View Full Version : Loupe
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.
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...!" :o
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?
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.
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 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FOLDING-LOUPE-60mm-MAGNIFYING-GLASS-HIGH-MAGNIFICATION_W0QQitemZ7562776 487QQcategoryZ706QQcmdZViewIte m) don't know if it's what you are after...
And more here:
http://www.claritas-online.co.uk/products/ruper_magnifiers.htm
Beer Monster
21-11-2005, 14:18
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 :o )
I have Douplet Double Hand Lens 10x and 20x from Alana Ecology (http://www.alanaecology.com/acatalog/Lenses.html).
You can get a fairly decent loupe for a reasonable price here. (http://www.amateurgeologist.com/shop/equipment_loupes.html#HW-10000001P)
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.
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images12/belomo2b.jpg
http://www4.gvsu.edu/triert/images12/belomo1b.jpg
directdrive
21-11-2005, 14:29
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
21-11-2005, 16:01
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). :D 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:
I use them daily at work, the Ruper 8x15 is ideal for most plant id etc. the 20x is perfect for bryophytes.
singteck
21-11-2005, 22:43
I carry one in my pouch too. 30x because i like to see all the details
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
23-11-2005, 02:52
I carry an 18mm 10x
Bought it from a jewellers
Not cheap but a good little tool
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. :)
Found this site via google worth a look http://www.jewellersequipment.co.uk/
Brangdon
21-01-2006, 17:56
I use a close focus monocular, like one of these (http://www.greenwich-observatory.co.uk/acatalog/Monoculars.html), as a loupe. It also does the same job as binoculars.
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.
I missed it first time around, very interesting, Thanks Doc.
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
saddle_tramp
22-12-2008, 23:46
anyone in cornwall after one, they sell em in southwest optics, Truro
I got a little 6x opticron one, had it for years, useful little thing
I've always used linen testers, they fold flat and allow you to estimate measurements...
http://www.linentester.com/
I have one of these, it sits in one of my etuis :) I never thought of using it like a loupe for anything but textiles and lace :o
cheers,
Toddy
I always carry a loupe when out in the hills and use it instead of the magnifying bit on my compass base-plate. it gives greater magnification over a greater area and is really useful for micro-navigation. In fact, until you look at a 1:25000 map through one of these you don't realise how much information is there! I hadn't thought of using it to look at plants but will do so from now on. I got mine free on the front cover of Amateur Photographer many, many years ago...
w00dsmoke
23-12-2008, 16:02
Not a gripe this time! :p
B and Q are doing 2 magnifying glasses for £1 just now, although not as good as a loupe, not bad for £1.
WS
Gailainne
23-12-2008, 16:27
I have something similar, not a loupe, more like the one Hoodoo has.
Its 2 magnifying glasses tho, so you have the option to look thru one or the other or both depending what magnification you require, I originally bought it as a means of fire starting, but its quite a useful little thing.
Stephen
Edit I was always under the impression a loupe was something you put in your eye, as in a jewellers loupe, seems I was wrong.
I occasionally carry an old folding magnifying lens but don't underestimate the good old Swiss Army Knife lens, It's pretty handy.
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/PossiblesPete/DSC01676Small.jpg
Pete.
tsitenha
27-12-2008, 15:14
Use one all the time, great for aging eyes or smaller needs.
Axminster tools sell them at a decent price, only ever used mine for judging corrosion on airframes, will have to take it out with me next time.
w_48dudezippy
28-09-2010, 16:51
I would like to post a picture of my very old triple lense loupe so that I can get some feed back on it.http:// 053.jpg
Good to have this thread refreshed. I have been meaning to get a loupe for some time and I just ordered a Ruper following Doc's link
NS
Good plan.
I have both a Ruper and one of the types recommended by BBC Wildlife's testing. The optical quality is about the same, but the Ruper has more substantial mechanical construction.
w_48dudezippy
30-09-2010, 02:37
http://i1099.photobucket.com
w_48dudezippy
30-09-2010, 02:41
http://i1099.photobucket.com
guess I am still not sure how to get this picture up.
Spikey DaPikey
30-09-2010, 02:41
I got one included on an OU course i did last year :)
http://i1099.photobucket.com
guess I am still not sure how to get this picture up.
You are not the only one who has found it difficult, but help is at hand: http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13734
Graham_S
30-09-2010, 13:52
I don't think it's you w_48dudezippy, I've had problems getting photos to work recently too.
Barn Owl
30-09-2010, 19:59
I have several ranging from the fixed 10x to a doubler that has a 3x and 5x which go over each other to make an 8x.
Also an 8x on one end and 15x at the other.
However, I much prefer the Essenbachs I had made into the modded mags by Gill,much easier on the eye (strain wise).
The larger mags i've mostly used on non natural items e.g. coins,medals , jewellery and the like in the auction rooms.
dennyissmith
28-11-2011, 03:42
Hello Graham_S
This the newer version of eye loupe:10x21mm triplet jewelers loupe-chrome w/leather case. I am not sure, but you can try it and hope it may help you.
Magnifying loupe (http://www.care-optics.com/)