Magnifying Glass Options

Which one do you use for casual viewing of stamps? Thanks.

I use a 10x hand-held magnifier from Lighthouse/Leuchtturm that is similar to this one:

https://www.lighthouse.us/lighted-m...ination.html

Only difference with mine is color, being black instead of the white one shown on the link.

I'm also looking to get one I can clamp to my desk to help in sorting, but haven't settled on one yet.

Dale

Use any you like.

Amazone is full of these 20x-40x from different brand, Mine is a Leuchtturm and work fine.

I bought a cheap 10X hand held magnifying glas. I was very disappointed, the quality is poor. Subsequently I purchased a glass magnifying glass at a yard sale and it is what I use. I would recommend not to purchase on price, try to find quality. This is sound advice on all tools, I recently purchased an 85.00 3/8" ratchet as I use it all the time.
Cheers

My preference is a loupe, 8x or 10x.

For "casual viewing".

I use these. The Waltex is a 3x with 5x spot (available from several stamp supply houses, the larger is made by Ultra-Optics 2x with 6x spot (wally-world for 13 bucks)


For closer examination:

I use a MicroBrite Plus 60x-100x LED Lighted Pocket Microscope (about 10 bucks online) Quality isn't the greatest but it comes in handy, fits in a pocket and does the job.


Digital magifyer/microscpoe 600x. I made a better stand for mine out of an old desk lamp.


But I do have a number of other things, loupes, handhelds etc. that I've accumulated over the years. I still have the pocket magnifier that my dad got from HE Harris in the later 1930s or early 1940s.

I have a few different but my favourite is this magnifying glass - originally my grandfather's (from whom I inherited my classic WW collection). The leather case with his initials is now water damaged, so the glass no longer fits in it, but the glass itself works perfectly.

Very cool gmot!

You probably want a 5 to 10x/power glass one. They won't be the cheapest, but they won't get scratched up quickly. You might check with antique stores to see if they have used ones for less.

Not all magnifiers are made alike. The usable focussed area can be across the whole lens or not. So it is better to check them out in person. There are places like old-time jewelers, electronic supply stores, stamp and coin stores that carry them, but do not necessarily carry a full line. You might check out linen testers (sold at the same places) that come with a folding stand. You can use it like a handheld magnifier or you can place the stand over a sales card.

Donegan is a US company that makes excellent magnifiers. They apparently no longer make the 10x one I use all the time. Bausch & Lomb used to be the gold standard, but not anymore and make a lot of outright junk to sell cheaply in my opinion.

I have a 16x loupe that I use the most, even though it has limitations. The field of view is limited, so looking at the whole stamp (or a large portion of it, like half of it) isn't possible. Also, with a loupe, the focus point is fairly close, so the loupe has to be close to the stamp and the eye needs to be close to the loupe - this makes getting the stamp well lit a problem. there are definitely times when I want this higher magnification, though, so I live with the shortcomings. I also have a bunch of 3-ish to 8-ish power glasses. They each have their place and application. My best accessory, though, is probably my bright light on the end of an adjustable arm. No matter which glass I am using, I NEED to have the subject well lit. For 'casual' viewing, I would think something in the 5x - 10x range, with a wide FOV, would be great. After that, it is probably about whatever is 'handy' - ergonomically comfortable to hold, to view through, to carry around.

I don't have one, but I have been tempted to get a digital magnifier. The downside to this is portability. I would find it to be cumbersome to drag it, and the screen to watch the views, to a stamp show, along with my other accessories (tongs, notebook, etc). But for working at home, I expect I would find it to be very useful.

mootermutt987: The digital I have is about 5" long and 1.5" across with a USB cable. It would be manageable with a tablet at a show but I don't take it along. Unless you were going to be looking at something very specific, you're right its a bit of a hassle.

Ok. I am going to get one with a built in led. I'll take a look around.

I use this one every day:

https://www.maxiaids.com/coil-at-ma...nifier-round


7x, 24-diopter magnifying power
2.27 diameter round aspheric lens (huge)
Bright LED illumination
Auto Touch easy on/off control (your hand turns it on when you grab the handle)

fiber optic taper or handheld magnifier

I use this one on a daily basis and, after 2 years of use, I've been extremely happy with it. If it broke today, I'd happily buy another one.

https://carson.com/product/illumina...-handheld-3/