Magnification recommendations?

[Marshal]

So...I've discovered my 60x loupe didn't like the washing machine. And it liked the dryer even less.

I've got my 30x loupe, so I can still function. But I'd really like another 60-100x magnifier. Preferably something that will last a little longer than the throw away loupes found on amazon.

Anyone got any suggestions?

[Utopian]

So...I've discovered my 60x loupe didn't like the washing machine. And it liked the dryer even less.

I've got my 30x loupe, so I can still function. But I'd really like another 60-100x magnifier. Preferably something that will last a little longer than the throw away loupes found on amazon.

Anyone got any suggestions?

How much are you willing to spend? Are you only considering loupes or are USB or optical microscopes an option?

The problem with a lot of USB scopes is that the have high magnification but not enough resolution. Contact member PCM, please, and ask him what his microscope is. I suggest that because he has posted a lot of very good edge photos with sufficient magnification and resolution and I have been curious to know what he is using but have been too lazy to ask.

[Marshal]

Well, a good lasting optic is something I would be willing to squirrel away for if I have to. It's not something I'm looking to have by next week, but long term buying a $5-$10 loupe every 3-6 months is going to get old quick.

I went ahead and ordered a Carson pocket scope like I often see recommended, that at least looks a little sturdier than most of the loupes.

But that still seems like a temporary thing. I've often wondered the same, I'll probably check with him and see what he's using. I wasn't necessarily thinking about being able to take photos and show the world how bad my honing is, but if I came across a problem and needed to reach out to someone more experienced for a solution it could come in handy.

[onimaru55]

B&L make very good jewellers loupes but I bet they're not washing machine proof. I use an 10x.

[thebigspendur]

If you want quality check out Deutsche Optik. Most of their stuff is German.

If you buy quality 30X is all you will ever need and honestly 10x is plenty.

[Utopian]

I have a really nice Zeiss stereomicroscope, but despite that great German engineering, I'm pretty sure that it is not washing machine or dryer proof either.

[pcm]

How much are you willing to spend? Are you only considering loupes or are USB or optical microscopes an option?

The problem with a lot of USB scopes is that the have high magnification but not enough resolution. Contact member PCM, please, and ask him what his microscope is. I suggest that because he has posted a lot of very good edge photos with sufficient magnification and resolution and I have been curious to know what he is using but have been too lazy to ask.

I bought this one, a year ago. It works pretty good and is not too expensive. Limited levels of magnification, and I have a tough time getting enough brightness (and don't want to post process photos all day):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Aerdvaark]

I have to say, even though I bought the Carson under heavy recommendation here, I don't like it. I don't like it at all. Why? Under the supplied blue led lighting and angle of illumination all edges look pretty much the same. Blue hazy scratches. If there was a way to provide an incandescent bulb, or white led lighting, IMO,it would perform several magnitudes better. The lighting is horrible. However some things are illuminated well. I don't know why it behaves this way. Maybe it has to do with the amount of reflective surface it is illuminating or the color of the item under view. I know this because I can compare it to my usb scope and get a much different picture. I agree though for the price you can't go wrong, but I'm sure there is a way to modify it to show a better representation of the item under view. Any ideas? Or am I just flat out wrong? I am using a new battery if that helps.

[Marshal]

I have to say, even though I bought the Carson under heavy recommendation here, I don't like it. I don't like it at all. Why? Under the supplied blue led lighting and angle of illumination all edges look pretty much the same. Blue hazy scratches. If there was a way to provide an incandescent bulb, or white led lighting, IMO,it would perform several magnitudes better. The lighting is horrible. However some things are illuminated well. I don't know why it behaves this way. Maybe it has to do with the amount of reflective surface it is illuminating or the color of the item under view. I know this because I can compare it to my usb scope and get a much different picture. I agree though for the price you can't go wrong, but I'm sure there is a way to modify it to show a better representation of the item under view. Any ideas? Or am I just flat out wrong? I am using a new battery if that helps.

Might be better used with external lighting? I'll figure that out when I have it in hand I suppose.

I recently made the discovery that LED 75 Watt equivalent lightbulbs are very much not equivalent at all. I literally feel like wearing sunglasses in the house with those bulbs installed in an overhead light. Perhaps instead of taking them back, I can swap them to a lamp and repurpose them as a honing/project lighting bulb...

PCM - thanks again for the quick reponse to the PM, and for posting the link here as well! Looks like I've got some research ahead of me.

[pcm]

Might be better used with external lighting? I'll figure that out when I have it in hand I suppose.

I recently made the discovery that LED 75 Watt equivalent lightbulbs are very much not equivalent at all. I literally feel like wearing sunglasses in the house with those bulbs installed in an overhead light. Perhaps instead of taking them back, I can swap them to a lamp and repurpose them as a honing/project lighting bulb...

PCM - thanks again for the quick reponse to the PM, and for posting the link here as well! Looks like I've got some research ahead of me.

Sure. It works fine for my use. I us it with a mac. Software is bare bones. May be nicer with a PC.

sent from my phone.