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Innovation in Quality Optics
1. Q: How do I know the magnification power of binoculars?
A: Binoculars are identified as to their magnification power by two numbers separated with an "x". For
example: 10x42. The first number specifies the power or magnification of the binocular. With a 10x42
binocular, the object being viewed is magnified 10-fold so that it appears to be ten times closer than
you would see it with the unaided eye.
It is NOT recommend that you use binoculars with magnification over
10x without a tripod. With excessively high magnification in a hand-held binocular, it is impossible to
hold it steady by hand and the image will be very shaky!
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
2. Q: What does the 42 in 10x42 mean?
A: This number is the objective or front lens diameter, usually expressed in mm. It governs the amount of
light admitted to the binoculars. This in turn governs the brightness of the image. The larger this
number is, the brighter will be the image of the viewed object.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
3. Q: How far can you see with a binocular?
A: You can see as far your eyes can see, but the objects will seem to be
closer because it is magnified by the power of your binoculars.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
4. Q: What is meant by "right diopter adjustment"?
A: A binocular consists of two optical systems that are joined by a hinge and (typically) share a common
focusing mechanism, usually a small wheel on the hinge shaft which can be manipulated with either hand.
The ability to create an image for both eyes simultaneously provides a realistic perception of depth and
makes binoculars immensely useful and popular.
Most people's right and left eyes are a little different. Therefore, good quality binoculars have a special
focusing ring, called a diopter adjustment ring, built into one of the two eyepieces, usually the right.
Hence, when the focus is adjusted using this ring for the right eye, it is called a "right diopter adjustment".
Combining the right diopter adjustment with the central focus adjustment allows the binoculars to be
focused to meet the requirements of both eyes of the user.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
5. Q: What is meant by coated optics?
A: The lenses and occasionally the prisms of binoculars may be coated with special chemical coatings to
reduce light loss and glare due to reflection in order to produce a brighter, higher-contrast image with
less eyestrain. Several different levels of coating may be found:
1. Coated: A single layer applied on at least one lens surface.
2. Fully Coated:
A single layer applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
3. Multi-Coated: Multiple coating layers applied on at least one
lens surface.
4.Fully Multi-Coated: Multiple coating layers applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
5. Phase Coated: A special chemical coating found on the best roof prism binoculars, this coating
is applied to the prisms rather than to the lenses to enhance resolution and contrast. This type of
coating does not provide any advantage on porro prism binocular models.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
6. Q: What is meant by field of view?
A: The field of view is the side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field or subject area produced
by the binoculars. It is defined by the width in feet or meters of the area visible at 1000 yards or
meters. Generally, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
7. Q: What is meant by focal length?
A: The focal length of an optical system is a measure of how strongly it converges or focuses light. A system
with a shorter focal length has greater optical power than one with a long focal length. In the case of a
convex lens such as used in binoculars, it is the distance from the center of the lens to the focal point
or point at which the converging light rays meet behind the lens.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
8. Q: What are the prisms in binoculars?
A: The prism system of a binocular consists of a set of special glass prisms which reduce the physical
size needed to accomodate the focal length of the object lenses. The prism system also turns what would
be an upside-down image right-side-up. There are two types of prism systems, roof and porro.
1. Roof Prism System: In roof prism binoculars the prisms overlap closely, allowing the objective lenses
to line up directly with the eyepiece. This results in a slim, stream-lined shape in which the lenses and
prisms are aligned in a straight line.
2. Porro Prism System: In porro prism binoculars the objective lens is offset from the eyepiece.
This prism system provides greater depth perception and generally a wider field of view. Many standard
design binoculars use this type of prism system.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
9. Q: What do the BK-7 & BAK-4 designations mean?
A: These are identifying codes for the two types of glass used in binocular prisms. BK-7 refers to a
borosilicate glass. BAK-4 refers to a barium crown glass which is the higher quality glass and yields
brighter images and high edge sharpness.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
10. Q: What is O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged all about?
A: The interior parts of some binoculars are O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purged to make them totally
waterproof and fogproof. O-ring sealed and nitrogen purged models can withstand complete immersion in water
and stay dry inside. Because of the nitrogen purging, the interior optical surfaces won't fog due to
rapid temperature change or humidity.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
11. Q: What does High Definition Optics mean?
A: High Definition Optics is Carson's new lens coating technology combined with phase coated prisms. This
allows them to provide sharper, clearer and brighter images than any other product on the market.
