Underwater Magnifying Glass

[pelan-pelan]

Are underwater magnifying glasses any different from ordinary ones? If so, how? And if so, what are the features to look out for when buying one?

I've used a plastic print magnifier quite adequately in the past, but am thinking of getting something better.

Hope someone can help.

 

[Bert van den Berg]

The index of refraction is very different for water/glass interface vs air/glass interface so the magnefying properties are not as strong in water. Buy a powerful magnefying glass as big as you are comfortable with or assemble one yourself with air between the glasses for better results.

 

[BDSC]

I bought these off Amazon and they work great. You can drill a hole in the handle to attach a lanyard if you want. You get two for $10. Can't beat it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019XHWBQQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Lorenzoid]

I switched to one of these: Onderwaterloep voor duikers. Absolutely fantastic. Considerably better magnification than a simple "wet" lens.

 

[tursiops]

I switched to one of these: Onderwaterloep voor duikers. Absolutely fantastic. Considerably better magnification than a simple "wet" lens.

I gave one of these to my wife for Christmas. I hope she lets me use it!

 

[Lorenzoid]

I gave one of these to my wife for Christmas. I hope she lets me use it!

My wife gave me mine as a gift a year or so ago.

 

[pelan-pelan]

Thanks for the info. Bert - particularly thanks for clarifying the answer.

 

[pelan-pelan]

Returning to this thread. The answer is so simple and very, very cheap. I used one of those plastic sheet magnifiers, some are credit-card sized, better are the ones like oversized bookmarks. Magnification worked really well and best held a foot or more distance from the target, held at arms length so you are quite a long way from the critter, which might therefore stay put. At that distance two divers can look through one magnifier. I haven't tried one of the full-book-sized sheets. They must be awesome, like looking through a TV screen. Add virtually nothing to your baggage weight/bulk.

If you're on a budget, this won't break the bank. You can pick them up for free at some Libraries!

 

[DiveTy]

I switched to one of these: Onderwaterloep voor duikers. Absolutely fantastic. Considerably better magnification than a simple "wet" lens.

What was the cost and are they sold here in the U.S. Thanks

 

[Lorenzoid]

What was the cost and are they sold here in the U.S. Thanks

Did you click on the link? There is an option to "Order," and it lists the price. The guy ships them from the Netherlands. Mine arrived within a couple of weeks, if I recall.