Looking for general recommendations for an all-purpose magnifier. I usually buy supplies from Lighthouse but of course, will buy from other sources. I'm a buy once cry once guy so willing to spend some money. Thanks in advance.
I have and like the Fancii LED slide out magnifying glass 10x (the 20x and 30x are too small to really be useful to me) portable loupe with UV black light. It was cheap, I like that it's a slide out with a light and easy to use. I also have some B&L loupes that I don't really use.
No such magnifier exists! How long have you been collecting? What do you collect? How would someone rate your numismatic knowledge - beginner, intermediate, advanced?
I use this loupe it is cheap and is 10X and is great for what I need. I understand there are way more expensive ones out there.
Thanks for all the tips thus far! I'd say Intermediate. I collect Ancient, Medieval, World. Old man's eyes and need it for legends, inscriptions, initials, etc.
Then you should not need to use any power over 10X, Now the task is to find the largest diameter lens you can find as it lets in the most light. The 3X-6X-9X is a great combo of powers on an excellent and expensive hand lens. My only gripes with it are it's cost and the small diameter of the lens. However, it should last forever and fill your needs. My all-time favorite hand lens was the cheap, plastic lens, B&L 3X-4X-7X. The lens is 1 1/2 inches big and great for light transmission and older eyes. AFAIK, this product is no longer made yet there are knock-offs on the web. Additionally, if you lose it - no big deal.
