Does anyone use a magnifier, either lamp or headset, that you would recommend?
My glasses just are not enough for the small details, and I'm tired of working 2 inches from my nose.

Thanks

I just use the headset one from Harbor freight tools, http://www.harborfreight.com/magnifi...hts-38896.html. It is not the best one but it is cheap. I used it to do all the PE parts for my Tiger like these::

As you can see, it worked for me

Go with a headset. I have worked with both but the headset with my glasses underneath really works the best. I pick them up for like $7.00 at my local surplus store and when the plastic lens get too dirty or scratched just toss them for that price...

If you plan on using it with any frequency, don't go too cheap, these are your eyes we're talking about. You can find an Optivisor in the $25 range online, which offers interchngeable magnifiers. If you go that route, concentrate on the focal length more than magnification. Magnification is great, but not if you have to hold the work 2 inches from your face.

I use a headloupe about 5-6 hours a week, so I went with Zeiss.

Hi, I started off with a TAMIYA headset which comes with a choice of different magnifiers, it of course was expensive,
Since then I have bought a desk lamp which when you lift the panel above the light source reveals a strong magnifier and as it is surrounded by a light tube using it becomes second nature as everything I work on is now free of shadow
, Of course there is a downside!
I bought mine in England and I really have no idea if something similar is available in the U S A, But it is one of those things I use which always leaves me asking how I managed without it? shaun

I use a clamp on Desk light made by Ottlight. It has a bright light and a real good magnifier. You can pick them up at hobby lobby. Price ran me about 60-70 bucks. But they usually have coupons that can bring the price down even more. Of Course part of the reason that i got it was that i didn't have a good light source to begin with the magnifier was an added bonus that I am really glad that i have. they do make stand alone models as well if you don't want to clamp it to your work surface.

Bill

I have a couple of sets.

If I could only see where I stashed them I would use them more often.




Jeff

Thanks guys.
I already have a good clamp on light, but really need a magnifier for eye strain.
I have a harbor freight near by to check out the cheap option, but after researching, am leaning towards the optivisor lx 3, which has a 14" focal depth.

For really small details I use a hemisphere magnifier. It focuses ambient light, too. Picked mine up at a bookstore.

Good choice. Zeiss is great, but too expensive for occassional use, the Optivisor is used by tons of modelers.

The thing most people miss about a headloupe is it is different than just a plain magnifying glass. It's two lenses designed to magnify a certain amount at a certain distance. Unlike eyeglasses that work over a good range of distances, the loupe is specific, so any problems with the lens will cause strain at best.

If you look at professionals, most that need magnification stick to one lens if possible (jewelers, watchmakers), and the ones that need two for depth perception or serious magnification opt for expensive optics, but the bottom line is, none of them go cheap. So, as hobbyists, you need to find the happy medium between going cross-eyed and a second mortgage.

I've had good luck using the Optivisor when painting figures. I have a circular fluorescent with a magnifying lens for quick and less demanding work.

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

I just use reading glasses picked up at the drugstore, (+3.5) and I have a lighted optivisor desk lamp as well. When I really need to see something up close it gets the double magnification, by looking through the optilight with my glasses on!!!!

I hate the visor. I want to puke when I where it. It really is bad if i have my glasses on and wear it. I opt for the Illuminated magnifier desk lamp.

It works well and I paint a ton of 15mm.