Optical Glass Headband Magnifier

Replaced original rather expensive versions of this vision aid that have seen enough years of use to gather several annoying scratches in the glass lenses. (Replacement lenses would have cost more than two of these.) These are better than the originals, but the improvements are subtle. The instructions are incorrect, missing critical fine points by a mile. The headband adjustment has detents that lock the band in position, and the knob is now a two part spring loaded release that must be pulled out a bit before it will turn, which it does easily. The original slipped after a few years of service, requiring frequent tightening to keep the visor steady. The corrugated padding in the front is designed to allow air flow over the forehead, preventing the buildup of sweat during long periods of use. In addition, the rigidity of the frame has been increased, providing a spring-like action to the headband tension. This change requires a different method of donning and removing the visor: push the sides together to elongate the headband, and release to allow it to clamp gently in place. The correct adjustment allows slight pressure on the padding corrugations, enough to securely hold the headband in position, but not enough to distort the corrugations to the point that air can no longer flow freely over the forehead. Adjusting the headband to the correct detent position (pulling the knob out to release) is a much easier task than finding a comfortable setting on the original versions of this visor, which would inevitably slip after a few moments of use and require readjustment. Admittedly, this only became a problem after several years of daily use, but the detents should prevent it entirely, and the newly designed headband is much more comfortable right from the get-go. Lastly, the instructions for changing the lenses are incorrect; pulling the retainers out by yanking the lens off from the front is exactly what manufacturers of these retainers do not recommend. It’s relatively easy to squeeze the inner end of the retainer pin with a small pair of pliers or a hemostat while putting tension on the lens edge with a fingernail, allowing the lens and retainer to slip free without distorting the latching edges responsible for the retaining. Unless you change lenses a lot, you’ll likely never need the spares provided. But it’s nice they thought to do it, ‘cause the little buggers do sometimes like to run away and hide when you’re not looking. Highly recommended. The lens box is a nice touch, too. The originals just rattled around in a drawer with some small tools, likely the source of many of the scratches that appeared over the years.

I use the at home and at work. The work great

This model is an outstanding value for the money -- some professional models are more comfortable for all-day wear, but cost far more, and the interchangeable lenses on this one make a big difference: it can be used for intricate work on watches with parts down to 1/32" or less or clocks with part measured in inches; its focal distance varies with the magnification, so the low magnification is great for removing splinters with sharp tweezers; etc. The lenses are of good quality, framed in tough plastic; swapping among the three lenses provided is a breeze. The headband adjustment works fine. The headband has an integrated nonslip plastic cushion on the front that provides good support, if not the same comfort that a leather pad would -- but it's easy to add your favorite padding around it if so desired. The overall weight is very minimal -- it's almost all due to the weight of the lenses -- thus allowing one to keep it on one's head for hours at a time. I have long used clockmaker's loupes, that slip in front of one eye, but being able to use binocular vision on fine work makes a big difference. Highly recommended!

Great when you need both hands. It is comfortable and easy to use

I have a high end professional model that I have had for 30+ years for close up work. I wanted one with lower magnification for reading magazines now that my vision isn't as good as it once was. Obviously, this is not as good as my professional model BUT it works just fine, has multiple lenses, and does the job. Considering what I paid for it I am very happy. Just a single lower magnification lens for my professional unit would cost a lot more than this complete set. The storage box for the lenses was a nice added touch.

Mediocre quality optics. Diplopia

This is an inexpensive option for people who need to magnify their vision. I'm a jewelry and work with small beads, flipping between magnified and normal vision. It was just a few weeks when the lenses started falling out. There are some extra tabs, but they hold the lens for maybe 15 minutes, then start failing. The other issue is that it no longer stays in the position I need unless I tighten the side screws - as in every time I push it up or pull it down, which I do repeatedly on every piece I'm working on. My poor nose has been bashed so many times I may need a nose job! Well, that's an exaggeration, but it hurts. Still on the lookout for something that works.

A little flimsy on the adjustment screws but does the job well. The box that holds the lenses is very nice.