20 x loupe - what am I doing wrong?

[D2B]

Hi

I have a 10 x loupe and no issues in using it. Clear view etc. I just received a 20 x loup and I can barely view through it properly, I cant get a clear or big picture iykwim. Is the technique the same as for a 10x loupe?? Does it get more tricky to use if you get stronger magnification. I feel really silly asking but am surprised I am having a problem when I dont have one with my 10x

Thanks

d2hb

 

[oldminer]

Ordinarily the 20x and 30x loupes have muchcloser focal points, so thatmeans you will have to hold the loupe very close toyour eye and also very close to theobject you are examining. Unless it is a VERY costly loupe, the center of the lens will work best, and the edges of the lens will distort quite a bit. Many diamond guys use a 10x and 14x loupe, but few go any higher without going to a binocular microscope.

 

[D2B]

Thank you so much oldminder. What you say makes perfect sense and is exactly how this loupe is. So, looks like I will just have to get used to it and use it for specific things and use my other one for a general loupe.

Thanks again

D2B

 

[Pandora II]

x20 isn't always a great help unless you are just wanting to check out a very small section of a stone that you have already spotted using a x10.

The difficulty in focusing can mean that you will miss anything just in front or just behind the area that is in focus. It is normal to have the problems you are finding!

I just use a really good quality x10