New Magnifier

[JKim]

I just wanted to report on a new magnifier that I picked up. Previously, I was using one of these...

which worked well but had limitation since the magnifying glass was basically attached to the table.

For a more flexible, hands-free solution, I started looking at loupes and Optivisor-type wearable magnifiers. My LHS had an Optivisor in stock, which I tried on for size. It seemed to be workable but I didn't like the "closed in" sensation while wearing it. I finally settled on a Carson Magnivisor. I like the open design which preserves your peripheral vision.

It comes with four magnifying lenses (1.5x, 2x, 2.5x and 3x). I've only started using it and have settled on the 2x and 2.5x being the most useful for overall work. The short focal distance and shallow depth of field limits the usefulness of the 3x lens for me.

The LED is a nice touch but I don't really need it since my hobby desk is well lit. You can lighten the Magnivisor even more by removing the LED and the 3 AAA batteries that it runs on, which I might do in the future. Right now, I've experienced no discomfort wearing the Magnivisor.

Cost is about the same as the Donegan Optivisor. I got mine from Ebay for less than $35 US shipped.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Lucky13]

Nice one!

 

[Airframes]

Nice one.
Does it make you feel light-headed ?
I've got me coat .....................

 

[Crimea_River]

I was expecting something a little viser from you Terry.

 

[JKim]

Nice one.
Does it make you feel light-headed ?
I've got me coat .....................

No but I can see bigly now.

 

[edgardo gil]

I have one of that and it was a real solution to me. Enjoy.

 

[Wayne Little]

 

[turbo]

Here's my setup. The frame has a circular fluorescent light in it and 2 levels of magnification. Picked it up for $20 or so and works pretty well except sometimes being a bit inconvenient for bigger objects. I'd be buggered without it

 

[Wurger]

I use a such one. 4 levels of magnification.

 

[Airframes]

Great way to see where you've really made a mess - I must get one !

 

[fubar57]

This is mine. Two magnifications with flip up lenses. I don't use the loop as I find it hard working 3 inches from my face. I do like to use the LED light even though I have plenty of lighting, every bit helps

 

[JKim]

I've been using the Carson magnivisor for the past couple of weeks and it has been working very well. I've recently swapped out the 2.0x lens for the 2.5x, which seems to hit a sweet spot of usefulness for me. I'm still accustomed to working underneath a magnifying glass so I find myself making an instinctive reach for it, even though I have this magnivisor on my head.