Power of Jeweler's Loupe?

[Roy]

I have always used one of those "Radio Shack" 60X100 microscope to check the colour of my plants trichomes. I have just purchased a "Jeweler's Loupe Triplet 30x21mm" unit and I am having some problems with it.

I was under the impression that a 30x loupe is a good power for viewing trichomes. Am I correct? I ask because I can not see any trichomes at all. Is it under powered and if so what size loupe should I be using?

Any input would be welcomed.

:confused:

[sevens]

what is wrong with those 60 x 100 that u want to change it ?
believe it or not but even if u use 2 loupes in order to create more amplification still not enuff ..i did try with 2 strong one and nada ..so my 60 x 100 is what i am still using today ....
peace,,,7...:)

[grinkeeper]

well I have really been wanting for one of those new USB microscope cams that can do up to 200x and also take pictures at that maginifaction... very easy to use and they have there own built in light so they work really good. I know that some one must know about these things.. there is a few brands and range in prices as well.. I will start a tread once I get one...

I have found that a simple clamp on book reading light , you know the LED ones from the dollar store.. these work great when clamped to the deck of the microscope... very cheap upgrade to the crap light on my walmart microscope....

[steve999]

anyone know of a good usb microscope? Where to purchase?
Thanks

[Richi420]

i used to use a jewlers loup and had no trouble what so ever.I used mine for close to ten years. I lent it to a friend and he lost it during a move so now i use my kids eye clops to see them.I dont know the power of the loupe I had as I got mine given to me by an old farmer. I will say that with using higher magnification it is easier to see them as with the loupe sometimes you had to move it to a differant angle to see. I still need to get myself another one since my friend lost mine but I was looking at getting the 420 scope that has USB or getting the new eye clops as I do want something that will take pics so I can keep them all on file.

[green girl]

Hey Roy, I have a triplet also. Excellent magnification, but frustrating to use!

Its all those lenses in there, the focal length is very very short and you need good light. Get that lens closer to your eye and get the object you are looking at closer to the lens.

Bah grey day here. Outside is better light to see in than inside, fewer shadows. You can practice at looking at your fingernail.

These loupes are used to examine gemstones and their settings.

[MaMa G]

i used to use a jewlers loup and had no trouble what so ever.I used mine for close to ten years. I lent it to a friend and he lost it during a move so now i use my kids eye clops to see them.I dont know the power of the loupe I had as I got mine given to me by an old farmer. I will say that with using higher magnification it is easier to see them as with the loupe sometimes you had to move it to a differant angle to see. I still need to get myself another one since my friend lost mine but I was looking at getting the 420 scope that has USB or getting the new eye clops as I do want something that will take pics so I can keep them all on file.

Hey Folks,

I have a little scope, a usb microscope and the Newest Eye Clops with a video screen , and memory stick...I much prefer the newer eye clops for viewing trics...It is much easier to see with and magnifies 100/200/400/ and can transfer pics via memory stick to your computer...I got it on sale ...a serious fun toy for the avid Gardner...I highly recommend the eye clops...Kinda like playing Inspector Gadget!!! LOL:D :D :D

MaMa G:)

[Roy]

Thanks for the input so far please keep it coming.

"Green Girl" my loupe only has one lens so I think I might have a different model than the one you own.

"Sevens" there is nothing wrong with my "Radio Shack" 60 x 100 unit except that it is in Canada and I am on holiday in Australia. I purchased this new loupe at a flea market," Down Under", for $10 and I thought that the 30X was the correct size. I might be wrong?

I will try it outside holding it closer to my eye and at different angles but I don't think it comes close to the viewing power of the unit I have at home.

Is 30X the correct power for a Jewelers Loupe? :confused:

[Cannahope]

Roy,
I did a Google search "power of jewelers loupe", and found, 30x as the highest power listed in the first 5 pages of results. I also found this TY thread...lol

There were also lower strength loupes listed.

[green girl]

http://jewelry.about.com/od/jewelryappraisal/ss/loupe.htm

A triplet loupe is a magnifier that contains three lenses placed together in such a way that distortion and color problems are corrected.

http://www.amazon.com/SE-Triplet-Jewelers-Loupe-30X/dp/B000OVPH12/ref=pd_sim_jw_4

Refernce pic

http://photo-camera.thecheapprices.com/binoculars-telescopes-optics/microscopes/review-of-se-triplet-jewelers-loupe-30x

Article that explains at the beginning how close everything has to be for you to see through it!



I had the benefit of being taught to use one of these by my grandpa. If there is a triplet stamped on your loupe like from the pic (2nd link) then its got three lenses. And that is the part that makes this thing a pain and a joy.

[Richi420]

my loupe had two lens,just to let you know. I almost always had to have both lens to see good.

[thaistik]

I use a 30X loupe, but I'm thinking of ordering this. http://www.opticsplanet.net/carson-zorb-digital-microscope-mm480.html

[Roy]

Thanks for the input folks.

I'm still having a lot of trouble seeing any trichomes. I have held the loupe close to my eye and that does seem to work much better but I am still not seeing any trichomes. I am thinking that this lot of bud might have been taken too early (it's not the strongest bud I have ever had but it still has some punch to it).

However, I would have thought there would be some trichomes.

I would have to say that my old "Radio Shack" 60x100 unit works much much better than the loupe.

Maybe it's just me?

:confused: