I'm looking to buy a 10x Schenider loupe, but it seems there are 2 different types on the market. There's the old one (model 39203) which goes for $190 at B&H, and the new one (model 34561) - $255 at B&H. As I understand it, the new one is redesigned and supposed to provide superior performance. http://www.schneideroptics.com/loupes/loupes.htm shows the new designs. Has anyone checked this out? Is the new model worth the extra $$?

-- Stan (snowchasse@yahoo.com), July 19, 2001

Answers

I have a Schneider 8X 39643 loupe which I like. The newer ones have interchangeable bases for viewing prints or transparencies with. If this holds true with the 10X I would opt for the newer one. It would be worth the difference.

Mark J.

-- Mark A. Johnson (logic@gci.net), July 20, 2001.

Have you looked at the Rodenstock loupes? It has a slip-shade that you move up or down for tranparancies or prints. Seems easier than having to keep track of two bases.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), July 20, 2001.

I have the old 4x Schneider & it has interchangeable bases for negatives & slides. The new models do look cooler, though.

-- Chris Chen (furcafe@cris.com), July 20, 2001.

As I understand it, the newer one does not take the slide viewer accessory, which hold a mounted slide...

-- Mani Sitarasman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), July 21, 2001.

It doesn't seem like the new 10x loupe has an interchangeable base, according to their new brochure (available in .pdf at their website). It's specifically for viewing slides. So it's basically the same as the previous model, but with a new design. Does anyone know if the new model is a significant enough improvement to warrant the extra $65?

-- Stan (snowchasse@yahoo.com), July 21, 2001.

I am lucky enough to own the older 10x and highly recommend it. Schneider is a company you can trust either way. I own a small peak 22x and was surprised to be able to discern more detail with the Schneider 10x. The Schneider is also excellent out to the edges. The only gripe is the coverage, the 10x covers a slide along the 24mm side only.

-- pedro lastra (plastra@bellsouth.net), July 21, 2001.