Recommended Loupe / where to buy?

[Speed]

I see plenty of 10X / 20 X models... $2 /$30 or so.

Any recommendations??

Thanks!

[Damage Inc.]

I use http://www.ofrei.com/page259.html (the Optivisor shown at the top w/ the added magnifier) for general work, and I have (http://www.ofrei.com/page339.html ) the B&L 'triplet lens' 10x and a (http://www.ofrei.com/page388.html ) Seitz 20x loupe for really close inspection.

I'm just a hobbyist, but good tools are a must! (and they're cool too)

[Speed]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc.

I use http://www.ofrei.com/page259.html (the Optivisor shown at the top w/ the added magnifier) for general work, and I have (http://www.ofrei.com/page339.html ) the B&L 'triplet lens' 10x and a (http://www.ofrei.com/page388.html ) Seitz 20x loupe for really close inspection.

I'm just a hobbyist, but good tools are a must! (and they're cool too)

Thanks...

So those loupes are $100? I have seen some 10X very cheap...but wondering if there is a huge difference?

[Damage Inc.]

Probably in the quality of the optics...you certainly know the drill- the $10 version may work OK, but you often gain a great deal when you go up in price/quality. I used an inexpensive 10x that a friend has and I have to say that my B&L 10x is much better. Unless you're interested in examining the jewels for oil level &/or wear I don't think you'll find the 20x very useful. The 3.5x-10x are the most useful IMO.

[Speed]

Something like this 20X hastings?

http://www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com/p/SK0547.html

[Damage Inc.]

At that price I think you have very little to lose...give it a shot and see if it's what you like. The higher power loupes have a very small field of view...and you have to be very close to the subject- the 20x I have has a working distance of about 1"

[Speed]

Agreed.

Thanks Vic!

[Damage Inc.]

[ayres]

coming from a photographic background, i can say that there are plenty of high quality loupes (ie optics) available - check a site like bphotovideo.

[Speed]

Thanks

I actually ended up ordering this one. I like the idea of gripping it with my eye. ;-).

http://www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com/p/81-41-70.html

[onkyo]

Originally Posted by masugu

Thanks

I actually ended up ordering this one. I like the idea of gripping it with my eye. ;-).

http://www.nationaljewelerssupplies.com/p/81-41-70.html

Thanks I ordered the same one.....

[Lol-x]

nationaljewellersupplies has a minimum order of $300 for international customers.

That's crazy, I feel inferior

[Andad]

Gripping with your eye is not easy - well I find it difficult.
IMO 20x is too high for general work but ok for specific areas that might need higher magnification. I have a two piece lens that gives me x4 & x6 and can be put together together to give me x10.
I find this is more than enough. If I need more magnification I use my stereo zoom microscope. Good for pix.

[Speed]

Cool.

Thanks Eddie. I am glad I opted for the cheaper 10X.

Stevo, I can relate. I recently ordered some things from the UK. Worst was shipping a bottle of French Absinthe. Shipping cost nearly as much as the bloody bottle!

Let me know you want me to order something you cannot source locally and ship to you in AUS.

[MonsterRavingTrader]

i recently bought one from ebay shipped out of hong kong im in aus. i bought a 30x in a pouch with adjustable focus . it took 1 week and is really nice except that i should have bought a lower magnification. i go to jewellery and watch auctions and as such i thought a 30x would be better but abit of an overkill. will be ordering a 10x from the same guys after the xmas holidays. if interested i can look up the supplier on aus ebay if you message me.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by MonsterRavingTrader

i recently bought one from ebay shipped out of hong kong im in aus. i bought a 30x in a pouch with adjustable focus . it took 1 week and is really nice except that i should have bought a lower magnification. i go to jewellery and watch auctions and as such i thought a 30x would be better but abit of an overkill. will be ordering a 10x from the same guys after the xmas holidays. if interested i can look up the supplier on aus ebay if you message me.

Thanks!!! Will see how the 10X does for me / will ping you if it does not measure up.

Much appreciated.

[R1@160@alltimes]

Thanks for a good suggestion on the loupe, Bill. I will need to pick one up as well

[padi56]

Originally Posted by masugu

I see plenty of 10X / 20 X models... $2 /$30 or so.

Any recommendations??

Thanks!

Well first what are you going to use the loupe for, if its only to look at your watch then any 10X-15X loupe will be fine.But IMHO using a loupe on watches it sometimes makes you see very very tiny imperfections,that in reality to the naked eye are absolutely fine.

[f-du-27]

X5 and X15.

But I also like to use the microscope I bought to verify the stylus for records.

Paid 65 € from someone stopping business. Just great to look at things, but you cannot work under it.

With position X100, worn places on a stylus happear like small flat spots.