Magnification Headset- OptiVisor Alternative

[FossilNerd]

***I put this topic in Collecting Gear since it is fossil gear and could certainly be used for collecting smaller specimens in the field or micro matrix at the table, but it can also be used for prep, or studying those hard to see diagnostic features.***

 

I was looking for a decent alternative to the OptiVisor magnifying headset by Donegan. The OptiVisor is pretty much the gold standard for these hobby magnification headsets, and is top quality by all accounts.
 

For me, the problem I found with the OptiVisor is that I wanted to have different magnification options. The OptiVisor has this, but you must buy a different visor for each magnification power as the lenses are not “hot swappable”. There is an OptiVisor kit that comes with multiple visors for different magnifications, but I couldn’t find it cheap enough to fit my budget.
 

After a lot of online research I decided to purchase the MagniVisor Deluxe by Carson. The whole kit was about the same price as one OptiVisor. It comes with lenses ranging from 1.5x to 3x magnification. It has an LED light on top that is removable to allow lighting from different angles if needed, and the base is magnetic so you can stick it to something like a shelf, filing cabinet, or the adjustable lamp who’s bulb is blown and I’m too lazy to change, lol. The lens will also flip up out of the way should you require normal vision. 
 

I was able to try the visor out today for some pin vise work and counting those hard to see brachiopod plications. I was pleased with how they perform. I wear glasses and had no trouble looking through my glasses and the magnification lenses. Which was great as many times looking through an extra set of lenses give me a headache and eye strain pain. No 3-D movie glasses for me!  I was also able to switch between lens in seconds, and the provided light is very bright and adjustable enough to be aimed at the work area. 
 

I haven’t noticed many cons with the headset yet, but I can speculate on potential future problems. The MagniVisor’s lenses are made from plastic. I wonder how well the plastic lenses will hold up to the grit from my dusty/dirty fingers. Hopefully I can keep the scratches to a minimum. 
 

 Another thing that may prove a con is the lens attachment clips. They seem sturdy enough, but are plastic and could wear with use. Also, the MagniVisor has specific instructions on how to remove the lenses to avoid damage to the retention clips. I’ll need to be diligent when I swap these out. Time will tell on how the lenses and retention clips hold up.

 

Still, so far so good. If someone is thinking about getting a magnification headset I can recommend the MagniVisor Deluxe by Carson. 

 

[rocket]

thanks, so many headsets on the market and most are not useful. Good to hear that you got a good one.

I tried 3 different ones many years ago and gave them all away. And stopped to look around for a good one where you don´t get ruined , the really good ones are expensive...

[Randyw]

I use this headset. It comes with led lights and intercanchable lenses from 1.0-3.5 power. It fits over my glasses and is mostly comfortable to wear….

[FossilNerd]

59 minutes ago, Randyw said:

I use this headset. It comes with led lights and intercanchable lenses from 1.0-3.5 power. It fits over my glasses and is mostly comfortable to wear….

 

I also looked at those as a possibility Randy, but wasn’t sure how well they would work with glasses. Glad they work for you.