Optical visors question for those that use them?

[DVS Design]

Hi guys I'm look at getting a Optical Visor to help save my eyes when painting those tiny details and free hand. My question is for those that have used them would I be better of with the LX4 or LX5. My worry is fighting with the end of the brush and the visor. The Lx4 gives 2x at 10in and the LX5 2.5x at 8in.

Here's a link to the product http://www.doneganoptical.com/optivisorlx.php

Thanks for any insight or better product options ^_^

 

[Bishop Odo]

The Opti Visor is really about the best you can get, without going to some real extremes in cost, I’m talking medical grade equipment. My optivisor has a glass lens and replaceable sweat band all things to consider. Keep the focal length in mind as well, if you can’t get a brush or tools between you and the miniature comfortably what good is it. 10 or 12 inches is good, I use the 10 inch focal length myself.

 

[DVS Design]

Thanks Bishop

 

[Einion]

I think this is going to come down to what suits the individual, since some people can't even get used to their Optivisors and eventually sell them on!

There are some previous threads on planetFigure with various recommendations but I can't find the one I was thinking of. Anyway, I don't think there's a consensus per se but too high a magnification is often mentioned as a problem. The #5 seems to be the commonest choice, which gives magnification of 2.5X and the price to aim for in 2010 was around US$30-40.

You might also consider getting some cheap reading glasses instead. Some people use these instead of a proper magnifier and just that little bit of help is enough for them to be able to paint smaller with relative ease and they're more comfortable to wear for long periods. If you already wear glasses, consider getting a pair specifically made to allow close focussing; I wear glasses under-adjusted for distance vision for this purpose specifically, although I have a magnifier also.

Regardless of what you use, it'll take time to adjust to it. I'd recommend you start light (short sessions) and work up, but give whatever it is a really fair shake at the end of the day - nearly anyone can adapt if they just stick it out.

Einion

 

[RuneBrush]

I've got a set similar though not the foggiest what strength they are. I tend to use them when I'm doing something fairly small (like a face) but as Einion says don't over do it else you'll give yourself eye-strain, which really isn't much fun! It'll also take you a while to get used to not smacking yourself in the visor with your brush!