Good Cheap 10x Led Magnifier From Amazon

I'm always on the lookout for decent illuminated magnifiers that don't break the bank. I have an Eschenbach with the detachable lenses in various powers, but it's a bit bulky and fragile. I want something a bit more compact for travel to shows, that if it gets lost or broken won't be the end of the world (Eschenbach is hella expensive).

There have been a myriad of Chinese clone/knockoffs of the following design. They started at about US$30 but have rapidly come down, to the point where the last 2 I purchased a few weeks ago were $11.99, now back up to $13.25, still cheap.

Uses 2 AA batteries, comes with a travel case, and the scale/frame is easily removable if you want the full field of vision (right-angle slot, turn and then pull out). Optics are good with minimal aberration, and the 3 LEDs are bright. Since it's metal + rubber construction, it actually feels more solid/robust in the hand than most of the all-plastic models.

Very recommended for the price.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZKVG2XY

I have had one for years. Bought it in a stamp store in San Antonio.

Use it all the time, and it is small enough I can bring it to shows in the bag I bring other stamp related "stuff".

Thanks revenuecollector. Going to order one and give it a try.

A couple of years ago, I bought this item linked below. It has two magnifiers in it; one is 30x and the other is 60x. It has two LEDs on it, one for each lens, although I find that using the other one can give good side-lighting.

It does not come with a scale. It does come with a nice little case that's a 3.25" by 2.25" oval.

I looked on ebay just now and the one I bought is still there, along with several other very similar ones. It's possible that its two magnifications are too high for stamp collecting. I see it's $9 now. I recommend it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/224186329636

The problem I have found with any kind of loupe-style magnifier, is that while good for flyspecking, the field of vision is too small for normal use IMO.

A cheap microscope that I use for determining paper types, chalky paper etc and is $20 on Amazon. I was surprised how well it worked.

Carson MicroFlip 100x-250x LED and UV Lighted Pocket Microscope with Flip Down Slide Base and Smartphone Digiscoping Clip (MP-250)