Returning to the modelling

[hubbycat]

After over 40 years gap I decided that it was time to return to my favourite hobby of younger years. So I bought few models (Churchill Tamiya 1/35, Cromwell Tamiya 1/35 ) and started building them. Unfortunately my eyes are not what they used to be. I wonder if someone could suggest something that could help me. I've seen various products on Amazon; visors, head bands and they range in price from £12 to £90 but I don't want to waste money and time on something that may not work. Tamiya Visor has good reviews but I can't find any places that actually has it in stock. Amazon has OptiVisor for about £70 but I can see products that look identical for about £12. I'm very suspicious of products that cost so little, I don't want to waste time buying something that may turn out to be junk. Also what would be the best magnification? I'm short-sighted though I don't have to were glasses all the time. I'd be very grateful if someone could suggest something or share their experience of using similar product.

Thanks - Tom

[Tim Marlow]

Discussing this right here at the moment Tom. Welcome to the forum, by the way.

https://www.scale-models.co.uk/threads/extra-magnification.43580/

[scottie3158]

Welcome aboard you have found the best modelling site there is.

[Jim R]

Welcome to the forum Tom. Have a look at the thread Tim has flagged up. Lots of useful information on both lighting and magnifiers
You are right to be suspicious of very cheap Optivisors. The genuine article is made by Donegan and has optical grade glass lenses. The cheap copies often have plastic lenses.

[Tim Marlow]

My Donegan have optical grade plastic lenses Jim, as do my current spectacles. Makes them much lighter.

[Waspie]

Welcome to the forum Tom. You're like me then, the poor eyesight mob!!! Try working in 1/72. It's really testing my eyes I can tell you!!

[Jim R]

My Donegan have optical grade plastic lenses Jim, as do my current spectacles. Makes them much lighter.

I stand corrected Tim. Mine have glass lenses. Perhaps they changed to plastic or even sell glass or plastic. Plastic would certainly be lighter.

Just checked. Optivisors come with both glass lenses, in their standard magnifier, and plastic lenses in their LX magnifier.

[Lee Drennen]

Discussing this right here at the moment

Yep what timing.

[Lee Drennen]

Welcome back to the Hobby and to the Forum. Bunch of great people here for help if you need it as well as encouragement.

[Andy T]

Just checked. Optivisors come with both glass lenses, in their standard magnifier, and plastic lenses in their LX magnifier.

They also do the optisight, which I've found a good budget alternative until I can justify their optivisor. That comes with 3 plastic lenses in varying strengths.

[Tworrs]

Hi Tom and welcome.

[hubbycat]

Thanks everyone who has responded. Looks like Optivisor DA-5 is a good choice.
Tom

[Airborne01]

Certainly is - and a belated welcome mate!
Steve

[BattleshipBob]

Warm welcome Tom

[Tim Marlow]

I stand corrected Tim. Mine have glass lenses. Perhaps they changed to plastic or even sell glass or plastic. Plastic would certainly be lighter.

Just checked. Optivisors come with both glass lenses, in their standard magnifier, and plastic lenses in their LX magnifier.

Sold you a pup there Jim. Mine are actually glass. I’ve got the DA-5 in 2.5 magnification :flushed: In my defence I haven’t used it since I gave up contact lenses five years ago….sorry about that. Specs are still plastic though….