Eyesight

[Berthold]

I've finally reached the age where I can admit that my eyesight isn't what it used to be, I put off wearing glasses for as long as I could but need them for reading and photo editing (computer screen) so I'm looking for reccomendations for a magnifying headband with a built in light. There are plenty out there I know but when reading the reviews it's a pretty mixed bag, from being the best thing since sliced bread to utter rubbish.

So from personal experience is there a particular make that stand out for quality? I'd love to say that cost is no object but of course it is, having said that I'd rather spend a decent amount for a quality item than a lesser amount for junk.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Berthold]

No worries, decided not to be so lazy and I did a search, optimisers and a jewelers type loup seem to be favourite.

[Tim Marlow]

Donevan optivisor is the bees knees but it needs an external light. That does keep the weight down though.
Great selection here …

https://www.theloupestore.co.uk/Headband-Loupes/

[Berthold]

Thanks for the response Tim, during my search on here that link came up so I had a look and bookmarked it. Thanks again.

[Jim R]

In my opinion the Donegan Optivisor is the way to go. Glass lenses and comfortable to wear. The no5 lens is probably your best choice at 2.5 times magnification. If you go for higher magnification the depth of field is reduced and the focus is closer. The closer focus is a problem with paint brushes and tweezers because the lens to object distance is small and the brush touches the lens.
As Tim says you will need a separate light.
Jim
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[Gary MacKenzie]

original @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Optivisor-1.../dp/B006BU26VY

I use mine all the time, I need to, my eyesight is getting worse, and this allows close work.

copy @ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headband-Ma.../dp/B01MG7IT6I

[Berthold]

Thanks Jim, I found this light :smiling4:

https://www.preservationequipment.com/Catalogue/Instruments/Microscopes-Magnifiers/OptiVisor-VisorLight

[Berthold]

Thanks Gary, I have just bought one from Amazon with 2x magnification, the company in the link above for the light also do the glass lenses in differing magnifications.

[Gary MacKenzie]

Thanks Gary, I have just bought one from Amazon with 2x magnification, the company in the link above for the light also do the glass lenses in differing magnifications.

Mine is the 2.5x version and I also bought the https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0015ILDZW loupe for my good eye. but I just grabbed the page that allows you to change to whatever magnification you need.
I tried to find the post on here , but I can't find it, I thought I put it up in 2018 when I bought the units.

[Berthold]

Mine is the 2.5x version and I also bought the https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0015ILDZW loupe for my good eye. but I just grabbed the page that allows you to change to whatever magnification you need.
I tried to find the post on here , but I can't find it, I thought I put it up in 2018 when I bought the units.
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Mine was only £43 happy days :smiling3:

[Tworrs]

I too find the need for magnification, and as others have noted, the Optivisor appears to be the best affordable option, with which I am very happy.

[Mickc1440]

I use an optivisor with my glasses and recently purchased an LED daylight lamp with adjustable brightness. I do have a headset with a built in light but can't remember the name of them but they are lightweight and comfortable to wear

[Panzerwrecker]

Thread resurrection. I have also been looking for ways to improve my vision at the bench. I have worn glasses for some time now so any optivisor design must allow for that. I purchased a plastic lens Rolson model at a model show quite a few years ago for just over £15. I tried to get along with it but it got put back in its box after a few sessions. I have no idea what improving percentage the glass lens type like DA produce has but for me the main annoyances were the distance I had to hold the subject for optimal viewing. If I recall it included 4 plastic lenses including 1.2x, 1.8x, 2.5x and 3.5x. I found the 2.5 was the best compromise for magnification versus decent working focal length. Another issue was the screws that tightened the lens bar became loose each time I lifted the lens so required constant attention.


A current build has now highlighted the fact I will have to consider an optivisor for far more tasks than I currently carry out without one. This build is a 1/35 3D printed model. It is only a small trailer and I have just not been able to see all the supporting material nodes left on the model. As soon as primer went on it was obvious that I just hadn't cleaned up the parts to my usual standards. I simply was not able to see them.

I have for some time used a magnifying LED light in addition to over bench LED lights and I assumed that was sufficient but popping the old Rolson visor on again it was clear how much access material that still required removal!

So, I think it may be time to invest in a glass lens Optivisor. Before I do however, I figured I would update some of my existing LED lighting. My old LED magnifier has seen better days and the adjustable screw handle that adjusts the whole circular lens does occasionally let go resulting in some heart stopping near misses! Likewise, one of my over bench LED lights has had a flicker for a while now where a whole row of LEDS cuts off. For this reason, I have just invested in some new LED lighting. The replacements I ended up purchasing are from a company called Neatfi and purchased through Amazon qualify for an extended 3rd year warranty.

First up is a 7" bifocal 1.6000 Lumen magnifying lamp with a step dimming switch https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07X84GC...ding=UTF8&th=1 and the other is a 2.500 Lumens LED task lamp https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neatfi-Lume...27325987&psc=1.

Some online tips from many miniature figure painters are that the best light is in the colour range of between 5000 and 6000 Kelvin. This produces a good natural white light that will reflect how the figure or scale model will look in normal daylight. Both these lights operate within that range. Heat production is also very low. Both lamps also have a handy two-part clip together power lead that allows easy removal of the light from the desk clamp. If you have hidden cabling or want to utilise the lamp in different locations this is a handy detail.

I think that good over bench lighting is the key factor and LEDS are the way to go. I first invested in some which replaced some old desk lamps when I got serious about the hobby around 10 years ago and it was an instant improvement. Obviously, space restraints play a large factor and although they are large all the swing arm types have tabletop clamps. You can also buy clamps that allow the light to be attached to a wall which will free up valuable work surface space. There are many inventive ways that these can be employed and looking at modellers mancave pics gives some great ideas.

Anyways I digress! Back to optivisor recommendations. What are you using, its pros and cons and is the more expensive DA type Optivisor type with a glass lens a big enough improvement over the Rolson or cheaper plastic lenses ones?

[Gary MacKenzie]

Anyways I digress! Back to optivisor recommendations. What are you using, its pros and cons and is the more expensive DA type Optivisor type with a glass lens a big enough improvement over the Rolson or cheaper plastic lenses ones?

Yes, the optivisor with glass lens is streets ahead of the rolson ( my opinion )
I have both.
I only use the optivisor.

[Tim Marlow]

Donegan optivisor is the real deal, accept no substitutes. It was the one recommended to me by my optician. 2.5 magnification is the optimum to me. The higher you go the closer the focal distance, by the way.
As to illumination, I have used the second one on your list for many years and swear by it.