What is a hand lens?

A hand lens, also known as a magnifying glass or magnifier, is a small, handheld optical instrument used to magnify objects for closer inspection. It typically consists of a convex lens mounted in a frame with a handle for easy gripping.

Hand lenses come in various magnification powers, ranging from 2x to 20x or higher. They can be made of glass or plastic, with glass lenses generally providing higher optical quality and sharper images.

Hand lenses are commonly used by field biologists, botanists, geologists, entomologists, and other professionals for examining small details in plants, insects, rocks, and other objects. They are also popular among hobbyists, collectors, and children for exploring nature and inspecting items up close.

Some hand lenses feature built-in LED lights or ultraviolet (UV) illumination for better visibility in low-light conditions or for viewing special materials that fluoresce under UV light.

Overall, hand lenses are simple yet useful tools for magnification and can provide a better understanding and appreciation of the world around us.