30X21 (not really 30X), CHEAPEST

Summary

Marked 30X21

The 'standard' magnification for a loupe (for jewellery & gemstones, stamps & coins) is 10X.
This one is marked "30X21" The image is unusually sharp for a 30X. That's because it's not really 30X.
The diameter of the lens is 21mm.

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Detail

As you see, clearly marked 30X21. True, the lens is 21mm diameter but there is no way this is 30X magnification, it is 10X magnification.

To help you compare loupes, a summary of this item is shown in blue:

SIZE:
10X12 - 10X13 - 10X14 - 10X20 - 10X21 - 10X21 - 10X23 - "30X21”
(magnification X diameter of lens, mm)

OPTICAL QUALITY:
BASIC - good - very good – exceptional

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Comments

This is the one you see at every antiques fair and street market, with the sellers confidently telling their customers it's 30X magnification.

There is no way this is 30X magnification, it's 10X magnification.

So how do I know? that this is 10X and not 30X?

Three reasons.

Firstly, I'm an expert, I can see it's not 30X.

Secondly, this is not a matter of opinion, it can be measured, see see our conversion chart.

Thirdly, I import these from the manufacturers (they come in packs of 480) - the last time I ordered this model in 10X they said (I paraphrase): we can't supply "10X" at the moment because our machines are set up to print '30X' on them.

We do have a high quality 30X loupe, but it costs over £30.00.

Further information

Everything you need to know about magnifiers and magnification.

See information about (and reviews of) loupes (small high-power folding jewellers' magnifiers).

See information about (and reviews of) binocular (head-worn) magnifiers- especially the surgeons-type.

See a guide to magnifiers for the partially-sighted.

See loupes with UV lights.

Video (electronic) magnifiers, video magnifiers compared.

Products: see pocket microscopes and phone microscopes, click here.

With most magnifiers* magnification and working distance are related. Download our Excel sheet, enter a magnification to see the resulting working distance, enter a working distance to see the resulting magnification.

* excluding surgeons-type, digital & phone magnifiers, and microscopes.