Magnifying Headset

[JWC86]

Not sure if my terminology is correct but I'm looking to upgrade from a VERY cheap headband w/ magnifier lenses to something a little better.

Here is a picture from amazon showing what I mean.


I'm not opposed to getting something like above but wondering if there might be something a bit more sturdy in the sub $200 range?

 

[RTM]

Donegan Optivisor is the long time favorite, get the expensive lenses with it. Even loaded under $200. Available at Amazon. Figure out what you need at their website first.

Home - Donegan Optical Company, Inc.

doneganoptical.com

 

[RTM]

The trick to ordering is to figure out what you are gonna do with it, and size accordingly. My main purpose was for saw sharpening (and setting ), so I figured out my basic posture for how I wanted to do the work, and bought the appropriate focusing length lens for that job. My other usage is soldering, so got a different focal length for that. Doing it again, I might add the light.

I also got the flip down 10x loupe for occasional tasks, like splinter removal.

 

[JWC86]

The trick to ordering is to figure out what you are gonna do with it, and size accordingly. My main purpose was for saw sharpening (and setting ), so I figured out my basic posture for how I wanted to do the work, and bought the appropriate focusing length lens for that job. My other usage is soldering, so got a different focal length for that. Doing it again, I might add the light.

I also got the flip down 10x loupe for occasional tasks, like splinter removal.

Thanks, this is helpful. I use mine for similar tasks, what magnification did you go with?

 

[plcguru]

Not sure if it's an upgrade... but it's like the Amazon one you showed. Used it a handful of times and works good for me. Again I wouldn't say it's top quality at all but serves it's purpose for sure.

Head Lamp Magnifier

Amazing deals on this Head Lamp Magnifier at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Mike65]

I have a couple of the magnifier headsets & they come in handy in the woodshop when I am trying to read the small print on plans. The ones I have are like this one.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015IQC0S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Davefr]

Those are garbage. Get a Donegon Optivsor with optical grade glass lenses. Choose the lens based on your working distance/magnification requirement. Mount an LED headlamp to the brim.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

Donegan OptiVISOR for me.

 

[cvairwerks]

Rio Grande has the full kit with all the lenses, the light and the flip down loupe, in a hard case for $341, if you are willing to spend a little more.

Donegan OptiVISOR® Kit - RioGrande

www.riogrande.com

 

[RTM]

Thanks, this is helpful. I use mine for similar tasks, what magnification did you go with?

I use the 14” for saw sharpening, bought it new with that one. Thought I had a second, can’t find it.

 

[RTM]

. Mount an LED headlamp to the brim.

ohh, gotta find me a holder, I now have two headlamps in that style, different sizes.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I just ordered the Optivisor Acrylic Set (with LED light), a less expensive ($95.00) version:

Optivisor Acrylic Complete Set

The Optivisor Acrylic Complete set features 4 prismatic lenses on a visor magnifier and a comfortable headband.

www.loupe-magnifier.com

I figured it was a good way to sample the Optivisor without breaking the bank.

 

[MadMechMaster]

If you're left eye dominant, check that you can mount that compound lens on the left. Probably only affects a few of us.

 

[Davefr]

I just ordered the Optivisor Acrylic Set (with LED light), a less expensive ($95.00) version:

Optivisor Acrylic Complete Set

The Optivisor Acrylic Complete set features 4 prismatic lenses on a visor magnifier and a comfortable headband.

www.loupe-magnifier.com

I figured it was a good way to sample the Optivisor without breaking the bank.

Don't order the Optivsor LED light. It's worthless and based on very primitive LED technology. The Sofirn HS10 is an excellent choice for mounting to your Optivsor and far superior to anything made for the Optivisor.

 

[RTM]

If you're left eye dominant, check that you can mount that compound lens on the left. Probably only affects a few of us.

That's where mine is. Cross dominant. Nose prints on all my camera screens.

 

[kbuhagiar]

The Sofirn HS10 is an excellent choice for mounting to your Optivsor and far superior to anything made for the Optivisor.

Is it sold as an add-on to an existing headset? Or only sold with the elastic headband?

 

[Davefr]

Is it sold as an add-on to an existing headset? Or only sold with the elastic headband?

The Sofirm HS10 is a std. headlamp set with the elastic strap. All it takes to mount it to the Optivisor is a 3/4" cable clamp. 3/8" high nylon standoff, nylon screw and nut. The HS10 has a USB C charging port and comes with a Lithium 16340 battery. It's perfect for the Optivsor because it's lightweight, adjustable and won't weight down the brim. It's also cheap.

 

[Citation]

I've been happy with the HF one. It's not perfect, the light isn't that bright and the maximum magnification isn't optically poor but the binocular flip down lenses work well.