Hello ,

A hand lens or small magnifying glass is one of an entomologist’s useful field tools. I always have at least one in my pocket whenever I leave the house. A whole new world is opened once you start looking through the hand lens. It allows you to look at insects and objects in more detail as it magnifies the object anywhere from three to thirty times depending on the hand lens.

The main reason an entomologist carries a hand lens is to view small characteristics of an insect that is used to make an accurate identification.

Hand lenses come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. The magnifying elements can either be made from glass or from plastic. Both glass and plastic elements have their own set of pros and cons. The glass elements are prone to braking and shattering, but doesn’t scratch easily and the view remains clear and crisp over time. Whereas plastic elements are not prone to break and shatter so easily, but they are not scratch resistant and may become dull over time due to the scratch marks.

Personally, I prefer a 10 times magnification loupe that consists of glass elements and has a frame that it is attached to and swivels into to protect the lens from scratches. Even though a hand lens is a very good field tool it is also very good for general entomological and biological purposes out in the field and inside of the lab.

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