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Cheap (and good) magnifiers for electronic works
ThunderZed:
Hi all, I'm searching a cheap and good enough way to see when I work on PCB, SMD and so on.
I avoid "big" stuff, such as table lamps with magnifier, because I need something easy to carry on around.
I avoid solutions that need smartphone/laptop to work, such as digital endoscopes.
I've pointed to:
1. eyeglass-shaped magnifiers with 2 lenses;
2. binoculars with galilean system (as dentist's);
3. watchmaker/jeweler's system: loupe with springy headband;
4. 3$ +3 diopters eyeglass bought at chinese shop :)
My doubts (related to the stuff linked above):
1. They come with "1.5X 2.0X 2.5X 3.5X 4.0X 4.5X" lenses but I doubt they reach the max 4.5x power even if you match the 2 strongest ones (4x + 4.5x) and even if you could get 4.5x magnification you must be "125mm" far from your working field. Anyway is there someone that can tell if it's true or not and can tell something about real focal distance?
2. I guess the vision field of "dentistry" binoculars is very narrow, isn't it? I also guess its main drawback is its focal distance because it's "Working Distance" is "320-420 mm" so quite long (for me). I'd also appreciate a real magnifying power evaluation by who used it.
3. Could it be good for works on PCB? Especially for its focal distance, I guess it's very little.
4. I don't know if I could get headache or seasickness. They seem for farsightedness, am I wrong?
As you could see from my links I prefer buying on aliexpress instead of amazon or ebay because of my low budget.
pope:
I'm at exactly the same situation so any recommendations are very welcome.
tggzzz:
Try something like this, widely available from many sources under many brand names https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rolson-60390-Loupe-Magnifier-Visor/dp/B001MJ0JW2
Benefits:
* cheap enough to be regarded as an experiment
* change the magnification to whatever suits your eyes and the your task. Several lenses supplied, can increase magnification by putting them "in series"
* use in addition existing spectacles correcting defects in your eyes such as astigmatism and differing focal lengths
* unlike microscopes, use wherever you want, at any angle relative to whatever you are working on, including deep into cabinets
* eyes and lenses far enough from soldering iron that it is possible to avoid deposits on the lenses and in your lungs
Even if not a long-tem solution, at the very least it will enable you to refine your likes/dislikes/requirements so that when spending serious money you will be able to make better choices.
Even though I have a couple of stereoscopic microscopes, the visor is what I use most of the time.
jpanhalt:
I would consider comfort for long periods. That springy thing looks like torture,, particularly if you have longer hair as it will get caught in the spring. I have used a visor type for well over 20 years (attached). Easy on and off, glass lenses, doesn't fog, and I can wear reading glasses under it if needed. Once you get past 45 or so, you will understand the need for reading glasses. The headband loupe can also be easily flipped out of the way when not needed and stays on your head; whereas, glasses hung on your ears probably need to be taken off. Then you need to find a place for them. Finding that convenient storage place again, wastes time. :)
As for the more professional loupes, they also work, but considering the price for really good ones that surgeons and ophthalmologists wear (usually with a headband), I would be cautious of something so cheap that hung on my ears. I have a pair made for physicians in the 1940's that are like glasses and hang on your ears. They are definitely uncomfortable for long periods.
I also keep a variety of single-eye loupes (about 2X) around the house. They also have glass lenses, are cheap, and work well when you need to read something and don't have the headband handy. Of course, they generally have a shorter working distance.
Edit: As implied above, glass lenses are important to me.
lowimpedance:
Take a look at these cheap headband magnifiers.I use them and find them very effective and can be used with your glasses if needed. The working distance with the 2x is good for bench work and also when doing lathe work too.
They also come with a selection of lenses for other magnifications. Another big plus is they are lightweight.
https://au.element14.com/modelcraft/pop1763/headband-magnifier-w-4-lense/dp/2915105?st=Headband%20magnifier
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