Varieties
Loupes are divided into several categories.
There are special ruler magnifiers with which you can select a whole line of a book or make a bookmark in the right place. They enlarge the font 3-5 times.
There is a measuring magnifier. It includes a scale for measuring. Used in engineering, it has a significant magnification ratio, allows you to magnify an object up to 10 times.
There is a magnifier specifically for reading text or looking at small pictures. It can be not only round, but also square, which is very convenient when reading books. Can be used not only at home but also on the road. The lenses in it allow you to transmit a clear image.
A grain magnifier is used to clean seeds and determine their quality. Unlike other models, it has a special rim that does not allow the objects in question to crumble.
The textile magnifier is used in the textile industry to detect defects in fabrics and their density. Most often it is quite large and has a foldable body.
Hourly magnifiers are used in workshops. They are very small in size but have a strong magnification. This is necessary in order to examine the smallest mechanisms of the watch.
There are special magnifiers that are used to view footage from film.
Pocket magnifiers are often used in everyday life and are in great demand. For example, in a store, when it is difficult to read the small print.
To free your hands, handheld magnifiers have moved to a kind of mounts in the form of tripods. Tripod and table magnifiers are an essential tool for those working with small objects.
Modern models
An overview of the best modern desktop models opens with a tripod magnifier LPSh 8x / 25 mm. The manufacturer of this desktop magnifier is the Kazan Optical-Mechanical Plant, a leader among the manufacturers of optical devices. The lens material is optical glass. The lens is built into a lightweight polymer housing. The device has an 8x magnification capacity. The main features of the model:
- special glass protection against deformation;
- warranty - 3 years;
- legged construction;
- antistatic lens coating;
- attractive cost.
The only drawback is the ability of the magnifier to consider details that do not exceed a size of 2 cm.
Tabletop magnifier Rexant 8x. The model has a clamp and backlight. The sliding mechanism allows the built-in optical system to be positioned at the desired angle. The LED ring light makes it possible to work in complete darkness and eliminates the possibility of casting shadows. With the help of a clamp, the magnifier can be installed on any surface. Main characteristics:
- lens size - 127 mm;
- large backlight resource;
- power consumption - 8 W;
- mechanism adjustment radius - 100 cm;
- the stability of the device;
- models in black and white.
A minor drawback of such a tabletop magnifier is its weight of 3.5 kg.
Magnifier Veber 8611 3D / 3x. Table model with stand and flexible leg. The compactness of the magnifier allows you to use it anywhere and on any surface. The weight of the device is less than 1 kg. The model is perfect for visiting manicure, as well as for jewelry work and needlework. Peculiarities:
- the presence of LED backlight;
- power consumption - 11 W;
- glass diameter - 12.7 cm;
- tripod height - 31 cm;
- stand size - 13 by 17 cm.
Desktop magnifier CT Brand-200. The device is widely used. Specifications:
- 5x magnification;
- focal length - 33 cm;
- the presence of a fluorescent backlight with a power of 22 W;
- height - 51 cm;
- lens length and width - 17 and 11 cm.
How to choose?
Before deciding on the choice and purchase of a magnifying glass, you need to evaluate what you will be using it for. Reading, crafts, working with small objects, exploring and evaluating art and jewelry all require the use of loupes with different magnifications.
It is important to consider the material from which the lens is made. If it is glass, then there is a possibility that if it falls, it could break.
These lenses are best used in places where glass shards will not harm. That is, in a house where there are small children, you should choose a magnifier with a plastic lens. However, plastic also has disadvantages. It scratches easily and loses its properties. Polymer acrylic is the most popular material. It breaks less often and scratches less.
Consider how much magnification you need. Magnifiers are used to magnify objects, texts and images. It is the degree of increase that is an important indicator. It is expressed in diopters. The larger, the larger the subject that we will be examining. But here it is important to consider the focal length. It is worth choosing such a power that this indicator does not limit anything during operation.
The backlight always comes in handy.
The design of the magnifier will vary depending on the activity for which it is needed.
