Illuminated magnifier - advice please

jaybie · #1 (**permalink**) 19-11-2009, 05:35 PM

Looks like Father Christmas may be bringing me a hand magnifier soon.

I have seen a couple (Opticron) with led illumination which I think would suit but I am not sure what magnification would be best. The Opticron are either 10x or 15x and are advertised on various sites with price ranging from £15 to £35.

Thanks, JohnB

Beamish · #2 (**permalink**) 19-11-2009, 06:43 PM

Hi JB

a good option is Belomo's 10x triplet. A great choice.
It is made in Belorussia under a joint venture with Zeiss.
Search the web for best price. (it comes without illumination...)

Cheers,
Martin

jaybie · #3 (**permalink**) 20-11-2009, 05:16 PM

Thanks for taking the time to respond Martin - I think the 10x should be ok.

JohnB

Kleftiwallah · #4 (**permalink**) 20-11-2009, 05:30 PM

I have a COIL 32.0D/9.0X which I use to read part numbers on engineering bits and bobs, works well for me. The distance from the item to the lens is about 1 inch when in focus. (focal length)? Cheers, Tony.

fairplay · #5 (**permalink**) 20-11-2009, 09:04 PM

For fungi, 10x is generally used in my opinion, but get a good make like Opticron or Zeiss.

There is no need for fancy illuminated jobs or those with several choices of magnification, just keep it simple, but do buy one with a large viewing area which allow more light in as opposed to those really tiny things where your eyes struggle.

Neil.

JennyS · #6 (**permalink**) 20-11-2009, 10:28 PM

WILDLIFESHOP.CO.UK Magnifying Glasses

I've got the 10x illuminated Opticron that's about a third of the way down the page in the link above and I find it really helpful - wouldn't want to go back to using a non-illuminated lens

thebeard · #7 (**permalink**) 20-11-2009, 11:03 PM

never thought about getting one, what are the perks of using these for ID purposes?

FungiJohn · #8 (**permalink**) 20-11-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JennyS

WILDLIFESHOP.CO.UK Magnifying Glasses

I've got the 10x illuminated Opticron that's about a third of the way down the page in the link above and I find it really helpful - wouldn't want to go back to using a non-illuminated lens

I fully agree Jenny

It’s an excellent loupe and I wouldn't want to go back to using a non-illuminated lens after using this either!

John

FungiJohn · #9 (**permalink**) 20-11-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebeard

never thought about getting one, what are the perks of using these for ID purposes?

A close inspection of the hairs on Stereum hirsutum or the granules on Boletus granulatus to name just two species for easy identification.

Well worth having one!

John

fairplay · #10 (**permalink**) 20-11-2009, 11:17 PM

With bracket or polypore type fungi you can see the shape of the pores better, with other brackets you can sometimes see setae (special thorn/spine shaped cells).
On gilled fungi you can see any gill edge coloration better and also the way the gills are attached to the stem, amongst many other uses.

Also if you come across the 'Tooth Pick' fungus I lend mine so the audience can see the tiny teeth underneath.

Jenny,

Does the model you have, have two lenses ie. the two convex sides facing each other or is it single lens ? if the latter surely there must be a lot of falloff/distortion away from the central viewing area.

Neil.