Magnifying Glass
For Reading, Hobbies or Repair Work

Before purchasing a magnifying glass, you first need to determine how the glass will be used.  Will it be used for reading or close work such as hobbies, i.e., looking at coins for working on your coin collection, same with stamps and stamp collecting.  Maybe you do needlework.  Perhaps you are involved in intricate work within your career and needs to do hands-free work, or an artist doing detail work, basically anyone who needs to see detail will want a magnifying glass that will fit that need. 

Once you determine the need, do you need a hand-held magnifying glass, a lighted magnifying glass with or without a stand or both?  Where will you use the magnifying glass the most.  Is the glass comfortable for you to hold for long periods? If it is lighted, does it have an on/off switch that is easy to find?  

Is the lens scratch resistant?  It won't make any difference how much or little you paid for the glass, if it scratches easily.