Question for Optivisor (or similar) Users

[nheather]

I use an Optivisor, couldn’t be without it, tried alternatives, other magnifiers, spectacles, but always come back to the OptiVisor.

 

But here is the question.

 

I have DA-5 (2.5X) lens and I firmly believe this is the sweet spot for compromise of magnification and focal distance.

 

But from time to time I fancy a little more magnification, like belt buckles on miniature figures, so I keep looking at the DA-10 (3.5X) but I’ve been put off but the very short focal distance.

 

The DA-10 has a focal distance of 4” (10cm) and I imagine that the depth of field will be very shallow - so I wonder whether it will bring the figure that I am painting into fantastic clear magnified view but will be so close that I can’t get the paintbrush in to use it.

 

Son interested if anyone here uses a 3.5X Optivisor or similar and if so what do you think?

[dromia]

I use and love my optivisor fitted with DA-5 lenses.

 

For when I really need to get a very close view I use the loupe fitted.

 

It just turns down over one eye, in my case the right eye, and I get all the magnification I need.

 

The focal plan is very shallow and focal distance is around 2 1/2"-3".

 

Downside is the magnification is only on one eye but I find it fine for those times I need the magnification.

 

Using a paint brush is no issue being off the the side of my right eye.

 

Saves me changing lenses or buying another visor.

[nheather]

52 minutes ago, dromia said:

I use and love my optivisor fitted with DA-5 lenses.

 

For when I really need to get a very close view I use the loupe fitted.

 

 

I bought my Optivosor some time ago on a trip to the US.  The stuff was a a lot cheaper there plus the exchange rate was very good at the time.  So when I bought it I also got the 'old-style' light system (which is really good) and the loupe too.

 

But I've not really used the loupe - when I tried it I find it a little inconvenient.

 

Get what you mean about changing lenses - it really is not viable especially with the light system fitted - too much faff - so I would be looking at a second OptiVisor.

[dromia]

Aye it is an add on, however I persevered and soon got the hang of it.

 

The more I used the more I used, if you get my meaning.

[nheather]

Will dig it out and give it another go