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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,906 |
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Valued Member
United States
459 Posts |
Has anyone tried Belomo loupes? I've been reading up on them and they seem well rated. I personally like looking for repunches etc. So would 20X be the way to go? thanks.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I like the idea of loupes, the reason being that when you squint to hold them to your eye, both hands are free. I have a range of loupes of various magnifications, and I use them with my gem faceting hobby. (My favorite stone to cut is Aussie yellow sapphire from Rubyvale in central Queensland). 10X is fine for looking at coins, 20X or 30X is good for looking inside faceted stones for inclusions. (flaws)
With higher magnification loupes, you have to hold the object closer to the lens, which can be a problem with objects larger than gems, e.g. coins, that's why 10X is OK for coins, because you still need the light to fall between the lens and the coin.
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Pillar of the Community
Philippines
1156 Posts |
whenever attending a coin sale or going inside a coin shop, the loupe is always handy, helps bring down the price too as the dealer may think you do know coins
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
I have read good thing on Belomos'. But 20x is a bit much unless you get a crystal clear view which is hard to get at such a high magnification IMHO.Also there is the price factor,how much is it going to cost you? I use a $5 14x doublet that I like a lot.I do recommend a triplet but they cost a little bit more then a doublet.Have you tried typing "loupes" in the search box upper left of this page,it might help you choose a loupe.
John1 
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Complex lens systems offer less distortion and colour abberation than a single lens. I also use a triple element cloth magnifying glass, which is normally used for examining warp and weft in fabrics.
Edited by sel_69l
08/02/2010 05:02 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
For looking at coins for the best results you should acquire an electron microscope. The 50,000X is the ideal one that will show details you can not see with most other types of magnifications items. Unfortunately a bit large to carry around to coin shows.  I usually carry a 5X magnifying glass made in China and it is good enough for me. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
651 Posts |
Keeping it simple is the way to go. Basic coin observations just require anything between or up to 16X and any brand is just as good. For intricate work use the right magnification and equipment.
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Valued Member
United States
103 Posts |
From a jewelers perspective I hate any loupe larger than 10x. I just have hard time focusing with one. I would suggest if you absolutely want something with more magnification go with a microscope. You can get inexpensive ones with up to 30x and that would suit any coin needs.
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Valued Member
 United States
459 Posts |
I noticed the Belomo 's selling on e-bay for about $30 with shipping and the claim is good quality glass. I have a B+L 10x here in the office that is way better than another one that looks similar that is also 10x. I have read that the triple lens constuction is better yet. I'm just trying to see if anyone has tried the Belomo and has an opinion, before I order one.
My eyes are shot and the small varieations I look for need some magnification. thanks
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Valued Member
Canada
307 Posts |
I have two loupes I use one is a 10X single lens and the other is a 9x double lens...for almost all coins these have been sufficient do do grading with.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,906 |
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Posted 08/01/2010 02:43 am
