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How to Use a Hand Lens

Hand lens are compact magnifying glasses used by gardeners and biologists to identify insects, plants and leaves. Their compact size also makes them suitable as reading aids for the visually impaired. Glass lens are more easily cleaned than plastic lenses, though plastic lenses are lighter and usually cheaper. Plastic lenses have a tendency to scratch more. Providing better magnification than the standard lollipop lens, hand lenses allow closeups of mouth parts and wings of tiny creatures. They are easy to use.

Things You'll Need

hand lens

Instructions

Use
- 1
  Bring the lens to the eye you wish to look through. Give yourself extra support by holding it with the back of your thumb across your cheek.
- 2
  Make sure the sample you wish to look at is close to the hand lens, preferably an inch away. Be careful if you are looking at an insect not to accidentally hurt it. Use discretion while monitoring insects so as not to upset them. Move your head and hands until the sample enters your complete focus. Eventually you will learn how to handle the lens through multiple uses.
- 3
  Search for small plants and creatures in places you would not normally think they would be. Look under the grass blades behind your house. Train your hand lens on the soil in your garden to see ants, earthworms and springtails . You will be able to see closeups of things like never before with a lens.

Insects & Science