loupe

thumb|upright|A photographic loupe for examining film and prints A loupe ( ) is a simple, small magnification device used to see small details more closely. They generally have higher magnification than a magnifying glass, and are designed to be held or worn close to the eye. A loupe does not have an attached handle, and its focusing lens(es) are contained in an opaque cylinder or cone. On some loupes this cylinder folds into an enclosing housing that protects the lenses when not in use.

== Optics == thumb|Diagram of a single lens loupe Three basic types of loupes exist: Simple lenses, generally used for low-magnification designs because of high optical aberration. Compound lenses, generally used for higher magnifications to control optical aberration. Prismatic, multiple lenses with prisms.