Best way to look at coins up close

rmuniak

I have 30 days to return my AmScope binocular microscope/camera $250.. What do you guys use to view and photograph coins with?

messydesk

Assorted things, depending on the situation. I might remove my glasses, use a 3x magnifier, a 10x loupe, or a 7-30x stereoscope. For photographing, I'll use either a point-n-shoot through the stereoscope eyepiece or my DSLR setup. Of course, I've also used a phone camera, but it's not what I prefer. Lighting possibilities include, but are not limited to, a ringlight on the stereoscope, a couple movable lamps for my DSLR, table lamps at a show, a single desk lamp on my desk (which I prefer), or the light from a string of Jack Daniel's Christmas tree lights in a dim, crowded restaurant.

The questions back to you are why you chose that particular scope and whether or not it is fulfilling your requirements for one.

thisistheshow

I use a loupe and my phone.

Hallco

I have several different magnifiers. Most of the time I use a 5X tri-fold to inspect the overall condition. If I am trying to attribute Vams or need to focus more on certain areas of a coin I use a 16X Harris Loupe. I recently bought a 60X mini that has a light and can be attached to a mobile device. I have used it a couple of times. It was cheap and works pretty well. Sorry, can't help with photographs...most of mine are awful!

BillJones

To get really close, I use a 10X Hasting triplet Bausch & Lomb glass. I also have a 20X hand glass, but almost never use it. I have a stereo microscope, but I use it only occasionally. I have an old Sony point and shoot camera that I will need to upgrade.

As for those micro cameras that interface with a computer, don’t waste your money. I have had two of them, and every time that there is a software upgrade for the computer, the cameras usually don’t work. I would strongly recommend that you not buy one unless you have going to use it exclusively with a lap top computer than never interfaces with the web.

rmuniak

thanks

AUandAG

I just bring my hand closer to my face....most of the time.

bob

Oh and a 5x loupe.

matt_dac

I have a cheap Walgreens 2X with 6x bifocal magnifying glass that works OK but it would be great to get something better.

ricko

I use a 10x eyeloupe to view coins, and my smartphone to photograph them.... that is as far as I will get into this area of coin collecting. Cheers, RickO

BryceM

I use my eyeballs, a 5x loupe, a 10x loupe (rarely), but to really evaluate a coin I like to put it under the DSLR with a good macro lens and halogen light and look at it on the computer monitor, dinner-plate sized. Nothing replaces an in-hand twirl under good lights, but it’s amazing what you can see that way.

Insider2

Trinocular stereo microscope w/cannon camera. Don't go this route as everyone wants to see the entire coin.

blu62vette

My eyes and a loupe a few times a year.

drei3ree

Depends on what you're looking at. I like a 20x for 5c steps. Although, I don't know why I bother! I've been looking at them since the 1960's and still only get it right half the time...

I just use an iphone for pictures and it works fine. The lighting is the key.