How to choose a magnifying glass
The fact that such a magnifying glass and what it is intended for, many of us know firsthand. This optical device was used by many for burning on wood, as well as for viewing small images and reading texts. This highly specialized tool is popular because of its versatility and simplicity of construction, and therefore it can be found in almost every home. If you have not yet acquired such a device and are seriously considering purchasing it, you need to know the list of characteristics that have the most direct effect on the functionality.
The best manufacturers. Lupe whose production is best to give preference?
Despite the simplicity and even a certain primitiveness of the design, to make a quality magnifying glass that will fully perform the functions assigned to it is a very difficult task. It is for this reason that it is best to give preference to models from proven manufacturers of optical equipment, equipment and gear. Among them are the following brands:
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Armed
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Deli
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Lindner
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Prym
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Rexant
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Satechi readmate
The above manufacturers have a wide range of various optical equipment, including various loops. It is these brands that are often recommended for purchase, but before acquiring a particular model, it is best to examine not only the technical characteristics, but also user reviews, which can be used to learn about the advantages and disadvantages, about which the manufacturer will almost certainly keep silent .
Types of loops. What are these optical devices?
Unlike all other devices of similar functionality, loops have quite a clear designation and are classified depending on the purpose for which they are intended.
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Measuring loupe characterized by a significant magnification and the presence of a scale for measurement. This device is largely positioned as an engineering one and is intended for solving a wide range of tasks and repairing tiny mechanisms and devices;
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Pocket magnifiers used in everyday life and very often help out in difficult situations. For example, in a store, with its help, you can read the fine print on a label, as well as consider the defects of a particular item. Such loops have ergonomic design and compact dimensions;
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Stationary loupes designed for mounting on the table and are the perfect assistant for electronics, engineers and watchmakers. Due to the excellent approximation (about 6-8 times), the presence of illumination and convenient bracket, such magnifying glasses do not require additional equipment and allow you to work with both hands;
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Sewing Magnifiers They are compact devices that do not differ in large multiplicity of approximation. They are fixed with a lace for wearing around the neck and are designed for embroidering small objects. They have a compact size and a comfortable, ergonomic body.
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Jewelry Loupes - characterized by significant multiplicity - about 15-20x, as well as the presence of one or several types of illumination - ultraviolet, LED, infrared. This is required for accurate and detailed study of the sub-items of antiques and numismatics;
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Loupe - glasses - the most simple and easy to use. Its form factor resembles the classic frame of glasses and allows you to keep your hands free while performing various operations - reading, embroidering, working with small details and repairing portable electronics.
Of course, the division into the above classes is very conditional, and therefore a high-quality jewelry magnifier is certainly suitable for soldering, microelectronic repair and other tasks requiring the use of a different type of device.
Main selection criteria
Choosing a magnifying glass, it is necessary to determine in advance the specific goals and objectives that are planned to be solved with its help, as well as with a set of certain characteristics that directly affect its functionality.
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Multiplicity of approximation. Here, everything is traditional for all measuring instruments without exception: the higher the multiplicity of the measurement, the greater the approximation of the subject in question and the narrower the viewing angle. Choosing one magnifying glass to solve a multitude of all kinds of tasks, preference should be given to the device, the approximation multiplicity of which is of the order of 5-7x;
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Design. A magnifying glass is not only a lens, but also special devices designed for comfortable work with it. So, on sale you can find loops in the form of eyepieces, pocket loops with a handle, desktop models equipped with a compact stand, floor models for carrying out repair work in hard-to-reach places, sewing loops with lace installation, as well as many other types of construction;
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Presence of illumination. In order to be able to work even in low light, it is preferable to use a magnifying glass equipped with a backlight. The compact LED backlight is considered to be traditional, and devices equipped with all kinds of infrared and ultraviolet lamps can be found on the market. Such devices are mainly used in the repair of microelectronics or in the jewelry industry;
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The material of the lens. Currently on sale are three main types - glass, plastic and polymer lenses. Plastic is considered the cheapest material, but it has one major drawback - it is quickly scratched. The most expensive is glass, which can not withstand falling onto asphalt or concrete. Something middle is an acrylic polymer, which is what most buyers prefer.
What magnifying glass to choose for coin collectors?
In order to obtain maximum functionality when considering collectibles and numismatics, preference should be given to the magnifying glass, the multiplicity of which will be 8-10x. For ease of use should be considered for purchase models that are mounted on a stand or fixed on the head. Considering the special specifics of numismatics as a type of collectibles, the device must necessarily be equipped with a backlight system, both conventional LED and ultraviolet.
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.