magnifying visor - recommendations - what to avoid - ect.

[pfs]

15 + years of staring at monitors has long taken its tool...been wearing glasses for a few months now (after being in denial for over a year).

Only got them (prescription)  for reading, computer screen distance...its apparent I need to get a magnifying visor.


I am going to start researching brands etc today and I know a few of you use them.


Tell me your thoughts recommendations/avoidance's etc. thank you in advance.

[wazzou]

I use an Optivisor.  I am not sure of the magnification.  It was just right out of the box. 
One of the best hobby investments I made though, was the addition of an LED lighting attachment, meant for the Optivisor. 
It's great for getting rid of the shadows that darken your work while up close.
I asked one of the Hygienists that cleans my teeth about her cool lighted magnification loops and she said it cost just short of $500.00.   I'll stick to the Optivisor.
Other than that, I recommend that your workbench be well lit with non harsh light sources. 
I have a couple of Ott Lites on my workbench and they are great.

[pfs]

Thanks.....have picked up otts over the years when on sale at joanns...worth every penny.

[C855B]

Avoid? Cheap binocular magnifying visors that pretend to be "as good as" or "just like" - or even look like - Optivisors. Optics are horrible. You'll find this crap at tool tables at some train shows and hobby/craft fairs.

Optivisors are as "cheap" as you want to get, otherwise you're talking about wazzou's hygenist's professional versions at professional prices.

[ljudice]

I also highly recommend Optivisor - but I suggest you try a couple - there are different magnifications and you need to find the one which works best for you at a comfortable viewing distance.

I also started with prescription reading glasses a few years ago and since went to bifocals - two different types - one for reading/modeling and one for computer screens - I forget the reason why they are different.

You get used to them after a while, but I will never get used to constantly fogetting the last place I put them, since I cannot comfortably navigate with the bi-focals on...

[pnolan48]

. . . I also started with prescription reading glasses a few years ago and since went to bifocals - two different types - one for reading/modeling and one for computer screens - I forget the reason why they are different. ...

Reading distance and computer distance are considered as different. I think it's 12" for reading and 18" for a monitor, and I wonder if flat screens may have changed that.

I highly recommend the Optivsor. I use a +2 lens and find it satisfactory for just about everything in N scale. I once had a +4 for even closer work but it went away four years ago. Once in a while I slip on a relatively cheap pair of +1.5 reading glasses under the Optivisor.

[Bsklarski]

+1 on the OTT lights, those lights are are easy on the eyes, and are bright

[peteski]

I also highly recommend the genuine original Optivisor (not their low priced model).  I bought mine about 25 years ago and I still have it.  Back when I first bought it I seldom used it, but now (in my late 40s) I wouldn't be caught dead without it. It is addictive to see all the minute details of what I'm building.   I like it because the adjustable band with leather cover is very comfortable to wear, the hooded design shields my eyes from overhead light and the exchangeable magnifier plates (with real glass lenses) makes it very versatile.

It costs less than a N scale locomotive and it is IMO money well spent.  Good tools and accessories make your hobby more enjoyable. But don't just take my word for it - most watchmakers and jewelers use Optivisors.

[robert3985]

Yup, genuine Optivisors are "it".  You can purchase a lens kit and LED lights at Micro Mark and auxiliary magnification loupes for really close-up work.  I would not be building models without my two pairs.  Now, I wear them during the shows just to put trains on the tracks!  All my train buddies used to make fun of an older fellow (who was a magnificent model builder!) who always wore his Optivisors to the train shows.  He was tall and you could see the "up" Optivisors coming from a long way away!  Now, about 80 percent of us are doing the same!  Here's to you Don Reiman! We miss you...

Cheers!
Bob Gilmore

[3DTrains]

After plodding along with a cheap-o-visor, I recently nabbed a DA-4 on the 'bay for $13 + change.

Cheers!
Marc - Riverside

[ednadolski]

15 + years of staring at monitors has long taken its tool...been wearing glasses for a few months now (after being in denial for over a year).

My eye doc always says it's not the monitors, it's the number of birthdays.

Ed

[nscaleSPF2]

Here's a different approach.

I never felt comfortable wearing a visor, besides the fact that they look a little dorky.
So after I described the issue to my optometrist, he prescribed a pair of higher magnification reading glasses.  Normally I use +2 magnification for reading, he prescribed +4.5 for close-up work.  Not willing to spend the money for another set of "prescription" glasses, I ordered a pair of "mail order" glasses from www.americanreadingglasses.com/product/52 just to prove the concept.  At $10 per pair, they work just fine for me.  They are also available in higher magnification, if you need them.

As for lighting, I use a conventional task light (about $10 at IKEA), but with a fluorescent bulb (I think they are called CFL's.).  The fluorescent bulb tends to minimize the shadows.

Hope this helps.

Jim Hale
Fugitive from the Atlas Forum

[pnolan48]

Reading glasses are fine. As I said earlier, I use them underneath the Optivisor when I need more magnification. It's hard to find more than +2.5 in most stores (at least where I live in semi-rural Ohio) but there's always on-line. The +2 reading glasses will not be the same as the +2 Optivisor, as the distance away from your eyes is different: hence +4. I also have to admit that I didn't see all that much difference between the +2 and +4 Optivisors, so prefer the +2 as it gives more depthof filed.

Some may recall that I am 6'-3", very athletic, and prone to spontaneous bursts of happiness, which may lead me to skipping through the house. If you are tall, don't skip through doors with the Optivisor in the up position.

[pfs]

Excellent info...other than price...how can you tell the cheap opti from the 'original' ?

Thanks

[wazzou]

Make sure that it says "OptiVISOR".