Color is not that important, but it is also a criterion to consider. Black or white loupes are the most popular, but can be made to order in any other color and design.
For an overview of Levenhuk Zeno magnifying glasses, see the next video.
Appointment
Table magnifiers are widely used in various fields. They can be used for carpentry work such as burning out. Tabletop gadgets are popular with jewelry craftsmen and lovers of radio components.
Especially desktop magnifiers are common in the field of cosmetology. Such devices can be seen in beauty parlors for cleaning or injection procedures. The magnification for loops of this type is 5D. Manicure, pedicure and tattoo artists use table magnifiers with a gooseneck, backlight and 3D magnification.
Desktop magnifiers can be used for reading. For this, it is best to choose lenses with 3 diopters to avoid eye fatigue.
Selection rules
The choice of a desktop magnifier is based on the tasks for which this magnifier will be used. Along with this, a suitable optical device with its own characteristics and functionality is selected.
Several factors can be decisive when choosing.
- Lens material. There are three types of materials: polymer, glass and plastic. The cheapest option is plastic. But it has its drawbacks - the surface is scratched quickly. Glass lenses are more reliable, but have a risk of shattering if dropped. An acrylic polymer is considered the best option.
- Backlight. The presence of backlight allows you to work in a completely dark room. In this case, a shadow will not be cast on the object in question. There are more advanced magnifier models that are equipped with a variety of infrared and ultraviolet lamps.
- Design. It is better to choose models with a compact and comfortable stand or devices with a clamp, which will significantly save space on the table.
- The ability to increase. The higher the measurement frequency, the greater the magnification of the subject and the narrower the viewing angle. For the device that will be used for various tasks, choose a 5-fold or 7-fold capacity.
You can watch a video review of the NEWACALOX X5 illuminated desktop magnifier for a home workshop below.
Peculiarities
Unlike a tripod magnifier, a hand-held researcher holds in his hands. It can be rotated to any angle, which is very convenient. However, the magnification of the handheld is not as strong as that of the tripod.
The handheld magnifier consists of a handle, a magnifying lens and a frame.In the budget version, plastic is used in the manufacture of pens and frames, in the more expensive - metal. Magnification options for a handheld magnifier from 2x to 20x. Using a handheld magnifier is easy. It must be picked up and focused on the subject, moving closer and further away from the object in question.
Lenses in magnifiers are small (pocket) and quite large. There are many other types of magnifying glasses. Technology is advancing today and the functionality of optical devices is expanding and improving.
The most popular brands are Levenhuk, Bresser, Kenko and others. Magnifiers are made from quality materials. Some of these designs are truly unique.
Let us consider in more detail the main parts of the structure of this item.
- Magnifying lens. The surfaces of both sides of the lens are curved outward. The light rays that pass through the lenses are collected at the focal point. This point is located on either side of the magnifying glass. The distance from the center to this point is called the focal point. It ranges from 20 to 200 mm. The magnifier optics system can be composed of one or more lenses. There is a magnification mark on the frame, for example 7x, 10x, 15x. It shows how many times the object approaches the eye.
- A pen. It can be straight, curved or foldable.
- Frame. The modern design of the magnifier can be performed even without a rim. This is done so that it does not interfere with the view. Such a magnifier looks like a lens with a handle attached to it, and a backlight is built in at the point of contact.
- Backlight. For the illumination of magnifying devices, fluorescent or LED lamps are used, which serve for a long time and without failure.
How did the magnifying glass come about? Antonio Leeuwenhoek is considered its inventor. He spent all his free time on various experiments with magnifying glasses. At that time, they were weak and did not increase significantly. Then he came up with the idea of creating a magnifying glass. He began grinding glass and was able to achieve a magnification of 100 times. Through such lenses one could see various, very small objects. Leeuwenhoek loved to observe insects, looked at the petals of plants and bees. In the process, the inventor sent letters describing his research to the Royal Society in England. His discovery was recognized and confirmed on November 15, 1677.
