Best Magnifyingglasses for Hobbies

Adam Reeder is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds.

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Magnification power reflects how much larger the glass can make any image appear. It’s usually noted by a number followed by the letter X. This describes how many times larger an image appears through the magnifying glass than it appears with the naked eye. Reading magnifying glasses are best if they have a magnification of less than 10X. Models that have magnification of 10X or more are best for situations where you want to see fine details on an object.

Have you ever thought about the structure of optical fiber? How can a thin strand of glass, about the width of a human hair, transmit vast amounts of data across great distances? Optical fiber is composed of three elements – the core, the cladding and the coating. These elements carry data by way of infrared light, thus propagating signal through the fiber. The core is at the center of the optical fiber and provides a pathway for light to travel. In multimode fiber, the core size is either 62.5 or 50 microns (µm), and approximately 8.3 microns in a single-mode fiber. The larger core size in multimode fiber provides various pathways for light to travel, whereas the small core size in single-mode fiber provides a single pathway. Next is the cladding, which is 125 microns. The cladding holds the light inside the core and controls the direction in which light is spread through the fiber. When light enters the fiber at the appropriate approach angle, also known as the critical angle, it will reflect and stay inside the core, thus achieving a process called “total internal reflection”. If it’s not at the perfect angle, the light will refract and the signal will be lost. Lastly, we have the coating, which acts as the primary buffer. It has a diameter that, historically, has been 250 µm. It cushions and protects the fibers from humidity and hostile environments. Two layers of urethane Acrylate (plastic) make up the coating, also known as the “soft” and “hard” layers. The soft layer cushions the fiber and the hard layer provides abrasion resistance. The coating also has a higher index of refraction than the core and the cladding which allows for unwanted light to refract from the cladding. Additionally, there are new fibers being release to the industry that have a reduced diameter of 200 µm. These allow for smaller cable diameters in ultra-high density fiber optic cables, like 3456 fiber and 6912 fiber cables.  You can learn more about optical fiber in this presentation from Patrick Dobbins, the Director of Applications Engineering and Field Engineering for AFL.

A. The part of a magnifying glass that is damaged most often is the lens itself. If you want a “durable” magnifying glass, look for one with a scratch-resistant lens. This is the most important factor in guaranteeing the longevity of your magnifying glass.

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Most magnifying glasses cost between $2 and $50. A $2 magnifying glass is a basic plastic handheld reading glass. For $20, you can get a mid-range magnifying glass with two lenses and a built-in light. If you spend $50, you can find a deluxe magnifying glass with three or more lenses and as many as 15 built-in lights.

What we like: Three ultra-bright LED lights. Multiple lenses with different magnification specs. Light to the touch and ergonomically pleasing.

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Some magnifying glasses include multiple lenses in order to deliver more magnification versatility. These magnifying glasses allow you to choose your specific magnification based on your needs at that moment. While some allow you to switch between lenses, others have a split-lens design, with different magnification specs on one piece of glass.

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What we like: Its 4X and 10X lenses are extremely powerful. Lightweight for the size. LED lights are useful in low light.

