Hi all. I've been a field botanist for a while now, and I've gotten by on plant identification using provided equipment, known lists w/ pictures & descriptions, and dissecting scopes back at the office. However, I'm getting to the point in my career where I need to be able to do this on my own and am trying to gather the equipment I need to be a more independent botanist in the field. When it comes to deciding between X and Y product, I get SO bogged down in the details that I'm paralyzed and don't make a purchase for months. Right now, I'm trying to choose a loupe and am running into this issue. I've been told for forever that a Bausch + Lomb hastings triplet 10x was the golden standard, and of course when I try to order one every supplier seems to be out of stock. An example can be found here: https://www.ascscientific.com/products/bausch-lomb-hastings-triplet-hand-lenses?variant=47540232814894, where the other magnifications are available, but not the 10x. Through the same supplier you can find this: https://www.ascscientific.com/products/10x-21mm-triplet-hand-lens, which is 10x with a larger lens diameter, but the price seems low enough to suggest this is a lower quality lens.
So, what am I looking for? Personal experience in different lens brands and sizes would be great. I'm sure whatever I get, even if it's not the perfect lens is going to be just fine, but any push in a direction would be greatly appreciated!
by femboydelivery
3 Comments
The B and L 10x is the gold standard. You get less distortion at the edges than with a larger lens and the lens stays closed, even after 20 years of field use. I have a 10x and a 20x for my work and the 10x is used the most. Try Forestry Suppliers.
Bausch and Lomb 10x. Your choice as to Coddington (larger, black rim around the lens) or Hastings (smaller, no rim.) I prefer Hastings, but both are excellent.
I’d also recommend Belomo triplets. They’re built like a tank and have a nice large field of view.