Recommend model of Opti-visor magnifier?

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I'd get the standard Opti-visor. It has real glass lenses, so they don't get scratched like the plastic lensed LX version will.

One option is to have an accessory loupe model. This is a small round jeweler's loupe mounted on the side of the lense. You can pivot it up out of the way or turn it down in front of the main lense for extra power.
Personally, unless you're working on really small parts, I never found the loupe accessory to be of much use. If it was that small I went with my standard watchmaker's loupe.

Another option that might be useful is the light model, because you never have enough light.

As for what focus to buy, just sit down and position some work where it's at a comfortable distance away, then measure the distance from your eyes to the work. Buy a visor with that focal length lens.

The Opti-visor is the best and is a standard in many industries.
I got mine in watchmaker's school in the 1960's. I used it every day in some watchmaking applications, gunsmithing, and hobby work.
It's still in use today, although the leather head band pad has been replaced many times, and the band has been repaired several times.
 
I also recommend the standard model with glass lenses. For gunsmithing, I like the #5 lens. You can get additional lenses later if you want them. I also have the #10 lens which almost never gets used. The focus is very close.
 
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Thanks much guys. That's exactly the type of info I was looking for.

I found myself looking through several cheap loupes and no-name visors at a recent gun show...and realized that:

1. There must be something better out there

2. I didn't know enough about them to actually make an intelligent purchase
 
I have the no name $5 Chinese with the longest lens next to the computer.
I have the Bausch and Lomb with 12" lens in the reloading room.
I have the Opti-visor with #4 lens in the gunsmithing shop.

I also have Luxo magnifier lamps in the reloading room and the shop.
I have an eye piece from a parted out pair of binoculars mounted on a pedestal on my desk.

This last tool is shown in the pick.
It is like having a microscope with lots of table clearance.
Sometimes it takes a microscope to get out some of the metal splinters in the hand.

Here is a pic of digital calipers jaw error seen through the old binocular eye piece.
 

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Clark: Thank you for the additional info and for taking the time to post photos.

I appreciate it!
 
I have a no name Visor with the lights on each side and has an extra lens spring loaded that will swing down and snap into place behind the stationary lens for some serious magnification. Also has the loupe. Any body know the name? I am missing one of the battery "cap" holder. Takes two AAA on each side.
 
I have a no name Visor with the lights on each side and has an extra lens spring loaded that will swing down and snap into place behind the stationary lens for some serious magnification. Also has the loupe. Any body know the name? I am missing one of the battery "cap" holder. Takes two AAA on each side.

I bought one of these the last time they had free shipping and for the money I was impressed. The lights aren't all that bright but I have plenty of light at my bench.

$5.99 and Free Shipping and Sale expires July 17, 2011

Seedtick

:)
 
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