My Favourite Loupe

[Ari]

I've had all manner of loupes over the last few years, ranging from $10 cheap-os to used $150 Leitzes to Chinese knock-offs at $60.
I've sold them all.
The one I keep coming back to is a cheap-o as well, but it's perfect, at least for me.
A simple Peak 5x

They're on sale now at B&H for about $8, I got me three of 'em.

Long enough to use with a hood, not too high a magnification, bright, weighs a few grams, and is almost unbreakable in everyday usage.
Just passing it along.

[Bob Salomon]

"$150 Leitzes"

Or those one marked Wetzlar? Like the ones made by Emo.

[Gem Singer]

The Toyo 3.6X loupe has protective rubber bumpers on both ends, is long enough to use with a folding focusing hood, doesn't need to be diopter adjusted, and is reasonably priced.

For use under a dark cloth, with diopter correction, the Fujinon 4X loupe is also hard to beat,

[John Kasaian]

I've got a Silvestri 6x tilting loupe I like alot, as well as the old ubiquitous Agfa it replaced.

[Brian K]

My preferred loupe is also the Toyo. No fuss, small, but long enough to keep your nose of the GG, good optic.

[John Powers]

My preferred loupe is also the Toyo. No fuss, small, but long enough to keep your nose of the GG, good optic.

Another vote for the Toyo. My understanding is that this loupe is no longer on the market. Has that changed?

John

[Ari]

"$150 Leitzes"

Or those one marked Wetzlar? Like the ones made by Emo.

Yes, the very same; Leitz Wetzlar, made by Emo.

[John Powers]

The one I keep coming back to is a cheap-o as well, but it's perfect, at least for me.
A simple Peak 5x

They're on sale now at B&H for about $8, I got me three of 'em.

.

Ari,

Following your link, what is the ring object under the loupe in B&H's photo? It appears to be a metal ring with two splits.

I certainly am fond of my Peak #1 enlarging focusing tool. Are the optics as good on this loupe? Hard to imagine at that price.

John

[Ari]

Ari,

Following your link, what is the ring object under the loupe in B&H's photo? It appears to be a metal ring with two splits.

I certainly am fond of my Peak #1 enlarging focusing tool. Are the optics as good on this loupe? Hard to imagine at that price.

John

John,
The ring you see is just the "foot" of the loupe, shown to give an idea of its length.
Like I said, I've sold many loupes in favour of this one; I used to keep it as a spare, but I find the optics and magnification just perfect for GG use, so it's now the only loupe I carry.

At $8 how can you go wrong? You might also be pleasantly surprised.

[Greg Lockrey]

My Schneider 6x ASPH lupe has been a joy to use.