What is your favorite loupe/glass/magnification device?

Stork

My sad little pocket magnifier has broken apart and I wouldn't mind investing in a bit nicer loupe. I'd love to hear opinions or recommendations.





Cathy

Boosibri

Acromat 3x6x9

JCMhouston

I bought this Eschenbach a couple of years ago and have been very happy with it, they come in 3x - 10 x magnifications.



http://www.eschenbach.com/2ac0...illuminated-detail.htm

syl

I like Bausch & Lomb. No more than 5X for grading coins and a 15-20 if you are into varieties or errors. If you go to coin shows with poor lighting, I usually carry a cheap loupe with a light on it to eliminate the "might-bes".



http://www.brooklyngallery.com...rt=0&category=0203

silverpop

H.E Harris 16x loupe is what I use

SDSportsFan

I use an H.E. Harris 10x loupe, and am very happy with it.





Steve

1960NYGiants

This is what I use: http://www.pemro.com/productDe...031&src=googleBase

Weiss

Originally posted by: SDSportsFan
I use an H.E. Harris 10x loupe, and am very happy with it.


Steve

This.

I also picked up an inexpensive 30x and 60x lighted pocket magnifier on eBay recently. I use it rarely but it is nice to have.

Stork

Well, this gives me a good group to look into, thank you all for the input

OzzyAndy

Search the bay for 'mini microscope', are good for seeing fine details such as mint marks, only a few dollars.

asheland

Bausch & Lomb make a good one, so does Eschenbach.
But my favourite is Zeiss.

PatAR

I like the BelOMO 10x triplet loupe for its larger viewing area than many other triplet loupes.

krueger

For searching thru boxes at shows I use a Bausch and Lomb 3x 4X 7x combo double lens.
lens are large 36MM with 4X you can see a whole Morgan dollar. 7X combined if you need to see deeper. The 3X can look at one side of a coin thru the cases at a show if the dealer is not at his table. the 4X is very clear and flat and better for viewing then the B&L 5X Black slide many people use. Hard to find online as it is no longer made, but still can be found in some B&M coin shops. Recommended to me by by Skip Fazzari at ICG. He also writes articles on authentication and grading for Numismatic News.

To me though the best lens is the one the NGC graders use the Zeiss 3x 6x 9X combo. A bit Expensive but flat field , clear, bright , good depth of field /focus range, acromatic, aplanatic,
coated for reflections. Even the 9X combo lens is superior. The only one to compare is the older east German Zeiss JENA no longer made, black body 3x, 6x 9X. Sometimes I think its even better and I gravitate to it . Both Can be found on Ebay.

If you prefer the Eschenbach 5X 30mm lens is a very good one. It is/ was used by many PCGS graders. Add a B&L 7X Hastings triplet and you will have a very good rig.

I collect Loupes along with coins. hope this helps

Krueger

TwoKopeiki

Originally posted by: PatAR

I like the BelOMO 10x triplet loupe for its larger viewing area than many other triplet loupes.

I'll have to check that one out. I've stayed away from triplets for that reason. Just hate the small viewing diameter.

bigmarty58

I use a 6x Eschenbach. Nice loupe for grading coins.

Stork

Thanks for all the input! I'm definitely after a loupe appropriate to carry around to shows/shops. However, the idea of a clip on for my eyeglasses is hysterical just thinking about what the crusty dudes in the two local shops would say if they saw that...



In my mind have narrowed it down to the Zeiss or the Eschenbach 3-6-9s, I do like flipping between magnifications sometimes. Something illuminated is also tempting though. Both are pricey so I wouldn't want to lose it, which means if I am trying to decide between the Eschenbach that looks like it has a place one can attach a lanyard (or something) to it, and the Zeiss is thoughtfully not all black or dark grey (thus hiding in the nooks and crannies of drawers, purses etc). Using what the graders at either big TPG utilize is extremely tempting and overall including price the Zeiss does seem like a good choice. However, I can't underestimate my ability to misplace small objects and the idea of tying a lanyard or some other loop to my loupe to make it easier to find is extremely tempting (I have a large orange elephant on my keyring for example).



It's good to hear all the opinions.