Magnifiers

Magnification indicates how much closer an object appears. A magnifier with 10x magnification makes an object appear 10 times larger than with the naked eye. A magnifier with 20x magnification therefore magnifies an object twice as much as a 10x magnifier. However, a magnifier with 20x magnification often has a smaller field of view and more distortion.

For field observations of plants, insects, or fungi, magnifiers with 10x to 20x magnification are ideal. A 10x triplet magnifier is popular due to its sharp image quality and minimal distortion. For detecting insects or small details, 20x is recommended. The table below can be used as a guide. However, the final decision remains entirely dependent on personal preference.

There are different types of magnifiers. You can choose a magnifier without illumination, but you can also choose one with LED lighting. A magnifier with LED lighting provides extra clarity in low light or in dark places (such as shady areas). Magnifiers without LED are often more compact and lighter, but are therefore less suitable in twilight or cloudy conditions. For fieldwork, a magnifier with LED can be a practical addition.