Loupe / Magnifier Recommendations
MidLifeCrisis
Posts: 10,547 ✭✭✭✭✭
I know this topic has been discussed, but I have a specific need. I have generally poor eyesight and I need a loupe that I can carry in my pocket while I'm visiting antique stores, coin shows, etc. I have a few loupes but they are all higher power than I want. I need a relatively low-power loupe that I can use to do a quick overall view of a coin. I'm not into variety attribution or anything else that requires a higher power loupe. I'd appreciate any recommendations you have.
1
Comments
I really like my Eschenbach 3x6x9. Most of the time I only use the 3x magnification but I like having the option for a higher power if I need it.
Founder- Peak Rarities
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Bausch & Lomb 5x aspheric loupe. They are lightweight, inexpensive (I call them disposable loupes given that you can often find them orphaned on the bourse), rugged and perform brilliantly. They have been my go-to loupe choice for over a quarter century unless I need 10x.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
@TomB's recommendation sounds like it may be a better fit for your purpose, OP. Although I like mine, they are expensive and I would hate to lose the thing. I actually might buy the one Tom is recommending to bring to shows or keep in the car, and 5x should be plenty for most applications.
Founder- Peak Rarities
Website
Instagram
Facebook
One of the advantages of the B&L vs. the Eschenbach is that you can fit an entire coin (half dollar sized and smaller) in the optic area and this allows you to scan the entire field in one shot without moving the coin or loupe. It also lets more light in on the coin, in my experience, which can make viewing pieces much quicker and less taxing. These B&L loupes are great.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
@DeplorableDan and @TomB - Thank you both! Exactly what I was hoping for.
The Eschenbach 3x6x9 is the best loupe in my opinion, but you can get better optics, a bigger field of view, at a much cheaper price by buying an old enlarger lens on eBay. Nobody needs them anymore. Even though I have the Eschenbach 3x6x9, my go-to lens is an old Nikon enlarger lens. If I need to see something close, I'll use the loupe.
My wife lost three of these in the space of five shows! I like them but would recommend pinning it to your sleeve.
At least its better to lose one of those, or 3 of those, at $12 opposed to losing an Eschenbach at $160 lol
Founder- Peak Rarities
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Another vote for the Eschenbach 3x6x9. I've had mine for over 20 years and it's as good as it was on day 1. I typically wear it to shows and shops on a beaded chain to eliminate the issue of accidentally leaving it somewhere. The chain is long enough you can use it without taking it off your neck. When not in the show or shop proper I just keep it under my shirt and no one is aware of it, i.e. no one knows I'm a coin nerd and may have valuable coins and/or cash on me.
The light source is more important, Anthony Swiatek was recommending a magnifier with a point light source. But none of that may tell you the whole story on a coin and I've gone to other dealers with a higher value coin that looks great to me but the critical analysis from someone who is really objective can change optimistic assessments assuming a dealer will let you do that. I just do not trust my objectivity on some coins. Russell borrowed my B and L and did not return it, let him know if you see him I want it back.
I have a Zeiss loupe, D36. Doublet. If you can get a tensor or halogen lamp to bring along that may help.
I like this one.
@TomB's recommendation is excellent... I had one, or have one... misplaced years ago, may be in one of my moving boxes that are still packed.
Meanwhile, I carry (every day) a Zeiss 3x6x9x as shown by @MasonG. Never know when some magnification may be needed... Cheers, RickO