Hand lens/loupe advice

AshLee · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2010, 07:49 PM

I'm starting to look forward to more botanical pursuits now the days are getting longer.

I want to get a good hand lens/loupe to replace my old one (bought for about £3; I think I can get a better one). I've spent a good proportion of the evening trying to decipher the reviews on various sites.

Can anyone with experience help me understand what I should look for? Does anyone have a make they recommend? My book says buy up to 30x, but then I read that focusing will be impossible and these are useless?

Any advice gratefully received

FungiJohn · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2010, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AshLee

I'm starting to look forward to more botanical pursuits now the days are getting longer.

I want to get a good hand lens/loupe to replace my old one (bought for about £3; I think I can get a better one). I've spent a good proportion of the evening trying to decipher the reviews on various sites.

Can anyone with experience help me understand what I should look for? Does anyone have a make they recommend? My book says buy up to 30x, but then I read that focusing will be impossible and these are useless?

Any advice gratefully received

Hi AshLee

See:
Illuminated magnifier - advice please

John

AshLee · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2010, 06:56 AM

Hi John, Thank you for the link. I read that with interest, and I'm relieved to know that I'm not the only one gets confused.

In the end I re-read the opening pages of the Vegetative Key (Vegetative Key to the British Flora) and plumped for the 30x (oh no, not the 30x

).

I usually transport small pieces of vegetation homewards, where I can sit at leisure in an armchair in front of a strong light. I think this'll help with the dimness and the focusing issues.

Roll on those lazy days of summer....

JennyS · #4 (**permalink**) 12-03-2010, 08:36 PM

Summerfield books do a good selection, including double loupes with x10 and x20 and an illuminated x10:
Magnifiers > Hand Lens, Books on botany from Summerfield Books

AshLee · #5 (**permalink**) 13-03-2010, 06:37 AM

Thanks Jenny

I've ordered the loupe already, but I'll bookmark that website in mind because it looks very interesting!
Ash

pobjoy7 · #6 (**permalink**) 26-03-2010, 11:15 PM

I use camera lenses as a magnifier. These are really cheap with people getting rid of old equipment and going digital. They are superb lenses and far better quality than most loupes. Most of the lenses screw apart to reveal the individual lenses, which can magnify more than the 'whole' component. Just experiment.