Tamiya Magnifying Visor

I can't comment on the Tamiya product but, in general, the greater the magnification, the closer to the object. An exception is the dental/surgical loupes where you might have higher magnification with a longer focused distance. I have an OptiVisor and have a similar feeling as you so use a magnifier on my lamp but still not ideal for what I'd like. Optical physics seems to get in the way. A visor with 5X mag would probably put the part very close to your nose.

The laws of physics are the same for all magnifying lenses, so I wouldn't waste any money buying another brand.  I think you will find it works the same as the Optivisor.

Okay, here's the update on the Tamiya visor: mine arrived from Japan yesterday and I love it.  The Optivisor is getting returned to Amazon.

The Tamiya Magnifying Visor comes with three different, snap-in lenses:

1.7x magnification for a 25cm focus distance

2x magnification for a 20cm focus distance

2.5x magnification for a 15cm focus distance

There are apparently two optional lenses in the form of snap-in monocle:

3x magnification for a 10cm focus distance

4x magnification for a 7cm focus distance

The Tamiya product is very comfortable to wear, and the lenses seem to me to have a wider field of view than the Optivisor. Each lens has its own color coded storage sleeve, and the whole visor has storage pouch as well.  This is a really nice product, with great versatility.  I highly recommend it.  

Take advantage of the strong dollar vs weak yen now.  Shop around on eBay and Amazon, and get it straight from Japan.  Sellers in the U.S. have probably purchased the product at earlier, strong-yen prices (and are trying to sell it accordingly to recoup their investment).  The Japanese strategy of weakening its currency to spur exports is working on me.

I use an Optivisor, and I love it. It's practically indispensable as far as I'm concerned. I just added the LED accessory to it, and it works great. I generally use the #4 lens with it, which I think is 2x - not sure though. I keep my work at a very comfortable angle, no leaning my head forward or holding my hands close to my face at all. I just sit up straight in my chair like normal. Everyone's experiences are unique, so what one prefers will often be different, just like paints and glues and so forth. I can attest, however, that the Optivisor is in no way an inferior product

That being said, I have yet to come across a Tamiya product that is not very good. Whether models, paints, glues, putty, tools, etc, Tamiya simply makes excellent products

I went to the local drug store and bought a pair of 2x, 3x, and 5x reading glasses.  Work great and don't get in the way.

John

Adam, what did that Tamiya set cost?  Sounds very nice and it has a lot of optional accessories that are not included with the Optivisor.

I agree that most if not all things Tamiya rate well.  I really love my optivisor and am a bit surprised you didn't like yours Adam.

This thing seems to be very hard to get a hold of.

Bill

I have an Optivisor but hardly use it because it's uncomfortable to wear. Instead, I use 2.5x reading glasses.

Optivisor here also have had no problem and works well. Gets a little sweaty around the forehead band sometimes but could not achieve the detailed work without it. Tamaya tools are of good quality but tend to be priced on the high side.r