Illuminated head magnifiers: characteristics and selection

Today, technologies do not stand still, absolutely all spheres in human life are developing, and this is also the case in science. Scientists or simply amateurs have more and more opportunities, and this, in turn, allows them to make more and more discoveries. One of these possibilities is modern binocular head loupes, and we will talk about them.

Special head magnifiers are widely used both in science and medicine, for example, they are very often used by neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists, and in everyday life, all because they are very comfortable and functional. After all, there are situations when we need to consider some small details, and at the same time, our hands should be completely free. In such a situation, of course, an ordinary desktop magnifier with a mount can help, but often its magnification capabilities are not enough, and it is also not very convenient to transfer it from place to place every time. This is where binocular loupes come to our rescue.

Such a magnifier is a magnifying glass in a plastic case, most often lightweight, a device is attached to the head using a special strap and a retainer, often they are made with illumination. Also recently, magnifying glasses began to be replaced by plastic lenses, which are in no way inferior, and sometimes even surpass glass.

The general characteristics of binocular lenses include:

• field of view - This is the area that the eye can see through this lens;
• lens working distance Is the distance at which the lens is clearly focused;
• depth of field Is the range of distance over which an object or image remains in sharp focus;
• multiplicity of magnification this is the number of times the image is enlarged.

In general, there are a lot of types of such loupes, since they all can differ in the characteristics of the lenses that are installed in them.

But if we compare magnifiers by type of attachment, then they can be divided into several types.

• The most commonly used variety with adjustable rim, which is made of lightweight plastic and is fixed on the head with mounts, they have the ability to adjust the size.

• With a clothespin. This type is usually attached to ordinary glasses or a visor using a special clothespin.

• Elasticated bezel magnifier does not have special mounts and devices, but it is also well attached to the head due to the rim, which tightly runs around the head.

• Glasses-shaped magnifier rests on the head with the help of special temples, as in ordinary glasses.

By the presence of illumination, magnifiers are divided into several varieties.

• Without any backlighting at all... This view requires full external lighting.

• Binocular loupe with a flashlight in the middle. This type is also not the most convenient, since the light does not always cover all the necessary space with light, well, it is not regulated in any way. Sometimes additional lighting is required to fully work with this type of magnifier.

• Magnifier with LED backlight. This is the most convenient option, since the lighting is already complete, plus the direction of the light can most often be conveniently adjusted.

Also, such magnifiers are divided into several varieties according to the set and type of installed lenses.

In the second case, there are only two types: with monolithic lenses and with lenses that are built into the folding eyepieces.... The functional eyepieces, which can be raised, are very handy if you need to interrupt your work temporarily.

In order not to be disappointed in the purchase of such loupes, you should carefully determine the purpose in which you will use them, since different types of binocular loupes are suitable in different industries.

If you choose such a device and are going to use it in the field of medicine (for example, you are an ENT, ophthalmologist, dentist, surgeon), then you should choose a device with a wide range of lenses of different characteristics.

If you work with small details, for example, soldering electronics, and you need such a magnifier in your work, then a device with one type of lens will suit you, so you can not spend extra money. A magnifying glass is perfect as a mount. And you can choose the lighting yourself, it all depends on how you feel more comfortable.

For those people who are engaged in jewelry, restoration of paintings, decorative embroidery, it is better to choose a device with several types of lenses, with any type of attachment that is more convenient, well, the option with LED backlighting.

Before choosing a type of binocular magnifier, it is worth considering all its advantages.

• Simplicity, convenience and ease of use.
• The ability to choose the option that will be useful to you in everyday life or in your work, since there are a lot of such varieties, there is a necessary item for everyone.
• Additional clarity of the desired image.
• A high-quality magnifier has a special coating that does not give glare, which means that the color rendition is excellent.
• Compactness of the device and low weight.
• Resistant to moisture and dust.

If you work in medicine and choose this magnifier, then you need to know the order of its selection.

1. First, define optimal working distance, that is, the distance between your eyes and the object you are looking at in Table 1.
2. Then, using table 1, determine the required increase, depends on the specialty in which the work is carried out.
3. And in the end decide on the variety the most head binocular loupe that you need (type of attachment, illumination and number of lenses in the set).

If you need such a magnifier for other work, then you need to choose the magnification factor of the lenses in a certain way.

• Multiplicity 2.5 is the most common in use, as it has a large depth of field and a wide coverage of the field of view.
• Multiplicity 3.5 used in very fine work where a large depth of field and a wide field of view are not required. Usually these are works with very small details.
• Multiplicity 3.0 is something in between the first and second options. There is a very good magnification here and an average depth of field and an average field of view.

Thus, we can conclude that the binocular loupe is a very convenient device both in professional activity and in some household conditions... This device has a number of advantages compared to other types of magnifying devices, the main thing is to choose it correctly according to the above tips.

Below is a video review of the illuminated binocular loupe.