Choosing the Proper Hand Lens

THE EYES HAVE IT!

• How to Choose the Right Magnifier
• Magnification
• Hand Lens Design
• Lens Diameter
• Casing Construction
• Conclusion

How to Choose the Right Magnifier

Didn't it seem just like yesterday that we could see everything just fine? I once had my eyes tested in the military service and they proudly proclaimed that I have 20/05 vision in both eyes. They called it "eagle eyes". Those were the days when I could easily read menus and newspapers.... but no longer. I need help now. Hand magnifiers can be used to either enhance existing vision deficiencies or to magnify objects that are not even able to be seen by "eagle eyes".

Hand magnifiers come in many different designs and magnifications. And they can rum the gamut from very expensive which are usually the higher priced lenses to the inexpensive which are basically just low power vision enhancers. The first step in the process involves selecting magnification.

Magnification

I get so many people come into our store that want the highest power lens they can get and also want the largest viewing area. Unfortunately it doesn't quite work that way. In fact with the higher magnifications the less depth of field of focus you have to work with. I can't tell you how many requests we have had for the 6X linen tester size with a 20X magnification. If it was possible to make it, it would probably be the only lens I sell. Unfortunately because of the nature of optics, it isn't.

A good first step in choosing magnifications is to consider the type of objects that you are going to be using it on. High magnifications are okay on flat objects like coins, stamps, etc. but they are hard to use on three dimensional objects such as bugs, rocks, jewelry, plants, etc. And even if you have the skill that can recognize subtle details, you can rarely obtain any more data at a 20X hand lens than you can with a 10X hand lens.

Again, the main thing to consider is whether the object is flat or three dimensional and then choose a magnification that will work best with the object being magnified.

Hand Lens Design

The doublet design which takes two lenses with an air gap in between. The concept behind the doublet is to use the characteristics of the second lens to correct for distortions produced by the first lens. This produces an image that is very clear in the center but sometimes will experience slight distortions at the edge of the lens. This type of lens is similar to our Doublet lens.

The triplet way to design magnifiers is with three lens elements that are cemented together like our Hastings Triplet lens, or Eschenbach Triplet lens. The concept behind the triplet lens is that you have two additional elements to reduce the chromatic and spherical distortions that typically come with just one piece of glass.

With all respect to quality of magnifying instruments, the main consideration should be what are you trying to magnify. Then you need to determine how important it is to see clearly across the entire surface. And finally is it worth spending the extra amount of money to get that result.

Lens Diameter

I always recommend that prospective buyers always look at our page on lens diameter. So many times I have had a customer order a 12X Eschenbach linen tester only to return it because the lens diameter was so small that the user was not comfortable holding it. Generally speaking, as the power of the lens goes up, the diameter of the lens and the casing that holds it, goes down.

I find the size of the body or style of body is important with regards to lens diameter. For example if you were looking at stamps on a flat surface, then a 12X linen tester would be just fine because you most likely will not be holding it. If however you choose the 20X Hasting triplet for the same task you might find it uncomfortable to use because the casing would be held by your fingers and moved in and out to adjust the focus.

Casing Construction

Fold out magnifiers have the advantage of going to higher powers and still able to hold the unit easily in with your fingertips. It is sometimes hard for first time users because you have to move your arm back and forth to get the magnifier into focus. Then you have to hold it at that focus distance to continue looking at the object. It does, like the linen tester, have the advantage of being folded up and put in your pocket. But unlike the linen tester, it has a metal body that will cover the lens to protect it from scratches while riding in your pocket.

We also carry some specialty lenses like our lighted magnifiers which are good if lighting is not good like under trees or in poorly lit rooms. And perhaps our most popular lens Shot Glass Lens because it works much like a linen tester but with a good wide field of view and a decent magnification.

Conclusion

The first consideration in your choice should always be "What am I trying to magnify"? Then from there you can determine whether your area being magnified is flat, needs high magnification, will you be holding the lens or placing it on a surface, etc. Your last consideration should be price and more of getting a lens that will suit your needs!

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