Optivisor vs LED Magnifying visor

[Doug ex-em4]

Optivisors seem to be about the £40 mark. There's also this:
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/2-led-magnifying-visor
which is a lot cheaper.

Anybody have any idea how they com par - is the Optivisor worth the extra?

Doug

[Orctrader]

I own an Optivisor.  It is comfortable, lightweight and a good rugged construction. 

I have never used any of the "alternatives" so can't actually compare.  And there are various threads where people use the cheaper ones but I have yet to see a statement from anyone who has used both.  (This might be that thread.)

What I can say is that I bought my Optivisor through work - with a small discount -  where they are used extensively by "Bench Operatives" who work for long periods with tiny electrical components.  When I asked about "alternatives" I was just told that the company would only buy approved products for staff, and that meant only Optivisors.  (Approved by who or what authority, I don't know.)

I would hate someone to pay more than they need to, but my gut feeling is that the cheaper alternatives are inferior products.  But I could be wrong.

[Mr. Peabody]

One of our local hobby stores (a model rail specialist) stocks these: MagEyes Stupid name, but they are excellent. Very light weight and they let you work with whatever light you have available.

I like the way they can be easily moved so I don't end up with my head and neck always in the same 'locked' position for too long. I also like that they take almost no room, store in the original packaging and sit flat in a drawer.

I had an optivisor before, but like these better.

[Ray Rivers]

I read somewhere that the cheaper models of optivisor type thingys use plastic lenses instead of glass ones.

Since it's my eyes at issue, I decided to buy the best available.

[Bugsda]

I've got both an Optivisor and a cheap alternative, the Optivisor is by far the best.

More comfortable, better lenses, tougher materials and better constructed.

[Doug ex-em4]

I've got both an Optivisor and a cheap alternative, the Optivisor is by far the best.

More comfortable, better lenses, tougher materials and better constructed.

This is the kind of experience I was looking for - thanks.

Doug

[keeper]

I think it might have been me that started the machine mart magnifier thread a while ago - at any rate, I received one as a gift from my parents for my brithday this year!

I really like it, although I have not tried a proper optivisor to make a comparison - it is more than good enough to have improved my painting to better than what can easily be seen at normal tabletop distances, and I find it quite comfortable.

[Ray Rivers]

Well...

I have to say my Optivisor certainly makes it a lot easier to paint more precisely.

If only it could shade and highlight my miniatures for me, I'd see a real improvement!   

[Doug ex-em4]

Keeper - yes; it was your post that brought this to my attention and they are currently on off er for only £9.99 at Maplins

http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=219971&C=Brilliant1&U=Xmas%2009%20-%20Tools&T=magnifying%20visor&gclid=CL6dybq6up4CFVqX2AodB2yWjA

 - got to be worth a try.

Do you use the LED lights or do you just use the magnifying lens?

Doug

[keeper]

I use both the LED lights and a magnifying lens.  My sister is also using one in pretty much the same way as she has started sculpting, recently.

Personally, I've been known to blow more than £10 on minis or tools on a whim, so I'd definately say go for it at that price!

[GregX999]

I've been thinking of ordering an Optivisor lately (Yeah, I guess I'm getting old, dammit!) What magnification do you guys use? How far away do you need to place the figure for it to be in focus? (I typically sit back and hold the figure up, from 6 to 10 inches from my face, with my elbows resting on my stomach.)

Amazon has them for around $30 (US$).

[keeper]

I'm using the 2.5x lens most at the moment - and I use it pretty much how you describe, almost like bifocals, so I can keep the mini in focus, but glance down outside the lens and make sure I'm picking up paint properly, or not washing my brush in my drink!

[GregX999]

Oooo... I never thought of that!

I wonder if coffee would make a good wash... 

[Mr. Peabody]

Speaking from experience, Lipton Yellow Label Tea works best.

[Calimero]

Speaking from experience, Lipton Yellow Label Tea works best.