I’m looking for advice/information on what is the best magnified lighting and or loupes.
I’d like to know exactly what brand, style, diopter, where to buy and price if possible. I am newly graduated so I would like to keep the price down but will spend if deemed necessary and people say it will improve my work.
I appreciate any and all advice and recommendations. Thanks!!
I’m surprised no one has replied to this previously.
Maybe it is because the only way to find out what works best for YOU is to try the stuff out in person and compare the various items and decide what set of compromises will bring you to your best working situation. As such, it would be advisable to check out used items being sold by people who will allow you to try the stuff out, and help you to learn how to use the tech with their help.
The unfortunate thing about this industry is most equipment is purchased on a wing and a prayer with little to no possibility of returning for a refund if it doesn’t work out.
Good Luck
The best help I received was from Carl Zeiss. A representative came to my clinic, and after trying various magnification lenses, allowed me to use them for 2 weeks prior to paying for them. Our individual needs are best met in this way.
blinks . Nice to see you posting James.
Since ergonomics is so much of what we do, James advice is spot on ( and he would probably be the first person I would ask about such things) . You need to make sure the focal length ( and your arms!) work well together and the only way to do that is to try the optics for a couple days.
I use a 6 diopter circle lamp because its all I can afford, and it works adequately,but yes your work will improve when you can see the follicle more closely. I know I’ve seen it mentioned here by some of the professionals that some of the microscope suppliers will allow you to test the optics for a period before you purchase, and that would be the best way to go.
Edit: I think this post was made when the board software was acting up, and thus why it went un-noticed. All fixed now.
Seana
All great advice on visual aids.
Don’t skimp on this part of your business. Buy what works for you. I use surgical loupes 5 X magnification. A representative custom fitted the loupes for me. I use Orascoptic, but there are many ways to go on this. I have been very pleased with my setup. The complaint I have is after five hours of working, the glasses feel too heavy on my nose.
A stereo microscope, like what James uses, would solve that problem, but I couldn’t get it to work for me. For that equipment, you need to purchase a screw on lens that suits your arm reach. In my case, that would be a 150mm. The 125 was too short and the 175mm was too long. The rep didn’t have a 150mm for me to try, so I gave up. It was an exhausting experience, but at least I gave it a good try. Stereo microscopes are expensive, but they offer powerful magnification.
James glad to see you back on here. You’re like the foremost expert on optics when it comes to helping people get their setup.