Return to Top of Binocular Questions List
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1. Q: What is a monocular?
A: A monocular is a miniature, low powered telescope or spotting scope which you hold in your hand like a
binocular but use with one eye like a telescope. A monocular shares characteristics with both binoculars
and spotting scopes, but is much smaller than either. All monoculars are small enough to slip easily
into a pocket or a purse. When a spotting scope or a binocular, even a compact, is too large to take
along, there is always a monocular.
Return to Top of Monocular Questions List
2. Q: How do I know the magnification power of a monocular?
A: Monoculars are identified as to their magnification power in the same way as binoculars: a designation
by two numbers separated with an "x". For example: 6x30. The first number specifies the power or
magnification of the monocular. With a 6x30 monocular, the object being viewed is magnified 6-fold so that it appears to be six times closer than
you would see it with the unaided eye.
Whereas it is NOT recommend that you use binoculars with magnification over 10x without a tripod because
the excessively high magnification makes it nearly impossible to hold it steady by hand so that the image
appears very shaky, the situation is even more severe for a monocular.
A magnification of 5x or 6x is a very practical magnification for a monocular. It will be easy to
steady and have a wide field of view to help in locating the target. An 8x will be significantly harder
to steady and have a narrower field of view. 10x will be harder yet to use, and is probably not a
feasible item to use.
Return to Top of Monocular Questions List
3. Q: What does the 30 in 6x30 mean?
A: As is the case with binoculars, this number is the objective or front lens diameter, usually expressed
in mm. It governs the amount of light admitted to the monocular. This in turn governs the brightness of
the image. The larger this number is, the brighter will be the image of the viewed object.
Return to Top of Monocular Questions List
4. Q: What is meant by coated optics?
A: The lenses monoculars may be coated with special chemical coatings to
reduce light loss and glare due to reflection in order to produce a brighter, higher-contrast image with
less eyestrain. Several different levels of coating may be found:
1. Coated: A single layer applied on at least one lens surface.
2. Fully Coated:
A single layer applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
3. Multi-Coated: Multiple coating layers applied on at least one
lens surface.
4.Fully Multi-Coated: Multiple coating layers applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Return to Top of Monocular Questions List
5. Q: What is meant by field of view?
A: The field of view is the side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field or subject area produced
by the monocular. It is defined by the width in feet or meters of the area visible at 1000 yards or
meters. Generally, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view.
Return to Top of Monocular Questions List
6. Q: What is meant by focal length?
A: The focal length of an optical system is a measure of how strongly it converges or focuses light. A system
with a shorter focal length has greater optical power than one with a long focal length. In the case of a
convex lens such as used in monoculars, it is the distance from the center of the lens to the focal point
or point at which the converging light rays meet behind the lens.
Return to Top of Monocular Questions List
7. Q: What are the prisms in monoculars?
A: The prism system of a monocular consists of a set of special glass prisms which reduce the physical
size needed to accomodate the focal length of the object lenses. The prism system also turns what would
be an upside-down image right-side-up. There are two types of prism systems, roof and porro.
1. Roof Prism System: In roof prism systems the prisms overlap closely, allowing the objective lenses
to line up directly with the eyepiece. This results in a slim, stream-lined shape in which the lenses and
prisms are aligned in a straight line.
2. Porro Prism System: In porro prism monoculars the objective lens is offset from the eyepiece.
This prism system provides greater depth perception and generally a wider field of view.
Return to Top of Monocular Questions List
8. Q: What do the BK-7 & BAK-4 designations mean?
A: These are identifying codes for two types of glass used in monocular prisms. BK-7 refers to a
borosilicate glass. BAK-4 refers to a barium crown glass which is the higher quality glass and yields
brighter images and high edge sharpness.
Return to Top of Monocular Questions List
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FAQ About Spotting Scopes
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1. Q: What is a spotting scope?
A: A spotting scope is a small telescope that has been modified for use by day. It differs
from an astronomical telescope in several important ways:
1. A spotting scope, because of its prism system, always produces an upright image. An astronomical
telescope telescope may produce a reversed image or even an upside down image (not a problem for astronomy).