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A magnifying glass contains a lens that’s made into a convex shape in order to better see small objects. Magnifying glasses have plenty of uses, from making it easier to read a book to examining valuables, such as stamps or gemstones. There are a number of options available when it comes to handheld magnifying glasses. It’s important to choose the right one based on your needs and personal preferencesIf you’re ready to start shopping for a new magnifying glass, read the following buying guide, which includes reviews of a few of our favorites at the end. Our top pick, MagniPros Horizontal LED Magnifying Glass, is so durable and functional, you might want to buy a few as gifts.Considerations when choosing magnifying glassesMagnification powerMagnification power reflects how much larger the glass can make any image appear. It’s usually noted by a number followed by the letter X. This describes how many times larger an image appears through the magnifying glass than it appears with the naked eye. Reading magnifying glasses are best if they have a magnification of less than 10X. Models that have magnification of 10X or more are best for situations where you want to see fine details on an object.Focal lengthFocal length describes the distance that a magnifying glass can be from an object while still maintaining visual focus. This factor is important to consider when determining what you want to use your magnifying glass for. If you want to use it for building models or other activities that may require tools, you want a longer focal length so the lens doesn’t get in the way of your work. Otherwise, a shorter focal length may suffice.Field of view Field of view refers to the size of the area you can see while looking through the lens of your magnifying glass. Higher magnification powers usually yield smaller fields of view. If you plan to use your magnifying glass for reading, you probably want a larger field of view. Model-building and similar detail-based activities probably require a smaller field of view.FeaturesMultiple lensesSome magnifying glasses include multiple lenses in order to deliver more magnification versatility. These magnifying glasses allow you to choose your specific magnification based on your needs at that moment. While some allow you to switch between lenses, others have a split-lens design, with different magnification specs on one piece of glass.Hands-free featureJewelry-making magnifying glasses or models specifically intended for hobby use have a hands-free feature. These magnifying glasses have a stand that sits on a desk or table (similar to a desk lamp), allowing you to have both hands free while looking through the lens.LightingOne of the most convenient features for a magnifying glass is built-in lighting. Many reading magnifying glasses have this feature to allow for reading in the dark while a partner may be trying to sleep. Jewelry and hobby magnifying glasses also sometimes have lighting to improve your view of whatever you may be working on. Magnifying glasses may include anywhere between two and 15 LED lights.AccessoriesSome magnifying glasses come with additional accessories to make transporting and caring for them easier. Protective cases and cleaning cloths are just a couple of the accessories available.PriceMost magnifying glasses cost between $2 and $50. A $2 magnifying glass is a basic plastic handheld reading glass. For $20, you can get a mid-range magnifying glass with two lenses and a built-in light. If you spend $50, you can find a deluxe magnifying glass with three or more lenses and as many as 15 built-in lights.FAQQ. What makes a magnifying glass considered “durable”?A. The part of a magnifying glass that is damaged most often is the lens itself. If you want a “durable” magnifying glass, look for one with a scratch-resistant lens. This is the most important factor in guaranteeing the longevity of your magnifying glass.Q. What kind of magnifying glass should I get for reading?A. Handheld magnifying glasses are the preferred type for those who use them for reading. They give you the most control, which is important when you’re using it for reading.Magnifying glasses we recommendBest of the best: MagniPros’ Horizontal LED Magnifying GlassOur take: This rugged magnifying glass lights up anything you aim it at.What we like: Wide horizontal lens. The 10 LED lights work with a dimmer switch for added versatility.What we dislike: Handle is awkward for some users.Best bang for your buck: MagniPros’ LED Magnifying GlassOur take: Lots of lights for such an affordable magnifying glass.What we like: Three ultra-bright LED lights. Multiple lenses with different magnification specs. Light to the touch and ergonomically pleasing.What we dislike: Some feel the more powerful lenses are too small.Choice 3: Fancii’s Jumbo LED Magnifying GlassOur take: Huge benefits from this huge magnifying glass.What we like: Its 4X and 10X lenses are extremely powerful. Lightweight for the size. LED lights are useful in low light.What we dislike: Some users found the large magnifying glass too bulky to be practical.Adam Reeder is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money. BestReviews never accepts free products from manufacturers and purchases every product it reviews with its own funds.BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

If you’re ready to start shopping for a new magnifying glass, read the following buying guide, which includes reviews of a few of our favorites at the end. Our top pick, MagniPros Horizontal LED Magnifying Glass, is so durable and functional, you might want to buy a few as gifts.

A. Handheld magnifying glasses are the preferred type for those who use them for reading. They give you the most control, which is important when you’re using it for reading.

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Jewelry-making magnifying glasses or models specifically intended for hobby use have a hands-free feature. These magnifying glasses have a stand that sits on a desk or table (similar to a desk lamp), allowing you to have both hands free while looking through the lens.

Some magnifying glasses come with additional accessories to make transporting and caring for them easier. Protective cases and cleaning cloths are just a couple of the accessories available.

Best Magnifying Glassfor reading

One of the most convenient features for a magnifying glass is built-in lighting. Many reading magnifying glasses have this feature to allow for reading in the dark while a partner may be trying to sleep. Jewelry and hobby magnifying glasses also sometimes have lighting to improve your view of whatever you may be working on. Magnifying glasses may include anywhere between two and 15 LED lights.

Field of view refers to the size of the area you can see while looking through the lens of your magnifying glass. Higher magnification powers usually yield smaller fields of view. If you plan to use your magnifying glass for reading, you probably want a larger field of view. Model-building and similar detail-based activities probably require a smaller field of view.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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Focal length describes the distance that a magnifying glass can be from an object while still maintaining visual focus. This factor is important to consider when determining what you want to use your magnifying glass for. If you want to use it for building models or other activities that may require tools, you want a longer focal length so the lens doesn’t get in the way of your work. Otherwise, a shorter focal length may suffice.