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I use a 10x jeweler's loupe, I can't imagine you would need much more power than that?

I use a 10x/20x loupe and it gets the job done.

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I've been happy with this:

http://www.net54baseball.com/showthread.php?t=117225

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Looks like a similar item can be had for a much cheaper price

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Jewelers...7130280&sr=8-6

I wonder what the difference between the two are.

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I assume any of the eBay examples would work fine. I have a variety of microscopes including a cheapo plastic model, and the cheapo plastic model works.

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Here's a few.
http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/...FRBNgwodLCQ2Fg

I went to a reputable jewler near my work, asked for a loupe, offered nicely to pay any reasonable amount, and they said "keep it". 20x loupes arent that expensive and do a reasonable job. The UV lighting is a nice add for other models, but no need to spend big $. Or any, if you ask nicely. :)

I recommend getting the 100x microscope. 60x or 80x should work the same. The loupe has its uses, but is a different thing.

magnifier
 

with Peter S, the 10X loupe has done the trick for me for years.

all the best,


barry