2. A spotting scope is much smaller in size than an astronomical telescope. They are made this way for
the sake of portability.
3. A spotting scope is a lower magnification instrument than a telescope. The atmosphere by day
does not allow the high magnifications used in astronomy.
4. A spotting scope can be mounted on an ordinary photo tripod, whereas an astronomical telescope requires
a very specialized mount, often unsuitable for daytime use.
5. Many, if not most, spotting scopes are waterproof and fogproof - a rare feature in an astronomical
telescope.
Return to Top of Spotting Scope Questions List
2. Q: How do I know the magnification power of a spotting scope?
A: Spotting Scopes are identified as to their magnification power in the same way as binoculars and
monoculars: a designation by two sets of numbers separated with an "x". For example: 15-40x50.
The first number or set of numbers specifies the power or magnification of the spotting scope. In the case
of a 15-40x50 spotting scope, the 15-40 sequence indicates that the scope has variable or zoom
magnifi- cation capabilities. In this case the object being viewed is magnified anywhere from 15- to
40-fold so that it appears to be 15 to 40 times closer than you would see it with the unaided eye.
Because of the excessively high magnification of the spotting scope, it is impossible to hold it steady
by hand, with the result that the image appears very shaky. Therefore, it is imperative that a spotting
scope be mounted on a tripod.
Clearly, therefore, a spotting scope cannot be used in the same way a binocular can. When you plan to use
a spotting scope, you must provide a place to set up its stand where you can have access to the views you
wish to explore.
Return to Top of Spotting Scope Questions List
3. Q: What does the 50 in 15-40x50 mean?
A: As is the case with binoculars, this number is the objective or front lens diameter, usually expressed
in mm. It governs the amount of light admitted to the spotting scope. This in turn governs the brightness of
the image. The larger this number is, the brighter will be the image of the viewed object.
Return to Top of Spotting Scope Questions List
4. Q: What is meant by coated optics?
A: The lenses spotting scopes may be coated with special chemical coatings to
reduce light loss and glare due to reflection in order to produce a brighter, higher-contrast image with
less eyestrain. Several different levels of coating may be found:
1. Coated: A single layer applied on at least one lens surface.
2. Fully Coated:
A single layer applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
3. Multi-Coated: Multiple coating layers applied on at least one
lens surface.
4.Fully Multi-Coated: Multiple coating layers applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
5. Phase Coated: A special chemical coating found on the best roof prism spotting scopes,
this coating is applied to the prisms rather than to the lenses to enhance resolution and contrast. This type of
coating does not provide any advantage on porro prism binocular models.
Roof prism spotting scopes offer the advantage of being slim and compact, but they are not as efficient
as a porro prism scope and usually lack many of the added features of the porro prism design such as
interchangeable eyepieces, camera adapters and so on. About the only reason to choose a roof prism
spotting scope is for applications calling for extreme portability. However, if you expect any kind of
performance in a roof prism spotting scope, you will need to choose a phase-coated roof prism model.
Return to Top of Spotting Scope Questions List
5. Q: What is meant by field of view?
A: The field of view is the side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field or subject area produced
by the spotting scope. It is defined by the width in feet or meters of the area visible at 1000 yards or
meters. Generally, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view.
Return to Top of Spotting Scope Questions List
6. Q: What is meant by focal length?
A: The focal length of an optical system is a measure of how strongly it converges or focuses light. A system
with a shorter focal length has greater optical power than one with a long focal length. In the case of a
convex lens such as used in spotting scopes, it is the distance from the center of the lens to the focal
point or point at which the converging light rays meet behind the lens.
Return to Top of Spotting Scope Questions List
7. Q: What are the prisms in spotting scopes?
A: The prism system of a spotting scope consists of a set of special glass prisms which reduce the physical
size needed to accomodate the focal length of the object lenses. The prism system also turns what would
be an upside-down image right-side-up. There are two types of prism systems, roof and porro.
1. Roof Prism System: In roof prism systems the prisms overlap closely, allowing the objective lenses
to line up directly with the eyepiece. This results in a slim, stream-lined shape in which the lenses and
prisms are aligned in a straight line.
2. Porro Prism System: In porro prism spotting scopes the objective lens is offset from the
eyepiece. This prism system provides greater depth perception and generally a wider field of view.
