Thread resurrection. I have also been looking for ways to improve my vision at the bench. I have worn glasses for some time now so any optivisor design must allow for that. I purchased a plastic lens Rolson model at a model show quite a few years ago for just over £15. I tried to get along with it but it got put back in its box after a few sessions. I have no idea what improving percentage the glass lens type like DA produce has but for me the main annoyances were the distance I had to hold the subject for optimal viewing. If I recall it included 4 plastic lenses including 1.2x, 1.8x, 2.5x and 3.5x. I found the 2.5 was the best compromise for magnification versus decent working focal length. Another issue was the screws that tightened the lens bar became loose each time I lifted the lens so required constant attention.
A current build has now highlighted the fact I will have to consider an optivisor for far more tasks than I currently carry out without one. This build is a 1/35 3D printed model. It is only a small trailer and I have just not been able to see all the supporting material nodes left on the model. As soon as primer went on it was obvious that I just hadn't cleaned up the parts to my usual standards. I simply was not able to see them.
I have for some time used a magnifying LED light in addition to over bench LED lights and I assumed that was sufficient but popping the old Rolson visor on again it was clear how much access material that still required removal!
So, I think it may be time to invest in a glass lens Optivisor. Before I do however, I figured I would update some of my existing LED lighting. My old LED magnifier has seen better days and the adjustable screw handle that adjusts the whole circular lens does occasionally let go resulting in some heart stopping near misses! Likewise, one of my over bench LED lights has had a flicker for a while now where a whole row of LEDS cuts off. For this reason, I have just invested in some new LED lighting. The replacements I ended up purchasing are from a company called Neatfi and purchased through Amazon qualify for an extended 3rd year warranty.
First up is a 7" bifocal 1.6000 Lumen magnifying lamp with a step dimming switch
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07X84GC52/ref=twister_B0B6F4V62M?_encoding=UTF8&th=1 and the other is a 2.500 Lumens LED task lamp
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neatfi-Lum...cphy=9045240&hvtargid=pla-1106227325987&psc=1.
Some online tips from many miniature figure painters are that the best light is in the colour range of between 5000 and 6000 Kelvin. This produces a good natural white light that will reflect how the figure or scale model will look in normal daylight. Both these lights operate within that range. Heat production is also very low. Both lamps also have a handy two-part clip together power lead that allows easy removal of the light from the desk clamp. If you have hidden cabling or want to utilise the lamp in different locations this is a handy detail.
I think that good over bench lighting is the key factor and LEDS are the way to go. I first invested in some which replaced some old desk lamps when I got serious about the hobby around 10 years ago and it was an instant improvement. Obviously, space restraints play a large factor and although they are large all the swing arm types have tabletop clamps. You can also buy clamps that allow the light to be attached to a wall which will free up valuable work surface space. There are many inventive ways that these can be employed and looking at modellers mancave pics gives some great ideas.
Anyways I digress! Back to optivisor recommendations. What are you using, its pros and cons and is the more expensive DA type Optivisor type with a glass lens a big enough improvement over the Rolson or cheaper plastic lenses ones?
