Make Sight Easy With The Best Extra-Large Magnifying Glass

Human vision is restricted, and our eye lens can read tiny words or view smaller objects up to a certain extent. However, beyond that level, the convexity of our eye lens can't change to allow a convergence of the light rays entering through the cornea. This is why when certain words or objects are very small, we can't view them properly with our naked eyes.

Under such circumstances, we rely on an external convex lens, also known as a magnifying glass. Several magnifying glasses are there, depending on the lens size, focal length, radius of curvature, thickness, and even material with which they are made. Today, however, we will focus on the extra-large magnifying glasses used to study minute objects not visible to the naked eyes.

What is the Difference Between an Extra-Large Magnifying Glass and Microscope?

Before we start today's main discussion, we would like to discuss a major controversial topic. So often, people get confused between a magnifying glass and a microscope as both the devices almost have the same function, i.e., magnification of the object to be viewed. Since here we will be discussing the extra-large magnifying glasses, understanding the differences between these two lens devices is imperative. At least, after this, you will have clarity!

An extra-large magnifying glass has only one convex lens, with a higher focal length than the normal ones. Thus, one can see smaller and minute objects using these glasses, provided they appear blurry or distorted to the naked eyes. You will have a circular rim that encapsulates the lens and a handle for holding the device.

On the other hand, a microscope is a more complex device having two lenses with different focal lengths. These devices will allow you the highest degrees of magnification, allowing you to see things that are invisible to the naked eyes. So, a microscope can be considered an advanced version of a magnifying glass.

Now, let’s dive in to explore some factors to choose the best extra-large magnifying glass.

What are the Key Considerations to Purchase an Extra-Large Magnifying Glass?

Type of Lens Combination

The first thing you need to know is the various lens combinations available for extra-large magnifying glasses. Each combination uses a different lens and also has a specific purpose.

• A simple convex lens will give you a magnification of 2x or 3x. It is used mainly for low-power work to view the object, but the images are blurred.
• An achromat is a combination of a concave and convex lens cemented together. To reduce the color fringes and chromatic aberrations, such a combination is used. Also, with the achromat, the magnification power is increased considerably.
• The doublet lens consists of two semi-convex lenses, placed in conjunction without any join between them. The bulging part of the lenses is placed towards the inner side for better magnification.
• Triplet lenses have a combination of convex-concave-convex. With this combination, there will be no image distortion or chromatic aberrations. The triplet lens provides the highest magnification power.

Working distance

Working distance is the length between the magnifying lens and the object to be viewed. It can be equal to the focal length of the lens or greater than that. However, the working distance is usually kept between the center of curvature and the optical point of the lens being used. Therefore, if you need some tool between the lens and the object under inspection, the working distance should be greater to accommodate the tool. Similarly, there is no need to look for a magnifying glass with a large working distance for simpler works.

Magnification

Magnification is defined as the ratio of the height of the image to the height of the object. In simple words, it is the number of times the object will be enlarged when being viewed through the optical lens. The higher the magnification, the larger will be the image through the lens and vice versa. For better visibility and deeper inspection, you need at least 10x, 15x, or 20x magnification. 2x or 3x magnification power is ideal for smaller works. To calculate the magnification power, you can use the formula as M= 10/FL, where FL is the lens's focal length.

Field of view

According to the physical definition, the field of view or FOV is considered the open area that can be viewed easily through the eyes or an optical device like the magnifying lens. It is an important factor to consider because FOV includes a larger area, thereby defining the boundaries of a clear vision rather than including only the focal point. With more power, the FOV will decrease. For example, a 10x magnification will have about 0.5" FOV while a 3x magnification will have more than 1.5" FOV. Hence, for scanning smaller areas, you need a small FOV or larger magnification and vice versa.

Coatings

Regardless of the focal length of the lens's magnification power, it would be best if you bought a magnifying glass that comes with a coated surface. Anti-glare, anti-reflective, and other types of coats are applied to increase the performance and efficiency of the extra-large magnifying glasses. Also, with a coating, the image will have more clarity, and you won't have to put stress on your eyes.

Warranty

Even though nothing can go wrong with an extra-large magnifying glass, the same can’t be said about the LEDs integrated into some of the magnifiers. So, you should always check the warranty offered by the brand. Usually, these magnifying glasses either have a warranty period of 30 days or 1-2 years. However, some units also offer a lifetime warranty.

Final Words

From the attributes mentioned earlier, you will be able to choose the best extra-large magnifying glasses for yourself. Not only will it help you to view the smaller objects clearly, but it also will alleviate the pressure on your eyes due to stressed viewing. All you need to do is compare all the magnifying glasses you have in the list based on the factors we have discussed above.