Store 
 
 
 

Navigation bar top
Home
Up
Catalog
Terms & Conds
Search
View Basket
Checkout
Contact Us
Navigation bar bottom
 



Store > Click here to enter store > Magnifiers


Readers Readers

These tend to be larger magnifiers, either with handles or as 'domes' that rest on the page. The Fresnel is a thin sheet of plastic that, remarkably, acts as a magnifier. See also, HANDS-FREE MAGNIFIERS and the illuminated magnifiers under CLEARANCE.
General purpose folding magnifiersGeneral purpose folding magnifiers

Some fold into hard cases, some into soft cases; some swing closed, some click closed. These are what most people call, 'general purpose magnifiers' - for reading the small print on forms, labels in the supermarket, marks on furniture and porcelain. The advantage over a 'reader' is that they fit neatly into a pocket or small handbag.
Larger hands-free + on stands + illuminatedLarger hands-free + on stands + illuminated

These are large enough to work under, using both hands. Please remember: the larger the lens the lower the power, that's how lenses work! But a nice quality large lens of low power is MUCH easier to work with than a high power lens that is too small.
Small Stand Magnifiers. Linen Prover Linen TestersSmall Stand Magnifiers. Linen Prover Linen Testers

These rest on the page ('stand') magnifiers are larger than jewellers and watchmakers magnifiers but smaller than reading magnifiers. The 'Linen Provers' are, traditionally, used for 'proving' (testing) linen by counting the number of threads per inch. Each has a scale on the base. These have a hinged mechanism and fold flat for easy carrying.
Loupes (Jewellers folding magnifiers)Loupes (Jewellers folding magnifiers)

I call these 'jewellers loupes' because I sell mostly to antiques and jewellery traders for looking at tiny marks and for examining diamonds and gemstones. However, there are many other uses: for geologists and biologists in the field (and for gardeners); for doctors checking skin lesions; electronics engineers checking PCBs; laboratory technicians checking slides; photographers checking negatives.

The price of each loupe reflects the quality of the lens. For professional traders a loupe is THE most important item of 'test equipment' so go for the best you can afford, and stick to 10X magnification, more powerful loupes rarely give a clearer image.
Watchmakers' EyeglassesWatchmakers' Eyeglasses

Hold the open end in the eye (it takes practice!) - this leaves the hands free to work. Please remember that the higher the magnification the closer to the object you must hold the lens, so stick to low magnification (2X to 6X) if you need space to handle tools. If, however, you want one of these instead of a jewellers loupe, then a high magnification (10X or more) will be OK.

See also: HEADWORN MAGNFIERS below, for large magnifiers that fit around the head, these are good for general engineering work including working on lathes.
Head-worn MagnifiersHead-worn Magnifiers

Binocular (for both eyes) magnifiers that either clip to spectacles or include a mount.

Se also, WATCHMAKERS' EYEGLASESS
MicroscopesMicroscopes

Microscopes

(We also have secondhand full-size microscopes, scroll to the bottom to SECONDHAND items)
LensesLenses

Just one at the moment: a very large lens with a high-power inset.
Clearance MagnifiersClearance Magnifiers

Some of these are samples from importers and manufacturers that I've decided not to add to my range, some are end-of-lines which I have now withdrawn from my paper mail order catalogue (because I only have a few remaining).
Do not buyDo not buy

I am forever buying samples of magnifiers that look good - often they are advertised in huge adverts in magazines, but when I get the sample I consider them to be...awful.

Manufacturers and importers are invited to send me samples of magnifiers for review. I CAN sell many thousands of a good magnifier...but a 'bad' magnifier ends up in this section.
Magnifier accessories, spare Parts: bulbs, pouches, chainMagnifier accessories, spare Parts: bulbs, pouches, chain

Eyeglass holder, bulbs for the illuminated magnifiers, leather pouches, chains to hand magnifiers around the neck.
Store > Click here to enter store > Magnifiers