Loupe

[Doc]

A handy, but under-rated bit of kit especially for those interested in natural history.

A loupe is a small, high powered magnifing glass - typically they magnify 8 to 12 times and have a 2cm achromatic lens that folds away into a metal housing. Weighs an ounce or two, costs a few pounds (though you can pay more for really high class optics...) I often take one when I'm out and about in the woods.

Very helpful for nature observation.
Useful geological tool (I sometimes find gold flecks in quartz and other rocks, and looking at panned placer gold dust shows it to look just like museum nuggets, but smaller.
Handy to check blade edges for uniformity or damage.
Also makes it easy to check proof marks on sporting arms, hallmarks, etc.
Probably less good for fire lighting than an ordinary magnifier, as they are small.

Handy bit of kit.

 

[stovie]

A loupe is a small, high powered magnifing glass -
Probably less good for fire lighting than an ordinary magnifier, as they are small..

Oh! I don't know...My wife often says "size isn't everything...!"

 

[tomtom]

does anyone know of a good source of these, i have been looking for one for a while for plant ident. i believe they are avalible up to 30x magnification, is this true?

 

[Doc]

I have a 8x Ruper, similar to this:

http://www.norgeo.co.uk/field-equipment/lenses-magnifiers-and-microscopes/20.html

They also do a more expensive 20x.

 

[stovie]

does anyone know of a good source of these, i have been looking for one for a while for plant ident. i believe they are avalible up to 30x magnification, is this true?

there is some on evilbay here don't know if it's what you are after...

 

[Doc]

And more here:
http://www.claritas-online.co.uk/products/ruper_magnifiers.htm

 

[Beer Monster]

Good post Doc.

I always have one of these handy. It's amazing how beautiful everyday plants and insects are when viewed close up! Never tried looking at rocks ...... will have to give that one a go ..... :You_Rock_ (no pun intended )

I have Douplet Double Hand Lens 10x and 20x from Alana Ecology.

 

[Hoodoo]

You can get a fairly decent loupe for a reasonable price here.

It's not perfect but it works pretty good and it's excellent for the price. Maybe you can find a source across the pond and save some shipping.

 

[directdrive]

Go to Google and enter "episcope" . You'll find a very nice little device which was originally made in Germany and is now produced in Japan. I think you'll like it......Bruce

 

[Carcajou Garou]

I also carry a loupe, 5X, every day in my waist pocket as I find hard to see the small printed directions on packages (condition of age). Because of this habit I get to use it on regular basis in many other instances. The loupe/magnifying glass is about 2" dia folding into a soft black vynil case $10.00cnd. CG :yo:

 

[familne]

I use them daily at work, the Ruper 8x15 is ideal for most plant id etc. the 20x is perfect for bryophytes.

 

[singteck]

I carry one in my pouch too. 30x because i like to see all the details

 

[JohnC]

MAplin has some glasses, and this http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=47478&doy=22m11 which I had a look at in the store in Edin. It wasnt bad at all. Most model shops have a range of glasses as well. How about the glass on the SAK? or SA card?

 

[2blackcat]

I carry an 18mm 10x
Bought it from a jewellers

Not cheap but a good little tool

 

[Martyn]

My grandad used to carry a pocket watch, a folding knife and a loupe in his waistcoat pockets as a matter of daily routine.

Think I'll get one.

 

[Nemisis]

Found this site via google worth a look http://www.jewellersequipment.co.uk/

 

[Brangdon]

I use a close focus monocular, like one of these, as a loupe. It also does the same job as binoculars.

 

[Doc]

Sorry to resurrect this blast from the past.

A loupe is a great item to have for nature study, checking bevels when sharpening, etc, etc. People who use mine often ask where to get one, so i had been thinking about a group buy.

However, I have not been impressed with the £3 budget models, and this has put me off.

I see that BBC wildlife magazine tested some, and the best buy model is available here: http://www.theloupestore.co.uk/Magnifiers-Triplet/Triplet-Loupe-10x-21mm-101-102-104.html

It is only £6.90 and in December you get free delivery. The volume discount is very small so there is no point in a group buy.

 

[andy_e]

I missed it first time around, very interesting, Thanks Doc.

 

[Toddy]

I bought a brass one, that looks very like that one, the other day in Bill's Tool Store for £2. It's a x10, and it seems pretty sound

tbh usually I just carry a fresnel lens, but the loupe caught my eye.


cheers,
Toddy