magnifying glass

[tedh]

Hi Everyone.  I've been carrying a handheld magnifying glass thinking it would help me see eggs easier.  Problem is trying to get the sunlight in the cell with my head in the way!  I was thinking of a magnifying glass with a light on it.  One I could slip in my ultrabreeze pocket.  Anyone use one and if so which one do you use?  Thanks, Ted

[brooksbeefarm]

You can buy a head band with a light and magnifying glass on it at Harbor Freight, i bought one, but don't remember where i put it . . Jack

[G3farms]

I use one of the small LED flashlights that uses one AA battery, make a world of difference to my eyes, but I do have to put my nose almost on the comb too

[tedh]

I tried the led flashlight and found what you did, nose on the comb.  That's why I'm thinking lighted magnifying glass.  There are LOTS of them out there, just hoped to get one that works for eggs the first time around.

[neillsayers]

I've got  jeweler's visor I bought pretty cheap on amazon. Has a little light and 3 power settings. Combine that with my prescription readers I can spot a birthmark on a mosquito.

[Lburou]

Ted, a pair of reading glasses (+1.5 or +1.75 magnification, no more) from Walmart is what I used until I started wearing glasses full time last year.  With that slight magnification, you will see pretty well with a minimum of expense and bother.  Keep in mind that higher magnifications reduce the 'depth of field' and the distance to the comb, which is not good (higher magnification brings your nose closer to the comb, increasing difficulty with your shadow).

The trick, with the sun to your back, is to get good light on the bottom of the cells and a line of site that has your vision meeting the light at the bottom of the cells.  You want your shadow off to the side of your target enough to see to the bottom of the cells.  Clouds overhead diffuse the light and reduce shadows...sometimes. 

The technique is easier to demonstrate than describe.  If you stop by the house, I'll drop everything and show you.  HTH   

[tedh]

Thanks Lburou!  I'll keep that in mind.  We do get to the Dallas Ft. Worth area, usually in January.  But hey!  You never know!  Ted

[Zweefer]

Why do i have a mental cartoon bubble of ted cooking his bees ala ants as a small boy?

[tedh]

The thought crossed my mind too!  Only my cartoon was fried eggs in the cell.  With toast, jelly and teenie tiny pieces of bacon!

[LazyBkpr]

LOL

   Ted, I need reading glasses to read, but have over the years realized I will NEVER remember to bring the stupid things with me to the hives, and so as events progress, I never had them with me when I needed to see eggs...  I have learned through persistence, the right distance to hold the frame, and the correct angle to hold the frames to get the sunlight into the bottom of the cells, and CAN usually spot eggs, but thats not how it started. Took me a good while and lots of swearing, walking back to get the glasses etc...
   Now, i also realize you wear glasses, so wearing two pair would be bothersome... So I considered options....   A magnifying glass means you have to have one hand to hold that magnifying glass, so maybe a small table/cart with a mounted/lighted magnifying glass you can stick the frame under?  I had one I used to make small parts when i was a gunsmith.. LOVED that thing...  Other option is bifocals and a hat with a light on it?   WHITE LED makes the eggs more visible to me, they almost glow...  I just...  CANT... remember to bring it with me....
   You have seen/used the magnifiers I use to punch cells with, they work very well too...  so long as... yeah, I remember to bring them.....

[tedh]

EXACTLY!  I carry just a standard handheld magnifying glass in one of the breast pockets of my ultra breeze, and I always have my ultra breeze when inspecting hives.  I CAN find/see eggs IF, the sun is bright, the comb isn't real dark, my glasses aren't sliding down my nose, etc.  In other words, under perfect conditions I can see the eggs.  It's the imperfect conditions I am hoping to get around.  Josh and I tried to work it with him holding a small flashlight while I hung onto the frame with one hand and a magnifying glass in the other.  Then we yelled at each other and switched jobs.  Then we yelled at each other some more.  Then as always happens, one of us cracked a joke, and we both laughed like crazy!  I'm just going to go for it.  I'll order a cheap, low power,  lighted, handheld magnifier and see.  Get it?  SEE!  Okay, not so funny.  If it works out I'll let you know which one.  If not I'll let you know that.  Thanks Everyone, Ted

[LazyBkpr]

cool! Definitely like to hear about the adventures of Ted and Josh!!!   

[rober]

I just bought one of these. it has a built light.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Incredible-3-2V-Pro-LED-OTOSCOPE-Set-w-Hard-Case-/110668590414?hash=item19c45cad4e:g:j3gAAMXQTT9R0I86

[tefer2]

$4.00 @ Menards
 http://www.menards.com/main/lighting-ceiling-fans/flashlights-work-lights-portable-lighting/handheld-flashlights/6-led-light-up-magnifying-glass/p-1444451591343-c-6314.htm?tid=-7729852484132203317