| Author |
 Replies: 29 / Views: 6,667 |
|
Valued Member
United States
126 Posts |
I just picked up a small jewelers loupe (10x21). I thought it would be a great way to enjoy my collection - pick out the details, study the coins and more. However, after about a minute or two of use, my eye grows too tired to focus. I have found that the loupe is great for checking out mint marks, details, etc. But I don't think it's the best for me for viewing over extended periods. What do you all use? Magnifying glass? Do you all have a recommended brand? Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
4227 Posts |
For checking varieties, etc. I use a Belomo 10x triplet. I've used quite a few other types of loupes and absolutely love this one. Really wish I had picked one up a lot sooner.
edited to add: I use it a lot. I do remember that when I started out using a loupe (different one), it took a little while for my eyes to get used to it, but now I don't notice an issue.
Edited by chequer
04/08/2016 2:39 pm
|
|
New Member
Canada
34 Posts |
As noted above, you will probably have to try a number of sizes and types to find something you are comfortable with. Stay away from plastic or acrylic lenses if at all possible - glass is better.
With respect to magnification, 5x to 7x is what I see generally recommended, but if you have older eyes you may have to go to 8x or 10x. The higher the magnification, the smaller the lense size (without distortion). The triplet lense (the Hastings by Bausch & Lomb is an example) is considered best by many but is difficult to get in larger lense sizes at a reasonable price. You can probably find an acceptable compromise with a single or double lense.
Try lots of loupes/magnifiers at LCS and supplies sellers at coin shows.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
I'm fortunate enough to not need magnification for most of my coins. If I need magnification, I use magnification! http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00K0...i=SY200_QL40I got a different brand, same thing for $8 several months back. I would recommend going with one that is 30x only; the 60x is just not easy to use. Edited by Finn235
04/08/2016 4:07 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7390 Posts |
I use a 10x loupe exclusively for general use & a 20x loupe if I need a little more mag. Anything else is overkill. I can't stand those 5x square magnifiers. Though I'm a vammer so 5x just doesn't do it for me anyway  I'm guessing the eye you keep closed is what's bothering you which will improve over time as it will strengthen the eye lid muscles. You can get a steromicroscope but there a few hundred minimum. Edited by Cascade
04/08/2016 4:39 pm
|
|
New Member
United States
33 Posts |
I have a loupe with a 10x lens on one end and a 20x lens on the other that I was using for years, but I had the same issue that you have. Recently I purchased a 10X Illuminated LED Pocket Slide Magnifier Handheld Loupe with a 1" Glass Lens. I love it. It makes it so much easier to look at the coins and I don't need to hold the coin at a special angle to get enough light on the coin. The great thing is it was cheap on ebay. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
If you are anything like most of us, you'll end up with a few of them over time, different kinds, styles, magnification, etc. I started out with a B & L 3X Pocket Magnifier, and have bought a few more since.
|
|
Moderator
United States
34397 Posts |
Does anyone use a jeweler's headset? They are a little more spendy than a loupe, but you'd have both hands free.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
|
|
New Member
United States
33 Posts |
I also have a USB microscope that works for looking at mint marks and super close up.
|
|
Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
As far as brand,B&L. A triplet is best and Hasting lens.As for power,start with a 10x and if needed 12 or 14. Stay under 15,IMHO.This info is for looking for errors/varieties. If you just want to enjoy your finds then my previous post on the 5x is the way to go. John1  Edited by John1
04/09/2016 08:35 am
|
|
Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
I Never got into using loupes . I like to look at the whole coin at once. When I go to a show I just bring a 7-10X pocket mag with me . At home I use a larger 3''glass 15X .  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
5849 Posts |
I photograph all my coins with a macro lens and post them online so I can look at them with my computer whenever and wherever I want.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
I generally just use my naked eye... if I need to close up study my coins I use my USB microscope and view the coin on my computer monitor. this lets you get so close in that you have trouble working out what part of the coin you are actually looking at ^^
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I purchased a large variety of magnifiers. Even a USB microscope. Mostly they all just sit on a shelf. I do use a 10X one mostly but only to check out new coins I find in change.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
17884 Posts |
Quote:
I'm guessing the eye you keep closed is what's bothering you which will improve over time as it will strengthen the eye lid muscles. You'll have less eyestrain if you learn to use the glass without closing the other eye. |
| |
Replies: 29 / Views: 6,667 |
Posted 04/08/2016 2:38 pm
