Help with Loupes .

Wasn't sure where to put this . Sorry. Anyway, I've been using the Loupe below and I think it's about time for a better one without breaking the bank . Can anyone speaking from experience of using one tell me a good brand with model number or website ?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I use a Zeiss aplanatic/achromatic 3x-6x-9x loupe.

 

All loupe optics are definitely not created equal, you get what you pay for. The lens is obviously the most important part, and where the value sits. I use the same as @masterswimmer above. I am sure you will get a variety of replies to this thread

 

Thanks . Those are really expensive compared to my $20 loupe. Some I saw that were going for over $150 . @expat @masterswimmer

 

Why don't you just buy a new B&L like that one, if it's what's you like? I bought mine in an optical shop in 1983 and it's still good.

 

Same here. The best thing I ever did for my eyes. The quality of the lens make a big difference. I paid about $100, 15 years ago.

 

Got mine back in the early 50's and it still works good. Don't know the brand.

 

Poppycock on all these loops, loupes, whatever...will match mine to yours any day with what's needed for coins. I've used the same Bausch & Lomb 5X Aspheric for years...not sure it even qualifies as a "loupe" in fancy terms...more just a magnifier...purchased at Hobby Lobby for $10...does the job just fine, every time. Lens is about 1-in. diameter and slides in/out of its 1.5-in x 1.75-in black plastic housing/case. As always, to each their own...here's lookin' at ya ...!

 

Mine is a 3x-6x-9x ESCHENBACH.
It's a $100+ loupe so it may not be for you.
Fortunately I got mine as a Xmas gift from MFD.

I also have a 10x loupe but it's not very useful.
10x is often TOO much magnification.

 

Bausch & Lomb Hastings Triplet 7X Magnifier. They are currently out @ Amazon. Maybe available at Wizard or other places.

 

Another good option is BelOMO.

 

Whitman has some nice ones, and not expensive

 

I had to one you are using but did not like the size of the eye pieces. I found a Nikon
8D-12D-20D, what i like about it is at 8D I can see the entire coin and if I want to look deeper I can add power.
Semper Fi

 

The type of light, the amount of light (lens size & focal length) the lens lets in, and the experience of the examiner far outweigh the quality and price of a hand lens.

There are plenty of plastic lens combination magnifiers on the market for under $30 that work great for any experienced collector.

I have:

Two B&L Hastings triplet sets of various powers. 20X,14X,10X, 7X. Have not used the 14X or 20X for as long as I can remember. I'll guess over a decade. I use the 10X or 7X on occasion.

Carson 3X,5.5X,8.5X combo rarely used.

B&L Carousel 2X, 4X, 6X single lens rarely used but very neat and very slim.

B&L 4x,5X,9X combo rarely used.

Over a dozen assorted lenses of 10X, 4X, 5X, and ?X magnifiers. Never used.

And in daily use and highly recommended (I still have six in original box)...

B&L 3x, 4X, 7X combo. These are no longer made but there is a Chinese knockoff that works well.

I use a stereo microscope all the time set at 7X. It beats any hand lens on the market! It is hell carrying it around though.

 

What would be great is if the B&L 4X, 5X, 9X w/approx. 24mm lens could be made with the 35mm lens of their old 3X, 4X, 7X because it would let in more light.

 

I use a computer assisted loupe with a two phase LED light and adjustable lens. I use a pocket loupe when out looking at coins, works for me. Great post, thanks.

 

I use and really like the Belomo magnifiers. Jim

 

I use a loupe by Peak, it's 10x, model number 1961, can't remember price, but it's reasonable, Hastings makes a great model called the triplett. The prices seem to run from $5 -$800.

 

I only use a loupe to check dates, initials and mint marks on world coins or when my eyes are failing me. I have several but mainly use my 30x21. What I'm trying to say, is what do you want to use a loupe for should help determine what you buy.