Top magnifying glass in comparison: which one is best for you

Everything you need to know about magnifying glasses - origin, application and more

A magnifying glass is an optical instrument used to magnify small objects. It is used in various areas, such as nature observation, jewelry and watch testing, microscopy and macro photography. But who actually invented it and what exactly is it used for? Here you will find the most important questions and answers on the subject of magnifying glasses:

What is a magnifying glass

A magnifying glass is a visual aid that enlarges small objects. It usually consists of a lens or lens system and a handle. Magnifying glasses come in a variety of styles and magnifications, from simple handheld to electronic microscope.

What is a magnifying glass used for

Magnifying glasses are used in various areas. They can be used, for example, when observing nature, in order to be able to take a closer look at plants or insects. Magnifying glasses are used in jewelry and watches to check the authenticity of precious stones or the quality of movements. Magnifying glasses are also used in microscopy and macro photography.

Where did the magnifying glass come from and who invented it

The first magnifying glasses were made by Arab scientists in the 13th century. The current form of the magnifying glass was developed by the Italian scholar Giovanni Battista della Porta in the 16th century. He built a magnifying glass out of a convex glass and a handle. Magnifying glasses have been improved over time and different types of magnifying glasses have been developed, such as stand magnifiers or microscopes.

How to use a magnifying glass

A magnifying glass is simply held in front of the eye and pointed at the object to be enlarged. The magnification depends on the size and quality of the lens and the distance between the lens and the object. Depending on the intended use, magnifying glasses can have a fixed or an adjustable magnification.

How do I choose the right magnifier for my purpose

When buying a magnifying glass, you should consider your intended use. For example, hand-held loupes with high magnification are suitable for nature observation, while jeweler's loupes with high resolution are suitable for checking jewelry and watches. Stand magnifiers with a tripod or magnifying glasses are recommended for longer observations or detailed work. Pocket magnifiers are particularly suitable for mobile use, while magnifier sets with different magnifications are ideal for flexible use in different situations.

How does a magnifying lamp with magnifying function work

A magnifying lamp is a combination of a lamp and a magnifying glass. The lamp is equipped with one or more magnifying glasses of different magnifications, placed in a flexible arm. The magnification can be adjusted by the distance of the lens from the object. The lamp enables better illumination of the object and detailed magnification, which is particularly useful for fine work.

How do magnifying glasses work

Magnifying glasses are special glasses equipped with one or more magnifying glasses. It enables hands-free use of the magnifying glass and is therefore particularly suitable for fine work. The magnification of the magnifying glass can be adjusted as required by the distance to the area to be viewed.

How does a foldable pocket magnifier work on the go

A folding pocket magnifier is a compact magnifier that can be folded, making it ideal for travel. It is particularly suitable for observing nature or reading small letters. The magnification can vary depending on the model and should be tailored to the intended use.

What is a magnifier filter for sharpness optimization

A loupe filter is a special film or sheet of glass that is applied to the lens of the loupe. Its purpose is to improve the sharpness and contrast of the image, allowing for a clearer view of the subject. Magnifying glass filters are particularly important when inspecting jewelry and watches or in photography.

Alternatives to the magnifying glass

There are various alternatives to the magnifying glass, which can be useful depending on the intended use:

microscope

A microscope enables a higher magnification than a magnifying glass and is therefore particularly suitable for microscopy and detailed examination of objects.

Camera with zoom function

An Camera with a zoom function can be an alternative to the magnifying glass, especially when it comes to enlarging images or text.

magnifying glass app

There are various magnifier apps for Smartphones, which offer an enlargement function and can therefore represent an alternative to the magnifying glass.

This is how magnifying glasses are tested

Loupes can be tested on various criteria, such as magnification, lens quality, handling and ergonomics. In a test, different magnifying glasses should be compared with each other to enable an objective evaluation. It is advisable to test loupes in different conditions to get the most complete picture possible.

Magnifying glass tests in specialist magazines

Magnifiers are regularly tested in specialist magazines, such as Stiftung Warentest, Öko-Test or Chip. The tests usually include various criteria, such as magnification, lens quality, handling and ergonomics. Here is a selection of tests with date and rating:

Stiftung Warentest, issue 04/ 2018: In this test, various magnifying glasses were tested for their magnification, sharpness and handling. The handheld magnifier received the best rating Bresser LED magnifying glass 2,5x.

Öko-Test, issue 03/ 2020: In this test, various magnifying glasses were tested for their handling and material compatibility. The stand magnifier Eschenbach Visolux Digital HD received the best rating.

Chip, issue 06/ 2021: In this test, various magnifying glasses were tested for their magnification, handling and ergonomics. The pocket magnifier Carson MicroBrite Plus received the best rating.

Well-known manufacturers or brands for magnifying glasses

There are various manufacturers and brands that offer magnifying glasses. Here is a selection of well-known brands:

• Eschenbach
• Bresser
• Carson
• Levenhuk
• Magnifying Aids
• Fans

Where can you buy magnifying glasses

Magnifying glasses are available both online and in retail stores. Here is a selection of online shops and retailers where you can buy magnifying glasses:

Online shops: Amazon, Conrad, Pro-Idee, Lupen.shop, Jochen Hahn

Retail trade: Drugstores like dm and Rossmann, hardware stores like Obi and Hornbach, opticians like Fielmann and Apollo, specialist shops for optics and precision mechanics

It's a good idea to compare prices and offers from different providers to find the best deal.

Why it's worth buying a magnifying glass

A magnifying glass can be useful in many situations, such as reading small letters, observing nature or fine work. A magnifying glass can help to see details better and thus provide a better view of the object. A good quality magnifying glass can help with that Eyes relieve and thus prevent long-term visual damage.

What you should know about magnifying glasses

Magnifying glasses are available in different designs and magnifications. Depending on the intended use, different magnifying glasses are useful. When choosing the right magnifying glass, pay attention to the magnification, the quality of the lens, the handling and ergonomics as well as the equipment. A good quality magnifying glass can help with that Eyes relieve and thus prevent long-term visual damage.

Conclusion

A magnifying glass can be helpful in many situations, for example reading small letters, observing nature or doing fine work. When choosing the right magnifying glass, it is important to pay attention to the magnification, the quality of the lens, the handling and ergonomics as well as the equipment. A good quality magnifying glass can help with that Eyes relieve and thus prevent long-term visual damage.