magnifying glass vs microscope

[orchids44]

Can anyone recommend a quality brand loupe 10-20X maybe in the $40 - $80 range?
Thanks!

[Jayfar]

Because I purchased a pH tester last week, Amazon added other scientific thingies to the items it recommends to me, including: 420 Scope 60-100x LED Handheld Microscope.

Amazon.com: 420 Scope 60-100x LED Handheld Microscope

Gotta love that it's named 420 to cater to the cannabis growing crowd. Of course it's common knowledge that orchid growers are just a minor side market for many of the fine products we buy for our plants.

[Discus]

A good loupe would be better for general examination and "critter hunting"; a built in light might be a nice extra.

A dissecting microscope with a fiber optic light source is your best bet for examining most critters, but they are very expensive. If you happen to have easy access to them where you work (or at a college or school or have a friend that has access to one), then you can always take a suspect leaf or whatever to the microscope. Most vets will also have one.

Compound microscopes aren't great for most critters.

[orchids44]

Thank you Jayfar and Discus.
Unfortunately, I don't have access to a microscope.
All the feedback from the forum has been wonderful. I can now move forward towards making an informed decision!

[Bud]

I got a triangular loupe with a 10X, 15X and a 20X built in....from the Tucson Gem Show back in 2008 for $25....try searching online for Gemologist loupes....I also got the head gear for $45 with three sets of magnifying glasses with battery operated light used for threading beads. I wear it to inspect the leaves of my plants.