United Scientific LCV108 Glass Double Convex Lens, 100mm Diameter, 200mm Focal Length

hardly ‘scientific’. i tried to use them for projection demonstrations but clearly the lens designer’s calculations were way off. unsharp images. i bought other similar lenses from another vendor and they were fine. C’mon, these are simple lenses.

This lens is great for solar experimentation! While not being a space-grade laboratory lens, it is well made and is working perfectly for my small scale testing of a solar water heater. Be careful not to leave it out unattended or hold it anywhere near yourself in the bright sunshine. This is a large lens, and can quickly start objects on fire, burn through your clothing, and scorch holes into your flesh. The focal point diameter of about 2~3mm at a distance of 20cm makes for a whole lot of concentrated solar energy. This translates to it being a serious ouch maker, and getting burnt by this thing really sucks. If science projects aren't really your thing, this would be a good addition to a survival kit because of its fire starting abilities. This product came well packaged and has no major optical defects.

This is the worst example of a biconvex lens I have ever come across. The optical aberrations in it are so glaringly obvious and severe that it cannot even be used as a simple magnifying glass. There is severe distortion at the centre of the lens - the worst place for it to be. What they also don’t tell you is this lens is made in INDIA, and not in the United States. It’s a shame, as the only other source for lenses like these is China, and you’re going to run into the same issues with lenses from there.

Actual glass. If you don’t want your children, lighting the fence on fire or exploding bugs or etching their name in the concrete then you shouldn’t get this. My kids love it.

Buona