use rarely for coins, mostly for checking jewelry for composition.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1610 Posts |
I agree that sometimes checking coins with it can make too conscious about minor flaws.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
787 Posts |
I think a 30x is great but the area of focus is so small it can sometimes
be difficult to use. I am looking for something with a little larger viewing
area and clear detail.
From what I have read, a 10x is the best overall compromise.
Now, if only I could have someone recommend a good name brand. I have searched
threads here and still do not see any particular recommendation.
I may try a Lighthouse seeing how they have a decent reputation in the stamp collecting
field. If you have any advice, I am open.
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Valued Member
United States
292 Posts |
I use a Bausch & Lomb hastings triplet 10X. It's my first loupe and it cost me ~$35. After using it for a few weeks I'm pretty happy with it. Something I don't like about it is the overall size. I forget the diameter but I do know my next loupe will be somewhat larger than the one I have now.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
787 Posts |
ContraJame - Thanks for the information on the Bausch & Lomb. After looking it up on
Google, I find the most common complaint is the size for it compared to the price.
Besides that, most reviews seem to love the clarity and reliability.
Is yours LED enhanced?
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Valued Member
United States
292 Posts |
Mine is not LED enhanced. Everything that I've read states a preference for incandescent. I'll quote out of the ANA Grading Standards book what they suggest for lighting. "The lighting we recommend for grading is a 100-watt incandescent light bulb approximately three feet from the coin..." It goes on to say "Tensor" type lamps are acceptable and to avoid Fluorescent light as it may camouflage defects in coins. Nothing of LED's is mentioned that I see. I've read that some may use LED supported magnifying glasses at auctions and such where ideal conditions aren't available but I'm not one of them so I can't speculate on the differences. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
787 Posts |
Thanks for the information there. I did not know that grading is preferred under that type of lighting.
This being said, I have normally graded in such lighting between 3-8 feet. I simply did it because over
the years it proved to be the best way for me to see detail.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
I prefer 7x as it fits the entire coin in the field of view at least my 2¢ pieces! I just picked up a lighted LED works okay, but I only grabbed it at a coin show when I had forgot my 7X B&L Triplet at home (facepalm) DOH!
I like the LED one but the lens is plastic, nowdays plastic lens does not mean low quality, but many are, nothing better than good glass, I go with a triplet myself, as the edge correction is better and no chromatic aberations or weird color fringes are found in a good quality lens design like the Bausch & Lomb ones.
"Buy the Book Before You Buy the Coin" - Aaron R. Feldman - "And read it" - Me 2013! ANA Life Member #3288 in good standing since 1981, ANS, Early American Coppers Member (EAC), Colonial Coin Collectors Club member (C4), Conder Token Collector Club member (CTCC), Civil War Token Society (CWTS) member, Liberty Seated Collectors Club (LSCC) & Numismatic Bibliomania Society member (NBS), USMex, Member in good standing, 2¢ variety collector. See my want page: http://goccf.com/t/140440 |
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Valued Member
United States
284 Posts |
From what I am learning the B&L 10x triplet is the gold standard for grading coins. I still haven't gotten one yet, but I do use a 10x myself but not LED enhanced. I am adding a powerful halogen to my coin collecting arsenal soon. The LED may be ok, but I would rather start off with the reccomended items first and then after I get proficient I will start to branch out and explore. Having been a photographer I can say for 100% certainty that lighting makes a HUGE difference in how something is seen.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2295 Posts |
16x is ideal for looking at RPMs and DDs though. Here is one that I bought and I really like it. Anything higher in power and you start to see things that aren't errors.  http://www.brooklyngallery.com/cgi-...=0183-MAG003It is a Harris and I have it on a lanyard for going to shows to cherrypick. Why do you need a LED on it? Just some regular light is good enough. With photos, you'll need a lamp nearby. I have heard good things about B&L, but I don't see what makes theirs better, especially at a very high price. To me they are just a name brand that are way overpriced. A serious comparison would be interesting to hear about. Edited by wquinn
02/10/2012 1:40 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2295 Posts |
Quote:
I like the LED one but the lens is plastic, nowdays plastic lens does not mean low quality, but many are, nothing better than good glass, I go with a triplet myself, as the edge correction is better and no chromatic aberations or weird color fringes are found in a good quality lens design like the Bausch & Lomb ones. Plastic lens scratch easy, so you have to be careful with them, especially when cleaning them. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Science supply places are about the best for high quality but also usually high prices.
www.scientificsonline.com for example.
www.bhphoyovideo.com
www.sciplus.com
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
I use a B&L 10x and also have a small 8x table top with LED and a cheap 20X with LED. I use them all.
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Replies: 16 / Views: 3,656 |
Posted 01/30/2012 05:54 am
