Magnifier Buyers Guide

Reading some of our advice before purchasing your magnifier can make the experience more enjoyable by setting your expectations and understanding your needs. 

The following criteria can make it easier for you to choose the right magnifying glass:

Define your purpose:

Look, inspect, read --> Handheld Magnifiers, Stand Magnifiers, ....

Analyzing/Measuring/Checking/Testing --> Measuring Magnifiers, (Professional) folding or Technical Magnifiers, Linen Testers,....

Hands-free work --> Headband Magnifiers, Bench Magnifiers, Magnifying lamps, Stand magnifiers, Surgical Magnifiers, ….

Magnification factor vs. Field of View

Try to keep the magnification factor as low as possible. Because the lower the magnification, the larger the viewing section (lens diameter); this makes observing your object of interest easier. Please remember, with a very high magnification, the field of view or lens will be very small, making it difficult to know what you are looking at on the object. - A high magnification with a large lens diameter does not exist. 

Magnification factor vs. Working Distance

The higher the magnification, the closer you have to get to the object for it to be enlarged with most magnifier models (e.g. hand magnifiers). - A high magnification and a large working distance does not exist.

Glass lens vs. Plastic lens

Magnifiers with glass lenses are slightly heavier than magnifiers with plastic lenses, but glass lenses scratch less easier than plastic lenses. This can e.g. be crucial when choosing handheld magnifiers. If you purchase a magnifier plastic lens, make sure you add a lens or magnifier cover or pouch.

Lighting vs. No lighting

If your environment is well lit, you might not need a light with your magnifier. Having a light with your magnifier will be helpful in darker environments, but it will make your magnifier heavier.