magnifiers

[Guest]

hello to all..i have a few questions about magnifiers. i have been asking and reading about what to use. some say usb microscope and some say don't use anything stronger then a 10x power.some say use a loupes , fold up lenses and some say to use something that shows the whole coin at one time.so if anyone has any advice feel free to let me know. thank u in advance...

[jallengomez]

Alex,

It depends. Are you looking for varieties? Whatever magnification you use, I would definitely use a loupe. For variety searching I use a 30x, for grading I use an 8x.

Jody

[liveandievarieties]

I've sworn by a 16x loupe since I was a dozen years old (for cherrypicking).

If you want to photograph close ups of your coins, a USB scope can be helpful, but if you're cherrypicking- you shouldn't need to spend more than $15 on a doublet loupe.

[hasfam]

I use all of it depending on what I'm doing and where I am. Loupes for on the run. Scope for more flexible magnification and photography.

[hemisboats]

Here is what I have finally found to be the best for me. Celestron USB with a 10X lens taken from a magnifier, then with clear packing tape coated the lens with the tape and use the tape ends to connect the 10Xto the microscope. works nice!

[tinytinkerbell]

Here is what I have finally found to be the best for me. Celestron USB with a 10X lens taken from a magnifier, then with clear packing tape coated the lens with the tape and use the tape ends to connect the 10Xto the microscope. works nice!

wow! I have the same Celestron (bought it to replace my dino) and I hate it because it takes FOREVER to focus. Does yours have problems focusing in? I never thought about adding a 10x lens to it... good idea! does it cut down on the glare problem?

[KnipeDrums]

USB Micrscope

I just purchased a inexpensive usb microscope with L.E.D. lights to get pictures of my collection and extra coins. I will try to review it and post samples when i am done. I just couldnt get my Fuji HS10 to focus that close up in auto or manual mode. I also couldnt find the macro mode. So I am getting this usb microscope, hopefully it is a great tool for Lincoln Collecting. Tom

[Roller]

For genera/initial inspection away from home I prefer a 15X fold out magnifier. At home I use the "Martian" rig I crafted (picture attached with Coolpix 990 camera mounted). I only use the two flood lights on either side when I have a particulrly dull or dark coin to examine or if I need additional light for the shot. Otherwise I use the flourescent ring light attached to the B&L stereoscope, only. The flood lights are on a dimmable swithch so I get as much light as I deem necessary for proper exam. or shot. I'm not happy with the lighting and am looking to get a brighter ring light (LED) that you can cotroll in intensity and direction of light emission. Trouble is, I don't know if the extra $100 would improve on what I already have. Has anyone used the variable LED ringlight? As an aside, I prefer a magnifier and scope on which I can see the entire coin for initial inspection,

[tinytinkerbell]

Wow Roller!! nice set up!!

[alex22]

cherry picking

thank u one and all for Ur response regarding magnifiers...it help clear up some some parts of my problems.some of u mentioned a word cherry picking not sure u all mean by that??once again thank u for Ur opinion's

[busyeye]

For genera/initial inspection away from home I prefer a 15X fold out magnifier. At home I use the "Martian" rig I crafted (picture attached with Coolpix 990 camera mounted). I only use the two flood lights on either side when I have a particulrly dull or dark coin to examine or if I need additional light for the shot. Otherwise I use the flourescent ring light attached to the B&L stereoscope, only. The flood lights are on a dimmable swithch so I get as much light as I deem necessary for proper exam. or shot. I'm not happy with the lighting and am looking to get a brighter ring light (LED) that you can cotroll in intensity and direction of light emission. Trouble is, I don't know if the extra $100 would improve on what I already have. Has anyone used the variable LED ringlight? As an aside, I prefer a magnifier and scope on which I can see the entire coin for initial inspection,

Roller,
Good picture for Jody's thread: Obsessed ....You know your obsessed when .... Neat set up!

[atarian]

Here is what I have finally found to be the best for me. Celestron USB with a 10X lens taken from a magnifier, then with clear packing tape coated the lens with the tape and use the tape ends to connect the 10Xto the microscope. works nice!

Yes i have one of these and they work great . Im using this for my book actually so should say how happy i am with the usb scope.

[liveandievarieties]

Cherrypicking is the art of locating rare die varieties. Searching through coins from circulation or a dealer's stock, when you have the knowledge to look at a coin marked $2 and know it's worth $300, that's priceless. Nuttin' easier than picking a ripe cherry!