Choosing the right jewelers loupe

[Woodland Detectors]

As you all know, a jewelers loupe is indispensable in our hobby.
This site should teach you how to chose the right loupe for your needs.
I'll also mention that you should chose a loupe with the black surrounding the lens for enhancing light and reducing glare.


http://www.yourgemologist.com/Loupe/loupe.html

 

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[treasurehound]

thanks Mike. I have been wanting to get one and this was some great info.

 

[godisnum1]

That's some interesting information that I wouldn't have previously known. Thank you for posting it!
Now I'll know what to keep an eye out for (no pun intended) when looking to find a good loupe.

Bran <><

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Funny BRANDON

Here's an Awesome one for a great price! I just bought one.
These usually sell for quite a bit more!

It is a triplex....three lenses.
10x

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bausch-Lomb-Has...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c1025d043

 

[godisnum1]

Cool, I'll save the link with the other things I need to pick up sometime.
Thanks Mike!

Bran <><

 

[Sandman]

Thanks 4-H.

I have a few but lately have acquired a Parlinda glass with 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, and 8X lenses. Only down side is the plastic lenses.

 

[biguglydude]

Here's my two cents on eye loupes. I've been working with Electronic Surface Mounted Parts for over 25 years now. During this period I have tried many styles eye loupe. The one I've come to use 90% of the time is a Bausch & Lomb 5x Watchmakers Loupe. http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/products/products.cfm?categoryID=767 It has a 2" focal point and lets you hold the loupe with your eye freeing both hands for holding your catch. If I need anything stronger I turn to the 10x or microscope. Seems to be working just as good with coins and other stuff I find as well.

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Here's my two cents on eye loupes. I've been working with Electronic Surface Mounted Parts for over 25 years now. During this period I have tried many styles eye loupe. The one I've come to use 90% of the time is a Bausch & Lomb 5x Watchmakers Loupe. http://www.penntoolco.com/catalog/products/products.cfm?categoryID=767 It has a 2" focal point and lets you hold the loupe with your eye freeing both hands for holding your catch. If I need anything stronger I turn to the 10x or microscope. Seems to be working just as good with coins and other stuff I find as well.

Very good advise!
I have found some of the loupe's are really small in diameter making it difficult to use.

 

[Mat in MA]

These things are great. The one I use is an Anco, model 1020, 16x and I only paid $10.95 for it. Then again that was about 15-20 years ago.

I bought mine at a coin show. They usually have them a few times a year at different places. Check the classifieds in your local paper or penny shopper. There is a minimal entrance fee and sometimes even free. There are dealer tables all over the place and that's where I spotted the loop I wanted. I was surprised to see it at 16x as most were only at 10x.

 

[Letsgethammered]

These things are great. The one I use is an Anco, model 1020, 16x and I only paid $10.95 for it. Then again that was about 15-20 years ago.

I bought mine at a coin show. They usually have them a few times a year at different places. Check the classifieds in your local paper or penny shopper. There is a minimal entrance fee and sometimes even free. There are dealer tables all over the place and that's where I spotted the loop I wanted. I was surprised to see it at 16x as most were only at 10x.

I dont think the price has changed much as i bought mine recently at a local coin shop which with overheads and so forth is an expensive option but a quality assured one.Its larger than most loupes but otherwise identical to that one , WG Harris & Co 16x
All in it was $14.My first ever loupe i still have is a whitmans 10x and closer to that one of yours in size if not the same, ive had that 30 years,works like new , i dont imagine ill be buying many more,a quality one will last a lifetime,got the t shirt so to speak.

 

[warsawdaddy]

Here's something else that comes in mighty handy in addition to a loupe.

http://store.digiblue.com/QX5_Computer_Microscope_for_PC_p/db12013.htm

 

[stranded in arkansas]

Having been a jeweler I use one that has 2 lenses that can be used individually or together.It is available from any snap-on tool man for around $20.00

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Having been a jeweler I use one that has 2 lenses that can be used individually or together.It is available from any snap-on tool man for around $20.00

Hmmm. Good suggestion.
Thank you

 

[paratrooper]

I inherited the loupe that my grandfather brought here from Germany in 1924 . It's the old school type that you must hold with your eye . It's fun to watch people try to "pop it in" as I do . As he aged he turned to the style with a wire that went around the head . That style is easier for long periods of close work but I don't need that . As a matter of fact I still use his old "case scraper" when reloading . "Old school is still cool."

 

[Woodland Detectors]

I inherited the loupe that my grandfather brought here from Germany in 1924 . It's the old school type that you must hold with your eye . It's fun to watch people try to "pop it in" as I do . As he aged he turned to the style with a wire that went around the head . That style is easier for long periods of close work but I don't need that . As a matter of fact I still use his old "case scraper" when reloading . "Old school is still cool."

Yes....I agree~

 

[Bum Luck]

I spent a couple hours researching and came up with the Belomo. It is as good or better than the B&L, and much cheaper. I got mine from a reputable eBay seller for maybe $12 or so and I'm really happy.

My geologist buddies like them.

 

[Woodland Detectors]

I spent a couple hours researching and came up with the Belomo. It is as good or better than the B&L, and much cheaper. I got mine from a reputable eBay seller for maybe $12 or so and I'm really happy.

My geologist buddies like them.

Funny BRANDON

Here's an Awesome one for a great price! I just bought one.
These usually sell for quite a bit more!

It is a triplex....three lenses.
10x

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bausch-Lomb-Has...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c1025d043

Never mind this one..I just got it in the mail. It's way too small for what we do. The B&L that is.

 

[spartacus53]

Interesting topic I also see that there is quite a price range for these loupes ranging from $12-40. I;ll wait until I can great a great deal on a decent one, until then, I'll let my cat tell me what I found.