Return to Top of Spotting Scope Questions List
8. Q: What do the BK-7 & BAK-4 designations mean?
A: These are identifying codes for two types of glass used in spotting scope prisms. BK-7 refers to a
borosilicate glass. BAK-4 refers to a barium crown glass which is the higher quality glass and yields
brighter images and high edge sharpness.
Return to Top of Spotting Scope Questions List
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1. Q: What is a reflecting telescope?
A: A reflecting telescope (reflector) is an optical telescope which creates an image through the use of a
single or combination of curved mirrors. The mirrors reflect the light coming through the objective opening,
focusing it to create the image which is viewed through the eyepiece. The design of a reflective telescope
allows for very large diameter objectives.
The reflecting telescope was invented in the 17th century. It was invented
as an alternative to the refracting telescope. The reason for this was that at that time the refracting
telescopes in use suffered from severe chromatic aberration.
Although reflecting telescopes eliminate the chromatic aberration problem, they do produce other types of
optical aberrations.
Nearly all of the major telescopes used in astronomy
research are reflectors. Reflecting telescopes come in many design variations. Some may employ extra
optical elements to improve image quality or place the image in a mechanically advantageous position.
Return to Top of Telescope Questions List
2. Q: What is a refracting telescope?
A: A refracting or refractor telescope is a dioptric (assisting vision by refracting and focusing light)
telescope that uses a converging lens as its objective to form an image. The refracting telescope design
was originally used in spy glasses and astronomical telescopes. The basic refracting lens system is also
used in other devices such as binoculars and long or telephoto camera lenses.
Galileo, in 1609, invented a refracting telescope, called a Galilean telescope, which used a concave objective
lens and a convex eyepiece lens. This eyepiece lens produced an upright image.
In 1611 Kepler improved on Galileo's design by using a concave eyepiece lens. This allowed for a much
wider field of view but required very long focal lengths to overcome chromatic aberration. One Keplerian
astronomical telescope built by Johannes Hevelius was 150 ft long!
Return to Top of Telescope Questions List
3. Q: What is chromatic aberration?
A: A refracting telescope uses a converging lens as its objective to form an image. Because of the basic
shape of the lens, light rays of differing wavelength are focused at different points behind the lens.
That is, the lens has different focal lengths for different wavelengths of light. Consequently, when an
object having different colors is viewed, parts of it will be in focus and parts will be out of focus.
When chromatic aberration is present, a principal object will appear to have a halo of surrounding color
of a different wavelength.
Chromatic aberration can be minimized by the use of an achromatic lens. This is a compound lens made from
two or more lenses, each designed to focus a particular color of light at a given focal plane, cemented
together to form a single lens system. This system then focuses two or three colors of light at the same
focal plane, minimizing the overall chromatic aberration of the lens.
Return to Top of Telescope Questions List
4. Q: How do I know the magnification power of a telescope?
A: Telescopes are identified as to their magnification power in the same way as binoculars, monoculars and
spotting scopes: a designation by two sets of numbers separated with an "x". For example: 40-100x60.
The first number or set of numbers specifies the power or magnification of the telescope. In the case
of a 40-100x60 telescope, the 40-100 sequence indicates that the telescope has variable or zoom
magnification capabilities. In this case the object being viewed is magnified anywhere from 40- to
100-fold so that it appears to be 40 to 100 times closer than you would see it with the unaided eye.
Because of the excessively high magnification of the telescope, it is impossi-ble to hold it steady
by hand, with the result that the image appears very shaky. Therefore, it is imperative that a telescope
be mounted on a tripod.
Clearly, therefore, a telescope cannot be used in the same way a binocular can. When you plan to use
a telescope, you must provide a place to set up its stand where you can have access to the views you
wish to explore.
Return to Top of Telescope Questions List
5. Q: What does the 50 in 15-40x50 mean?
A: As is the case with binoculars, monocu-lars and spotting scopes, this number is the objective or front
lens diameter, usually expressed in mm. It governs the amount of light admitted to the telescope. This
in turn governs the brightness of the image. The larger this number is, the brighter will be the image
of the viewed object.
Return to Top of Telescope Questions List
4. Q: What is meant by coated optics?
A: The lenses of telescopes may be coated with special chemical coatings to
reduce light loss and glare due to reflection in order to produce a brighter, higher-contrast image with
less eyestrain. Several different levels of coating may be found:
1. Coated: A single layer applied on at least one lens surface.
2. Fully Coated:
A single layer applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
3. Multi-Coated: Multiple coating layers applied on at least one
lens surface.
