Optical Visor Recommendations

[Walter Rego]

I am in the market for an optical/magnifying visor to assist my aging eyes. I am sure there was a thread about them within the last couple of months and have searched using several key words with no luck.
I am leery of the $15 Chinese types as found at Harbor Freight and ebay. Has anyone had experience with the MagnifyLabs brand ? They are not that much cheaper than the Optivisor brand sold on Brownell's which I assume are the originals and of good quality.
Thanks

 

[armorer951]

I have been using the OptiVisor for many years, and it's held up well. I bought the visor with the #3 lenses, which is 1.75X, at approx. 14". I also have a Opti-loupe, which makes very close viewing possible.

OPTIVISOR OPTIVISOR | Brownells

 

[chief38]

I have the Optivisor (#DA-4 ) 2x magnification @ 10" focal length) which works for me. If 10" distance is too close for you, then the #DA-3 as armorer951 uses might be better for you but you do get slightly less magnification. They do sell optional lenses that can be swapped in and out but I've never had to bother as the DA-4 seems to work just fine.

I'd really suggest getting the US made Optivisor brand which sells for around $35 - $38 bucks on ebay and other sites. Their optics are way better than the Chinese brands I have tried in the past and will not scratch nearly as easily. Also, when I wear mine for extended lengths of time the Optivisor head band is pretty comfortable as it is lined with a piece of leather. It is also very easily adjustable with a few knobs. REALLY a great product!


http://www.doneganoptical.com/products/optivisor

 

[DwayneV]

With optics, you usually get what you pay for. I use the Optivisor while checkering gunstocks. It works great. I would hate to checker without it. I got mine from Brownells.

OPTIVISOR OPTIVISOR | Brownells

 

[chief38]

I bought my Optivisor about 8 years ago and could NOT imagine working on a gun or machine without one. Prior to that I used a Jeweler's Loop which does not even hold a candle to it!

 

[Tom S.]

I bought the one below from Amazon to do soldering on circuit boards. Works great and was priced right.

Carson Optical Pro Series MagniVisor Deluxe Head-Worn LED Lighted Magnifier with 4 Different Lenses (1.5x, 2x, 2.5x, 3x) (CP-60)

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Carson-MagniVisor-Head-Worn-Magnifier-CP-60/dp/B007CDJKM2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1494090239&sr=1-1&keywords=carson+optical+pro+series+magnivisor[/ame]

 

[dfariswheel]

I was issued my Optivisor in 1969 in watchmaker school.

It's had the head pad replaced I don't know how many times, and it's still in use almost daily.

I finally used some Kydex to make a new band for it because the original was so old it was literally crumbling.
Still works perfectly.

You get what you pay for. Pay once, cry once.

 

[BradLH]

Optivisor for me. The key is deciding what distance you want between your face and work then look at the focal lengths to choose a lens. I chose the #4 and it works well but I have to bend over while sitting at a bench.

 

[2152hq]

I've used an Optivisor since around 1980 for engraving, checkering and just about every other sort of bench work. I have a #10 lens in it and have always used that one. It's only 3.5x,,wish it was more sometimes but the working distance is down to about 4 inches already. Puts my snout kinda close to the spinning lathe chuck as it is.

I've cracked the plastic frame of the visor a couple times (my fault), but it super-glues nicely back together. The forehead pad is about gone but still usable.
Can't work w/o it. After the lights go on in the shop, the next thing that happens is the Optivisor goes on my noggin.

Before I used that, I used a small jewelers loop that clamped on my eyeglasses. That worked out OK for a while especially doing detail work. .
Thinking back when I first started engraving, I didn't even need any loop or magnifier or anything. Something to be said for being young!

I'd stick with their product if I have to buy another.

 

[HCH]

Say the focal length is 10". If you're 12" away, is the object still clear or really fuzzy?
Thanks,
Hal

 

[geddylee10002000]

Optivisor is the way to go and you can't wrong with them. I am blessed that the companies that I work / worked for have bought me all the available lenses plus the swing magnifiers. Currently I have 3 headbands at work (1 special) and 2 at home. All the lenses interchangeable. The special is a headband with a crafted by me welding setup. It is a micro welding TIG lens on the front. I do wear bi focals.