Reddit reviews Donegan DA-5 OptiVisor Headband Magnifier, 2.5x Magnification, 8" Focal Length
We found 5 Reddit comments about Donegan DA-5 OptiVisor Headband Magnifier, 2.5x Magnification, 8" Focal Length. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Binocular headband magnifier provides hands-free magnification and viewing for a variety of applications such as jewelry-making, watch-making, needlework, artwork, electronic inspection, book-reading, print inspection, and stamp-collectingAvailable in multiple dioptric strengths (indicated by the model number) that provide a specific magnification power (X), depending on the distance from the objectA dioptric number and a magnification number are not the same thing. Diopter strength represents a specific magnification power (X). For example, a 5-diopter provides 2.5X magnification (at a distance of 8”)Optical glass lenses are ground and polished into prismatic lenses for quality and clarityCan be worn over prescription or safety eyeglasses
I finally broke down and got the OptiVisor. Amazing.
https://www.amazon.com/Donegan-OptiVisor-Headband-Magnifier-Magnification/dp/B0015IN8J6
(What this means is that I need reading glasses or bifocals. Crap.)
It's a step short of "microscope" but I have a Donegan OptiVisor 2.5x that is great. They come in a few different magnification options.
If you go that route, be sure you don't get the cheap version with plastic lenses.
The easiest to work with are the Magnification Visors. They wrap your eyes and allow you to focus through the lenses.
If you are looking to do fine mechanical work I would recommend the visors. They come variable focus and some have loupes for your dominant eye to increase one eye magnification.
https://www.amazon.com/Donegan-OptiVisor-Headband-Magnifier-Magnification/dp/B0015IN8J6/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_121_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=01FJQE1XMV439KMPF57N.
If for reading go with just a magnifying lens glasses.
They also make Binocular glasses.
This site is expensive but you can see what is out there to fit your need and search elsewhere for cheaper.
https://www.magnifyingaids.com/Hands_Free
I don't use one myself, but these Optivisors are popular with the sculptors I follow.
I haven't used a usb microscope but my understanding is that depth perception can be a real problem. I use an AmScope binocular stereo microscope. It does have a port for a camera that blocks one lens. If I want to record, I would use a separate usb microscope. This is rather pricey and I just happened to get a great deal at an auction. There are cheaper options, but that may give you an idea of the ideal optics. The barlow lens helps with the wider field of view and the lights are great. Another option is a headband magnifier like this. It may be enough an even if not, would still come in handy when the scope is overkill.