JKim
Senior Master Sergeant
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.
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.