Do you guys use these? My dealer uses one almost exclusively. I purchased a cheap plastic single eye loupe and I can see why my dealer uses these. This cheap unit I purchased doesn't even say what magnification it is. Do you guys use these and if so, what magnification do you use? I am want to get myself a better unit and give this plastic one to my grandson.
It's just because it's convenient for some to not have to hold the loupe with one hand while using it...if you really want to look cool get a sweet monocle and a pocket watch, and wear a cravat. I actually like my old focusing loupe...originally intended for perfecting the focus on the printing paper in a dark room on the enlarger...back in the days of my emulsion photography work
I have used this one since about 1950. Works good and I carry it with me since you never know if you have to look at a coin or a SN on an old gun. 5X
Well I have any of a number of hand held magnifiers. I would bet I have six or eight of them and they serve me well. But when my dealer buddy really gets down to study on a coin, he pulls out the single eye loupe.... So I bought a cheap one.... And it is a different level of clarity when you are looking at finer details. Now that I am sold on the concept, I want a better one.
I have a B&L 5X loop that I got in 1966. I keep it in the original box. I used it when I was a Quality Engineer in a defense electronics plant. It was accepted at the time as an inspection tool for defense work. It is like the one in your OP except 5X. It has a 2" Focal Point. I like them, but, you need to protect the lens if you carry it in you pocket. Try out different ones before you buy a "better unit". Some are difficult or clumsy.
I have a 5x one from Bausch and Lomb. I don't like it, I strain my eyes too much with only one eyepiece. Anyone know something a little easier?
Thinking perhaps a hobby store. Some Coin Shops have them. I got my first one at a book store. Today the optometrist shops have nothing but glasses. I would look on-line and find where they are available. Then find one of those stores locally and see if you can check them out. I might be too critical but I have several of those swing open kind and they move around too much for me.
My wife gave me a pair of glasses with magnifying lens. They work good but take some getting used too.
I have loupes and magnifying glasses... If you get a loupe look for the word "triplet", it means there are 3 combined lenses and it removes the distortion, meaning it's much easier on your eyes! Also...didn't see anyone mention the app versions which work great, especially if you have a newer phone!!! On my Android phone I have "Smart Magnifier". For those who haven't tried something like this...it's FANTASTIC!!! Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.sira.magnifier Here's one for iPhone... iPhone - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/smart-magnifier/id1125991635 There are a ton of these to choose from.