Digital Microscope

Reviews

Bausch & Lomb loupes are used by jewelers everywhere. The 10x is the most useful for diamond evaluation, and a triplet like this yields the best view in terms of distortion and color accuracy at a reasonable price. They also make the Hastings Triplet in 7x, 14x, and 20x. It is handy to have a multiple around too (loupes that have multiple lenses that can be used either individually or together), but useful as these are for examining a variety of objects, they should not be relied upon for critical examination of of gems. A loupe of this quality can be used with some precision by an expert. Even so, it is still used mostly as a quick grading tool and for in-store use. Fine grading and certified grading is done with a microscope and other tools. I take my Bausch & Lomb triplet along anytime I go near a jeweler or an auction involving jewelry! Another reviewer who unfortunately got a bad Bausch & Lomb loupe mentions the Belomo loupes from the Eastern Bloc. Some very good optics are coming out of the East and these are good too. I would take issue with the comment over size, however. 10x loupes are used very close to the eye. You really don't need a loupe larger than the Bausch & Lomb, larger lenses introduce their own usage issues, and, of course, a small loupe is easiest to keep at hand. He also mentions the Bausch & Lomb plastic lens cell. That's a complete non-issue. There are telescope, binocular, and camera lenses with plastic cells that cost many thousands of dollars. The simple fact is that plastic is more stable and does not stress the lens as much as metal as the temperature changes. Belomo optics are quite good. The quality of their cells and cases isn't up to the same standard.

If you want a hand lens for serious reasons, buy one of these. If you need to know why, buy a cheap one also and compare the two. Triplet lenses give cleaner images with less distortion and chromatic abberation. 10X is the best power for general use, giving a bright and clear image.