magnifying lights

**sarahd** · 10-03-2010, 08:52 AM

can anyone with bad close up eye sight reccomend something that can actually help me to see what i am doing? I know this sounds a stupid question but i had my eyes tested about 6 months ago and got prescription glasses for close up work but i really have trouble seeing things like ring / bangle/ jump ring joins. I have looked at a few magnifying lamps etc but not sure what to do and they vary in price so much i dont want to make an expensive mistake

**MuranoSilver** · 10-03-2010, 09:28 AM

Hi Sarah
I'm short sigted but have to take my glasses off for close up work, having said that I'd suggest an Optivisor
For close up work, I find it much easier to use than a fixed magnifier

nic x

**ps_bond** · 10-03-2010, 09:36 AM

I've a couple of solutions - I vary according to what I'm up to.

An Optivisor is a fantastic tool to use; don't go for too high a magnification as this means a) you'll have a very short focal length and b) your depth of field is significantly reduced. I think mine is a 2.25x, can't remember offhand.

I have a cheap Machine Mart fluorescent magnifying lamp that gets used both as a magnifier or a task light; for general use, the distortion at the edges of the lens irks me too much, so I usually fall back on the Optivisor (illuminated by the lamp).

A good loupe is very useful for stone-setting and close studying of joints, preferably running at 10x magnification. Belomo is one good make, otherwise Zeiss and similar are nice, but I'm not convinced the jump in cost is justified.

Then there's the stereo microscope, but I don't think that is quite what you need from the description!

**MuranoSilver** · 10-03-2010, 09:50 AM

Seconded on the not too strong a magnification on the Optivisor

Nic x

**sarahd** · 10-03-2010, 10:14 AM

thank you so much for the advise. I think the optivisor sounds perfect and i will look in to it now. cant beleive i have struggled on for such a long time!

**sarahd** · 10-03-2010, 10:42 AM

cooksons have an illuminated head magnifier with four different lenses or an optivisor with a specific magnification. Do you have any advise? would it be best to go for the optivisor with one lense? if that makes any sense at all!! many thanks

**ps_bond** · 10-03-2010, 11:06 AM

I can't compare directly, I'm afraid - but I do know a number of people who rave about having LEDs attached to their Optivisors as task lights.

**Dennis** · 10-03-2010, 03:20 PM

Claritas online have a headband magnifier(73840) with a dropdown lens inside so that you can chose from two magnifications. I find the full power useful for stone setting, but have taken off the additional small loupe for the right eye as it gives too much distortion. The cost is £30 including VAT and postage. The illuminated versions I find too distracting as you then have to turn your head to make sure that the light is where needed.
For general use I prefer something much lighter so that I can wear it all day without getting hot and sweaty, especilly in warm weather. This is called the CJS 519E Magnifier Loupe from Chaperlain & Jacobs, tel 020 86412635. They also have a weaker version which I do not recommend. The cost is £42.36 plus VAT and postage. I sometimes foget I have it on and people try not to stare when I answer the door. This version I have used for about thirty years. Kind Regards Dennis.