4.Fully Multi-Coated: Multiple coating layers applied on all air-to-glass surfaces.
Return to Top of Telescope Questions List
5. Q: What is meant by field of view?
A: The field of view is the side-to-side measurement of the circular viewing field or subject area produced
by the telescope. It is defined by the width in feet or meters of the area visible at 1000 yards or
meters. Generally, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view.
Return to Top of Telescope Questions List
6. Q: What is meant by focal length?
A: The focal length of an optical system is a measure of how strongly it converges or focuses light. A system
with a shorter focal length has greater optical power than one with a long focal length. In the case of a
convex lens such as used in telescopes, it is the distance from the center of the lens to the focal
point or point at which the converging light rays meet behind the lens.
Return to Top of Telescope Questions List
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1. Q: Why can't I find a large diameter high-power magnifier?
A: Unfortunately it is a principle of physics that as magnification goes up in a magnifier, lens size
goes down. A 2x magnifier may have a lens size of 4 inches. This would be suitable for reading a book or
text or just taking a look at things in general. On the other hand, a 10x magnifier will have a lens as
small as a 1/2 inch or less in diameter, and will therefore offer a much smaller " window" to see things.
Unfortunately, you cannot have both large diameter and high magnification in the same instrument. Therefore,
you need to decide if magnification or lens size is more important for your application.
Return to Top of Magnifier Questions List
2. Q: How do I know the magnification power of a magnifier?
A. Magnifiers are designated as to their magnification power by a number followed by an "x". For example,
2x. The number indicates the number of times the object is magnified. Thus, a 2x magnifier makes things
appear twice their size as seen by an unaided eye.
Return to Top of Magnifier Questions List
3. Q: What is meant by focal distance?
A. Think of focal distance as the distance the magnifier needs to be from the subject to be in focus.
As magnification goes up, focal distance goes down.
A 10x magnifier will have a very short focal distance,
usually about one inch or less. In other words, the magnifier must be held one inch from the subject to
properly focus. At such a short focal distance, there will not be much room for error. A fraction of
an inch too close or too far will cause the magnifier to go out of focus.
On the other hand, a large diameter, 2x magnifier will have a much greater focal distance, often as much
as 5 inches. Furthermore, it will be much more forgiving as to the exact distance. For example, one can be
off one or two inches either side of the listed focal length and still be in focus. However, you may not
get maximum magnification or clarity when such distance errors are made.
Magnifiers are designed to be used to magnify close up, not distant, objects. If you want to magnify your view
of objects more than a foot or two away, you should use a monocular or binocular. Some close focus models of
these devices can focus within two feet.
Return to Top of Magnifier Questions List
4. Q: What is meant by diopter?
A. Diopter is a term used to identify the refractive or light bending capacity of a lens. In magnifiers,
there is a direct correlation between focal length and diopter given by the simple formula f = 39.4/d, where
d is the diopter number and f is the focal length. Thus, a lens rated at 5 diopters (d = 5) has a focal
length of about 8" (39.4/5 = 7.9).
The diopter of a lens is also simply related to its magnifying power by the simple relation MP = d/4 + 1.
Thus, a lens with a 5 diopter rating has a magnification power of 2.25x (5/4 + 1 = 2.5).
Return to Top of Magnifier Questions List
5. Q: What is meant by field of view?
A. The field of view of a magnifier is the distance across the lens surface to which the viewer brings
both his eyes when the eyes are 10" above the lens. It is important to remember that as magnification
increases (meaning the lenses used are stronger) field of vision and focal length decrease. That is, the
stronger the magnifier, the closer you must be to the object viewed and the smaller the viewing area which
will be in focus.
Return to Top of Magnifier Questions List
5. Q: What types of magnifiers are available?
A. Many types of magnifiers are available depending upon the user's individual needs. Here are some of them:
• Unlighted Handheld Magnifiers. These are the common "magnifying glasses". Some are
round in shape, some are rectangular in shape. They can vary in magnification power from 2x to 10x. Some
will be larger diameter, low power (typically 2x) with a small high power (typically 5-8x) "spot lens"
imbedded in the bottom edge.
