Anatomy of a Kaleidoscope -- Part # 2 -- Eye Piece

Virtually all kaleidoscopes have an "eye piece" on one of the  ends of the 'scope for the viewer to look through. (On occasion you will see a 'scope without one, but the problem of dust in the mirrors and the impact on the view tend to make this not very attractive.)

The eye piece is normally ordinary glass, often with a slightly convex  surface. These will be most commonly found in simpler, less-expensive 'scopes. 

Some artists who desire special effects and/or are crafting higher-end 'scopes, will use various designs of optical lens with different features to achieve those magnifying effects. These lens can be as elaborate/special as the artist desires.  

The bulk of the kaleidoscopes that I craft -- the mini kaleidoscopes -- have plain glass eye pieces with a slightly convex surface. This is a choice based on the impact on the "view" and the effect on the cost of the 'scope. On occasion I have crafted higher-end 'scopes with optical lens to achieve a special effect.

To see all of my current work go to www.wrightmade.com 

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