How to choose a magnifier

Many of us know firsthand what a magnifying glass is and what it is intended for. This optical device was used by many for burning on wood, as well as for viewing small images and reading texts. This highly specialized tool is popular due to its versatility and simplicity of design, and therefore you can find it in almost every home. If you still have not acquired such a device and are seriously considering purchasing it, you need to know the list of characteristics that have the most direct effect on functionality.

The best manufacturers. Whose production is the best choice for magnifier?

Despite the simplicity and even a certain primitiveness of the design, making a high-quality magnifier that will fully fulfill the functions assigned to it is a very difficult task. It is for this reason that it is best to give preference to models from trusted manufacturers of optical equipment, equipment and gear. Among them are the following brands:

1. Armed

2. Deli

3. Lindner

4. Prym

5. Rexant

6. Satechi ReadMate

The above manufacturers have a wide range of various optical equipment, including all kinds of magnifiers. It is these brands that are very often recommended for purchase, but before acquiring a specific model, it is best to study not only the technical characteristics, but also user reviews, in which you can find out both the advantages and disadvantages, which the manufacturer will almost certainly keep silent about .

Types of loops. What are these optical devices?

Unlike all other devices of similar functionality, magnifiers have a very clear designation and are classified depending on what purpose they are intended for.

1. The measuring magnifier is characterized by a significant magnification factor and the presence of a scale for measurement. This device is largely positioned as an engineering device and is designed to solve the widest range of tasks and repair tiny mechanisms and devices;

2. Pocket magnifiers are used in everyday life and very often help out in difficult situations. For example, in a store, you can use it to read the small print on the label, as well as examine the defects of any particular item. These magnifiers have an ergonomic design and compact dimensions;

3. Stationary magnifiers are designed to be mounted on a table and are the perfect companion for electronics, engineers and watchmakers. Thanks to the excellent approximation (about 6-8 times), the presence of illumination and a convenient bracket, such magnifiers do not require additional devices and allow you to work with two hands;

4. Sewing loupes are compact devices that do not differ in high magnification. They are fixed with a cord to be worn around the neck and are designed for embroidering small objects. They have a compact size and a comfortable, ergonomic body.

5. Jewelry loupes are characterized by a significant magnification – about 15-20x, as well as the presence of one or several types of illumination – ultraviolet, LED, infrared. This is required for an accurate and detailed study of antiques and numismatics;

6. Magnifier – glasses – the simplest and most convenient to use. Its form factor resembles a classic eyeglass frame and allows you to keep your hands free while performing various operations – reading, embroidery, working with small parts and repairing portable electronics.

Of course, the division into the above classes is very arbitrary, and therefore a high-quality jewelry loupe is likely to be suitable for performing soldering operations, repairing microelectronics and solving other tasks that require the use of a device of a different type.

Main selection criteria

When choosing a magnifying glass, it is necessary to determine in advance the specific goals and tasks that are planned to be solved with its help, as well as a set of certain characteristics that directly affect its functionality.

1. Multiplicity of approximation. Everything here is traditional for all measuring instruments without exception: the higher the measurement frequency, the greater the approximation of the object in question and the narrower the viewing angle. Choosing one magnifying glass for solving a variety of various problems, preference should be given to a device, the magnification of which is about 5-7x;

2. Constructive performance. A magnifying glass is not only a lens, but also special devices designed for comfortable work with it. So, on sale you can find magnifiers in the form of eyepieces, pocket magnifiers with a handle, table models equipped with a compact stand, floor models for carrying out repair work in hard-to-reach places, sewing magnifiers with cord mounting, as well as many other types of construction;

3. Backlighting. In order to be able to work even in low light, you should prefer a magnifier equipped with a backlight. Compact LED backlighting is considered traditional; devices equipped with all kinds of infrared and ultraviolet lights can also be found on sale. These devices are mainly used in the repair of microelectronics or in the jewelry industry;

4. The material from which the lens is made. There are three main types currently on sale – glass, plastic and polymer lenses. The cheapest material is considered to be plastic, but it has one significant drawback – it scratches quickly. The most expensive is glass, which cannot withstand falling onto asphalt or concrete. Something in between is acrylic polymer, which is what most buyers prefer.

Which magnifier to choose for numismatists?

In order to obtain maximum functionality when considering collectibles and numismatics, preference should be given to a magnifying glass, the magnification of which will be 8-10x. For ease of use, models that are installed on a stand or fixed on the head should be considered for purchase. Taking into account the special specifics of numismatics as a type of collecting, the device must certainly be equipped with a backlight system, both conventional LED and ultraviolet.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.