Seeking Recommendations: Magnifier

[huntertrw]

I am seeking a U.S.-made headband-style (see image below) magnifier for reading and close work, such as deciphering that small, faint stamping on pipes, but do not know what focus and power would be best. Any recommendations? My eyes will thank you!

 

[Dave760]

I suspect that, unless you find something on the used market, you won't find anything like this that's US-made anymore. I was looking for one about seven years ago and even those sold by US companies were manufactured in China.

 

[fireground_piper]

Donegan Optical - Headband Magnifiers Archives - Donegan Optical Company, Inc. - https://doneganoptical.com/product-category/headband/

They do claim everything is manufactured in their facilities in Kansas. I actually just picked up the Optivisor about a month ago and like it so far.

 

[huntertrw]

I actually just picked up the Optivisor about a month ago and like it so far.

What focus and power are yours?

 

[Briarcutter]

I am seeking a U.S.-made headband-style (see image below) magnifier for reading and close work, such as deciphering that small, faint stamping on pipes, but do not know what focus and power would be best. Any recommendations? My eyes will thank you!

View attachment 364756

Yes, Optivisor I've been using them for about 35 years. Made in USA last time I checked. Never failed me and comfortable. If you adjust it on your head correctly you can continue to wear it even when not needed, then when needed just tip your head down like a pair of reading glasses. You'll get the hang of it. Look up the focal point and what that means,it's useful nformation in choosing the correct magnification. My first set lasted about 30 years! You choose a "power" by the focal distance you'll be working at. Mine are designed for about 10 inches, that is 10 inches from your face. The one I use is a number 5. Once you get the visor you can buy replacement lenses if need be.

 

[fireground_piper]

I got the 2x, 10" focal. I'll probably try the 14" or 20" at some point in the future. I'd say the 10" focal length is pretty accurate and definitely closer than I realized for the work I typically want to do with it. it's certainly useable for me, but 10" is a closer working distance than I realized.

 

[Hillcrest]

I am seeking a U.S.-made headband-style (see image below) magnifier for reading and close work,

If you are set on the headband go with the most powerful you can find, The ones you posted are avaiiilable on Amazon from $23-35. Go with a jewelers version. However, my Dad was a stamp collector and preferred a desk magnifyer like this one along with a 20X jewelers loop so he could have his hands free. He also used a desktop clamp with two alligator clamp and a magnifyer in the middle depending on need.
If you are attempting to read pipe stampings would also recommend a white China Marker to highliight the stamp ... its just wax and easily removed.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Oops, the one I was linking wouldn't be appropriate for reading.

 

[Briarcutter]

From Donegan Website. "Donegan products are 100% USA fabricated in our Lenexa, Kansas facility"

 

[mawnansmiff]

Wouldn't a simple loupe do the job?

I use a magnifying lens to read my laptop but I use a loupe to read ingredients lists on jars etc, medication directions and the like.

My magnifyer is a Bausch & Lomb which is American/Canadian.

The Germans & Swiss have made superlative optical gear for decades (I have a Leica microscope) so perhaps you might look in that direction?

Jay.

 

[Sigmund]

I have used one for over a decade that looks similiar to the one you have posted. Yes, techinically its cheap junk but it gets the job done. The ones on ali express, ebay, or Amazon usually have dual lens sets. One flips up or drops down to increase the power. That way you get more than one magnification option. Some have a little loupe in the front.

Honeslty the listings under "magnifing helmet" on amazon Uk will do the job at 20 or under. Sure they are plastic lenses but they work

If you NEED uber precision prepare to pay a lot. If you just want to read small stuff dont worry.