For close upwork, do you prefer an Optivisor, or Adjustable Swing Arm Magnifier Lamp ?

I use both.  Sometimes, at the same time.

My problem with Optivisors is that, like many other people, I have two eyes that see differently. One of them focuses at a different distance than the other. So both lenses of an Optivisor can't be in focus for me at the same time.

I use two solutions (neither completely satisfactory, but both far better than nothing). One is an LED magnifying lamp, like Don's. The other is a pair of prescription reading glasses, which I had the optician make for me at the same time he filled my bifocal prescription. Those glasses work well, but I remember with great nostalgia the days when (having been born nearsighted) I could see everything I needed to see on a model with no magnification at all.

Those were the days....

Optivisor  from Harbor Freight. Very cheap and it really works!

The Optivisor works well until I look a the TV.  It turned Brave Heart into a bunch of dots.

I love my Optivisor. It gives me far more freedom of movement than a magnifying lamp.

I just picked up a magnifier that is mounted on a pair of frames with 5 different interchangeable lenses from 1X, 1.5X, 2X, 2.5X, 3.5X and has 2 LED lights mounted on it.  It was really cheap (under $10 US and free shipping).  I found them on that online auction site.  Not sure if they'll be worth a darn but for that cheap it cant be all bad.

The thing I like about positionable lighting is that I paint at my workbench (including airbrushing) and like to be able to move light source so I can see specular reflection in surface I am painting.

At the moment i have a swing are lamp magnifying lense bulit in. i  find it very useful, and i also find it does get in the way at times when painting sanding etc. so i may invest in the visor. i think both are useful tools depending on the application.

Ah, lighting - I have A 48" fluorescent shop light over my work bench. Plenty of light.

I got a visor from Hobby Lobby that is supposed to have five different strengths of magnification.  Since only one of my eyes work, it cuts that down to three: why am I wearing this, just right, and why can I see microbes moving on the model.....  I leave it in the middle position.

I'd be lost without my optivisor (a #3) which I use along with 2.5 readers. Played around a lot with lighting before I hit upon my current setup, which is twin overhead 42w (150w equivalents) 6500K CFL's mounted behind an acrylic defuser.

I received my optivisor last night from amazon ($31.90) and tried it on. First impression of the head band is it is a little stiff but sure after wearing it it will round out and fit fine, kinda like breaking in a pair of shoes. I ordered the #4 which is 2 x at 10" and it really brings the object close up but it seams like I have to get a little close to the part to be in focus but I think working with it will prove to be a good benefit on small parts. The lens is glass and the optics are clear. I like the way the lens holder moves up and down I can pull it down just enough to view through it and able to look under the lens to see farther at the work table. So far seems to be a good investment after a few hours of using it I will report back an give an update.

I agree that lighting is everything.  It is important to have a good light at your bench in addition to good vision aids. I airbrush right at my building bench and need a light that is repositionable so I can see the reflection of the light in the surface I am painting.  I use one of those ring light magnifiers that has a big magnifying glass in the middle of a circular fluorescent bulb.  A good light "stops down" the eye iris and gives you better vision.

I already wear glasses, and I use an Optivisor. I really, REALLY like it. I have the LED attachment for it, but that doesn't help much. I'm working on better lighting right now. Lighting is EVERYTHING

I do have an Optivisor, but I find it cumbersome to wear and use.  I much prefer using reading glasses 1.5 & 3.0.  They are enough for me.

Optivisor, since it doesn't limit me to sitting pretty much in one spot when looking at things. airbrushing, etc.

Hi Scott, i use reading glasses 2.5 7 3.0 and use 2 IKEA bench mountable lamps for lighting. I tried  the Optivisor and found it uncomfortable on my head.

Cheers

Leo

If you want the name brand Optivisor, Squadron, Mega Hobbies, and Sprue Brothers sell them. I'm sure Amazon does too.

That said - consider the reading glasses. I've worn prescription glasses since I was 15, I'm near sighted, so when I was younger, I took my glasses off the work on models. But now I'm 51, and my closeup vision has suffered.  Yes, I have bifocals, but they still weren't working for modeling. Never even considered readers - but one day in Walmart, I just decided to slip on a pair  -  I was amazed ! I bought some 1.5's, and 3.0's.

I wear the 1.5's most of the time, and 3.0's for small stuff. When teamed up with optivisor - it's like looking through a microscope!

Scott

Well I agree on saving $$$ when possible but I did not want to buy a cheep product and the first time I go to adjust the head band or something it breaks. It looks like a lot of you buy the cheaper ones and are having good luck with them. Off to Amazon to take a look, Thanks

Optivisor, no doubt. Set it and forget it.

Have you decided yet?

This is one of those things where you will just have to try both and see which one YOU like.

Unless you want the top of the line products these items are cheap enough to have both.

nose prints and safety glasses. will have to practice more with optivisor

I prefer reading glasses, 2.5 and up to 3.0. That is ample for me.

cheers Leo

I have both but prefer my Optivisor.  I know a lot of people buy the bigger, more expensive versions of the Optivisor but may I suggest this one for Optivisor: www.doneganoptical.com/.../optisight .

I really like it because it's light and since there is no "top" to it, it provides a lot of light to come through.

-Jesse

May go 1/24th scale 

Well, for now I just use a magnifying glass but finding 48th scale is getting a bit challenging as my eyes continue to weaken, perhaps 1/32 scale as a step though.

Optivisor, 1.25 readers, and 2.50 readers in combination believe it or not!  The Optivisor with the 2.5 readers for close up work (#3 lens), the 1.25s are for seeing the game on TV, the 2.5 readers are also used to find stuff on the bench.  If I need a lot of light, the lighted magnifier is right there waiting.  And yes, I do get mixed up when the big play goes down and I'm hurriedly tilting my head back and forth to find the 1.25s.