Loupes 10x 20x or 30x???? Which is best and why??

[Apocalypse]

I would like to purchase a well made loupe for personal use


Thanks!!

 

[Cehrabehra]

Most will tell you you don''t need more than 10x. JohnQ would tell you anything more than 10x is cheating LOL But if you have a VS stone and you can''t find your inclusions with a 10x you might want a 20x. Anything above a 10x is mostly for fun though.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Unless you are experianced with lenses 10X is best.

A big lens like 20mm is better for a beginner than a small one 10mm or 15mm.

Personally I like and always use the one I sell on ideal-scope site, but there are cheaper ones available too.

 

[DiamondExpert]

The whiz of Oz - there''s a joke in there someplace

- is correct, and I would add that if you''re not experienced with a loupe you might find it quite difficult to see much of anything without proper lighting conditions.

Remember, the larger the magnification, the smaller the width and depth of focus, so 10x with a 20.5mm fully corrected triplet lens is the best place to start.

 

[JohnQuixote]

I endorse what Garry and Gary have said about a larger mm size for beginners. Here are a variety of reliable loupes from Kassoy at 10X in different sizes: http://www.kassoy.com/loupes01.htm

If you become experienced and comfortable with 'regulation size' this Nikon 10X is a bit more, but it's the best I've ever used.
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-10x-jewerly-round-magnifier.html#