• Lighted Handheld Magnifiers. These are modifications of the above magnifiers which
include battery operated lights to illuminate the object being viewed.
• Hands-Free Magnifiers. Hands free magnifiers are widely used by hobbyists
to work on projects that require the use of both hands. They can be as simple as a magnifier on a stand,
a magnifier with a neck cord to permit its being worn around the neck and resting upon the chest of the
user, or they can be visor mounted units which have their own head visor or clip-on designs which attach
to the rims of ordinary eyeglasses.
• Wallet or Pocket Magnifiers. Wallet and billfold magnifiers are the size of a
credit card and some are even flexible, so no cracking if you sit on it. Some pocket magnifiers are even
lighted.
• Sheet or Text Magnifiers. Text magnifiers are used to enlarge text. Some
are full page size. These are very low power (2x) because of their size. Others may be much
smaller, covering only a few lines of text at a time. All sheet magnifiers are designed to be laid flat
on a page.
Return to Top of Magnifier Questions List
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1. Q: What is a loupe?
A. A loupe is a small, generally high power magnifier designed to be held very close to the eye. Some
are hand held, some are made to sit upon the object being viewed, and some may be attached to a head piece
or visor.
You can hold a loupe at arms length over a subject and it will still work, but the field of view will be
very narrow. If you want the entire field of view, you must hold the loupe and the subject up close to
your eye. The older traditional loupe was placed and held with the socket of your eye as in an
old fashioned monocle. Most modern loupes are handheld and typically have an attached, folding case which
doubles as a handle.
Loupes have many uses. Jewelers loupes offer the highest optical correction since subtle differences in
gem color greatly influence gem value. Film loupes are also very high quality and are used to evaluate
photo negatives and slides. Botanists and naturalists use loupes to study flowers and insects and a wide
range of natural wonders. A good choice here would be the unique Carson BugLoupe Magnifier BL-55 which
allows you to hold your insect captive long enough for a good look but then release it unharmed.
Measuring loupes have scales of varying types mounted in the magnifier to measure very small items
such as counting threads in a piece of fabric.
Since most loupes are fairly high magnification, they are also quite small and will fit easily in a pocket.
Return to Top of Loupe Questions List
2. Q: Why can't I find a large diameter high-power loupe?
A: Unfortunately it is a principle of physics that as magnification goes up in a magnifier, lens size
goes down. Since loupes are usually high magnification devices, they are also small diameter.
Unfortunately, you cannot have both large diameter and high magnification in the same instrument. Therefore,
you need to decide if magnification or lens size is more important for your application.
Return to Top of Loupe Questions List
3. Q: How do I know the magnification power of a loupe?
A. Loupes are designated as to their magnification power by a number followed by an "x". For example,
15x. The number indicates the number of times the object is magnified. Thus, a 15x loupe makes things
appear 15 times their size as seen by an unaided eye.
Return to Top of Loupe Questions List
4. Q: What is meant by field of view?
A. The field of view of a loupe is the portion of the viewing object which is seen through the lens.
It is important to remember that as magnification increases (meaning the lenses used are stronger) field
of vision and focal length decrease. That is, the
stronger the magnifier, the closer you must be to the object viewed and the smaller the viewing area which
will be in focus.
Return to Top of Loupe Questions List
5. Q: What types of loupes are available?
A. Many types of loupes are available depending upon the user's individual needs. Here are some of them:
• Unlighted Handheld Loupes. These are the common loupes. Some are
round in shape with eyepieces, some are domed in shape and sit flat on the object being viewed. They
can vary in magnification power from 3x to 15x.
• Lighted Handheld Loupes. These are modifications of the above loupes which
include battery operated lights to illuminate the object being viewed.
• Stand Magnifiers. Stand magnifier loupes are widely used by hobbyists
to view small objects like stamps and coins, bugs and insects or fabric fibers. Some are fixed focal
length while others may have adjustable focusing rings.
• Measuring Loupes. These are generally stand magnifiers with built-in scales to
permit measuring small objects. A good example of these is the linen tester loupe used to count the
threads in fabric. Some measuring loupes are even
lighted.
• Specialty Loupes. Jeweler's loupes, film loupes, dentist's loupes and doctor's
loupes are all designed for high quality magnifi-cation where careful attention must be given to fine
details.
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