Which Magnifier Do I Choose?
There is a trade-off between magnification/magnifying power, and viewable area.
As you increase magnification, the viewable area gets smaller.
For example, text may be bigger, but you only may see one letter at a time.
Important: Many other competitors make inaccurate claims about their magnification. Carson tests and measures our magnifiers for quality control, allowing us to relay accurate information to our customers. When shopping for magnifiers, please keep in mind that magnification is limited by diameter, which is true for all optics. A 4-inch diameter lens can only be around 2x power. If a company claims numbers like 30x for that size, it is not accurate and would be considered false advertising.
BY APPLICATION:
For general reading, use 2x - 3x magnification only.
For extremely small text like on a prescription bottle, you can use 5x.
For macular degeneration or severe vision impairments, you can try 7x - 11x.
For inspection like of a diamond, try a loupe which is 10x - 20x instead of magnifier. A loupe is several lenses together, achieving higher magnification power.
You can shop our entire line of magnifiers on our website.
As you increase magnification, the viewable area gets smaller.
For example, text may be bigger, but you only may see one letter at a time.
Important: Many other competitors make inaccurate claims about their magnification. Carson tests and measures our magnifiers for quality control, allowing us to relay accurate information to our customers. When shopping for magnifiers, please keep in mind that magnification is limited by diameter, which is true for all optics. A 4-inch diameter lens can only be around 2x power. If a company claims numbers like 30x for that size, it is not accurate and would be considered false advertising.
BY APPLICATION:
For general reading, use 2x - 3x magnification only.
For extremely small text like on a prescription bottle, you can use 5x.
For macular degeneration or severe vision impairments, you can try 7x - 11x.
For inspection like of a diamond, try a loupe which is 10x - 20x instead of magnifier. A loupe is several lenses together, achieving higher magnification power.
You can shop our entire line of magnifiers on our website.
Updated on: 06/02/2025
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