| Author |
 Replies: 12 / Views: 2,470 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
500 Posts |
So I'm currently using a loose lens of unknown strength and decided to finally upgade to a loupe, but after a single Amazon search I was a little overwhelmed. Even under $10, or even under $5, there's just so many choices! Any recomendations from the experts for a good one? |
|
|
|
Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
If you search loupes here on CCF you will find good info. I recommend starting with a 10x Hastings triplet.Depending on what you want to spend a Bausch & Lomb is very good but cost around $35. You can find less expensive brands which is fine as long as it is a Hastings triplet,IMHO. John1  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1511 Posts |
She I first got back into the hobby I bought a Bausch & Lomb for about the price John listed, the the Christmas before last bought a (roughly, I don't remember exactly) $2-$3 chepo 10x for a friend and after comparing them there's really not that much of a difference.... I ended up getting one for myself as well to carry to shows so I don't loose the more expensive one... In all honesty if say to the cheepo route and buy a coin with the difference... But I m sure you'll hear the opposite advise as well... It all boils down to your preference.
You can gets cheap USB photo microscope with a 200x zoom for like $26 too.... I bought one of those as well and it's amazing!
|
|
Valued Member
United States
262 Posts |
For initial evaluations I have a Leuchtturm lighted magnifier 5x. I think similar ones are $10-ish from coin supply shops. For these larger plastic lens offerings most any magnifier will do so long as it suits your preferences for size, shape, built-in light if you want one, etc.
I prefer a triplet loupe for closer examinations in order to avoid distortions found in single lens magnifiers. After using many different kinds I have been most pleased with BelOMO loupes. They are durable, provide clear image, and generally have a slightly larger viewing area than other brands I've encountered. I think they are about $40 for 7x or 10x most places online.
Hope this helps
|
|
Valued Member
United States
118 Posts |
I had a Bausch & Lomb until it went through the wash, ruining it. Then I just bought a cheap-o one from a LCS for like $10. It's a 5x. Ordered a 10x and 20x LED off ebay yesterday. Both were $9 each. Hopefully I'll remember this topic and update it on how they are. |
|
Rest in Peace
United States
10625 Posts |
I use an HE Harris 16x loupe.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
9792 Posts |
My all time favorite is the B&L APO Triplet 7x I'm on my third one now, I've used them so much I've actually worn out the pivot rivet on one, and the retaining ring that holds the lens in place on one. They are wonderful, but sometimes I do need more power I find.
"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 |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1554 Posts |
Harris 16X triplet
Edited by 1893S
03/31/2014 7:53 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1839 Posts |
ditto for BelOMO. Made in Belarus by an old cold war era optics facility.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
118 Posts |
Received my loupes from ebay today. Easiest way to find them is go under coin supplies, search 20 led (or 10 led). Should be $9 with free shipping, BIN. They are heavy weight, well built pieces. LED are BRIGHT as heck and illuminate the coin very well. It does wash out the colors but hey, we're looking at details here. I find the 20x to be very clear and easy to use. The 10x isn't bad. I have good eyesight so I doubt I'll be using the 10x much unless I'm just doing a quick scan. 20x for finer work. Overall I'm very pleased. For the cost of a Subway sub and a drink, I don't think you can go wrong. Now don't go and even try to compare to a $125 loupe. |
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Try a local flea market or Walmart. You'ld be amazed at all the different types, sizes, magnifications available for a dollar or so. And duo to so many made from so many countries, the quality is unusually good. And as I said, for about a dollar or so. I've got about 20 different ones. |
|
New Member
United States
15 Posts |
Like Carl I've probably got 20+ different ones, but at all times I carry my Carl Zeiss 9x Bakelite Loupe, nothing compares.. They are a bit pricey..
|
|
New Member
United States
1 Posts |
I have a question on loupes. I am quite new to the hobby and am enjoying it very much so far.
I purchased a 16X loupe last night. It is the 16X loupe from Whitman Publishing. Upon opening it, the loupe is reversing the image and making it very difficult to see.
I opened the loupe and it contains 2 lens. Each on their own seemed to work, but when put together it did not.
Does anyone have any suggestions?
|
| |
Replies: 12 / Views: 2,470 |
|
Posted 03/29/2014 10:24 pm
