Using Optivisors to Magnify Your Work
When I first started using magnification to help me with my jewelry making I just wanted the highest magnification available and I was frustrated by the information about working distances because I didn't understand the trade-offs involved in using magnification.
Magnification lenses are designed to focus at a specific distance.
Our eyes can focus at many distances, but these lenses have a very limited focus range.
The higher the magnification, the closer you need to be to the work.
I use five different Optivisor lenses and choose one based on how close I am to the work and how much help I need.
Our eyes can focus at many distances, but these lenses have a very limited focus range.
The higher the magnification, the closer you need to be to the work.
I use five different Optivisor lenses and choose one based on how close I am to the work and how much help I need.
For tasks like stone setting and using a graver, I use a bench pin or ball vise, which keeps me close to my work.
For this, I use a #10 lens that magnifies 3.5x and focuses about 4 inches (10 cm) from the lens.
Sometimes I switch to my #7 lens, which has less magnification but lets me sit back and see a larger area better for bigger projects or an overall view.
An elevated work surface like a bench pin helps you stay close without straining your neck.
When inspecting stones or checking a seat cut, I use the small Optivisor loupe attachment.
It screws onto either side of the lens plate and swings into place when needed.
This loupe adds 2.5x magnification to any lens but reduces the working distance, depending on the lens used.
With my #10 lens, it shortens the distance to about 2 inches (5 cm)..
For this, I use a #10 lens that magnifies 3.5x and focuses about 4 inches (10 cm) from the lens.
Sometimes I switch to my #7 lens, which has less magnification but lets me sit back and see a larger area better for bigger projects or an overall view.
An elevated work surface like a bench pin helps you stay close without straining your neck.
When inspecting stones or checking a seat cut, I use the small Optivisor loupe attachment.
It screws onto either side of the lens plate and swings into place when needed.
This loupe adds 2.5x magnification to any lens but reduces the working distance, depending on the lens used.
With my #10 lens, it shortens the distance to about 2 inches (5 cm)..
When working on my desktop, the work is farther away, so my #10 lens doesn't focus properly.
In this case, I usually use my #5 lens, which magnifies 2.5x and focuses at 8 inches (20 cm).
This works well since my desk is fairly high, and I can lower my chair if needed.
You might prefer a #4 or #3 lens for less magnification but a longer working distance.
Your height, especially sitting height, and desk height are important factors here.
More magnification means you have to be closer to the work, so finding the right balance takes time and adjustment.
Raising your work surface can help if you need more magnification, but for comfort, sometimes a less detailed view is better.
In this case, I usually use my #5 lens, which magnifies 2.5x and focuses at 8 inches (20 cm).
This works well since my desk is fairly high, and I can lower my chair if needed.
You might prefer a #4 or #3 lens for less magnification but a longer working distance.
Your height, especially sitting height, and desk height are important factors here.
More magnification means you have to be closer to the work, so finding the right balance takes time and adjustment.
Raising your work surface can help if you need more magnification, but for comfort, sometimes a less detailed view is better.
For soldering, I want to see detail but don't want my face too close to the work, so I avoid using my #10 lens.
The Optivisor lens I choose depends on the soldering task and the size of the piece.
Larger pieces generate more heat, so you'll want to keep your face further away.
I usually use a #4 lens, which magnifies 2x and focuses at 10 inches (25 cm).
If I need more magnification, I switch to my #5 lens.
Often, I use a higher magnification to set up the soldering, then switch to a lower one to do the actual work.
The Optivisor lens I choose depends on the soldering task and the size of the piece.
Larger pieces generate more heat, so you'll want to keep your face further away.
I usually use a #4 lens, which magnifies 2x and focuses at 10 inches (25 cm).
If I need more magnification, I switch to my #5 lens.
Often, I use a higher magnification to set up the soldering, then switch to a lower one to do the actual work.
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Most magnification setups have interchangeable lenses, but you keep all your lenses ready to go because swapping them out can be a hassle. Having each lens set up saves time and ensures you actually use the right magnification for the job.
Sawing with an Optivisor can be tricky since the lenses are bulky and stick out. If you saw from directly behind your saw frame, your lens's focusing distance needs to be longer than the depth of the saw frame, or else the saw frame will bump into the lenses.
Most magnification setups have interchangeable lenses, but you keep all your lenses ready to go because swapping them out can be a hassle. Having each lens set up saves time and ensures you actually use the right magnification for the job.
Sawing with an Optivisor can be tricky since the lenses are bulky and stick out. If you saw from directly behind your saw frame, your lens's focusing distance needs to be longer than the depth of the saw frame, or else the saw frame will bump into the lenses.
I have tried quite a few magnification setups and I find the Optivisor glass lenses are really crisp in their focus and definition and they do really help me to see precisely which saves me time and improves the quality of my work.
Optivisors have space for you to wear your prescription glasses underneath. I don't wear glasses but I do often wear safety glasses under my Optivisor because the Optivisor doesn't offer full protection.
The specifications for Optivisor are below, if you have a different brand just check if they are the same focal distances.
#2 1.5x magnification 20" (50cm) focus distance
#3 1.75x magnification 14" (35cm) focus distance
#4 2x magnification 10" (25cm) focus distance
#5 2.5x magnification 8" (20cm) focus distance
#7 2.75x magnification 6" (15cm) focus distance
#10 3.5x magnification 4" (10cm) focus distance
Optivisors have space for you to wear your prescription glasses underneath. I don't wear glasses but I do often wear safety glasses under my Optivisor because the Optivisor doesn't offer full protection.
The specifications for Optivisor are below, if you have a different brand just check if they are the same focal distances.
#2 1.5x magnification 20" (50cm) focus distance
#3 1.75x magnification 14" (35cm) focus distance
#4 2x magnification 10" (25cm) focus distance
#5 2.5x magnification 8" (20cm) focus distance
#7 2.75x magnification 6" (15cm) focus distance
#10 3.5x magnification 4" (10cm) focus distance
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Optivisor 10 3-1/2X
ELP-510.00
- ELP-510.00
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $63.95
- Gold Club Price: $47.96
Optivisor with 1.75 Lens
G6-20
- G6-20
- Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
- Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
- Price: $70.95
- Gold Club Price: $53.21
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- Category: General Education
- Technique(s): General Education
Kylie Jones
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