Donegan DA-5 OptiVisor Headband Magnifier 2.5X Magnification

by Donegan Optical

Product Features

• Binocular headband magnifier provides hands-free magnification and viewing for a variety of applications such as jewelry-making, watch-making, needlework, artwork, electronic inspection, book-reading, print inspection, and stamp-collecting
• Available in multiple dioptric strengths (indicated by the model number) that provide a specific magnification power (X), depending on the distance from the object
• A dioptric number and a magnification number are not the same thing. Diopter strength represents a specific magnification power (X). For example, a 5-diopter provides 2.5X magnification (at a distance of 8")
• Optical glass lenses are ground and polished into prismatic lenses for quality and clarity
• Can be worn over prescription or safety eyeglasses

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0015IN8J6
• Item model number: DA5
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (97 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12 in Industrial & Scientific (See Top 100 in Industrial & Scientific)
  • #1 in Industrial & Scientific > Measurement & Inspection Products > Optical Inspection Apparatus
  • #1 in Health & Personal Care > Medical Supplies & Equipment > Daily Living Aids > Low Vision Aids > Writing & Reading Aids
  • #1 in Arts, Crafts & Sewing > Beading & Jewelry Making > Beading Tools

Product Description

The Donegan OptiVISOR is a hands-free, headband binocular magnifier that has optical glass lenses that are ground and polished into prismatic lenses for quality and clarity, and is available in multiple dioptric strengths (indicated by the number in the model) which provide specific magnification power (X) at specific focal lengths, or distance from object. This magnifier enhances the size and resolution of an object or image, and is commonly used for a variety of applications such as jewelry-making, watch- making, needlework, artwork, electronic inspection, book-reading, print inspection, and stamp-collecting.

The OptiVISOR magnifier features replaceable binocular lenses that have beveled edges that are mounted in an interchangeable plastic frame. An adjustable headband with padded leather comfort band conforms to a variety of head sizes and provides comfort for hours of continuous use. It can be worn over prescription or safety eyeglasses. A durable, plastic visor tips up above the forehead when not in use. Spring-loaded pivot screws hold the headband in a raised or a forward-facing position. The magnifier weighs 0.67 lbs., and comes housed in a protective shell and carrying case. It has a one-year limited warranty. Diopter (D) is a technical term for the measurement of the light curvature and thickness of a lens. A dioptric number and a magnification number are not the same thing. Diopter strength represents a specific magnification power (X). For example, a 5-diopter provides 2.5X magnification (at a distance of 8”). See the magnification chart. The higher the diopter, the more magnification a lens can provide. As magnification increases, distance to the object (focal length), and field of view (diameter, or narrowness of view) decreases. Magnifiers and prescription eyeglasses have a diopter value, such as 1.5 or 2. The dioptric strength of an accessory lens, such as prescription eyeglasses or an eye loupe, must be added to the dioptric strength of the magnifier to calculate total magnification. Magnifiers are devices used to enlarge the visual appearance of an object or image. Magnifiers come in a variety of styles such as hand-held, headband, standing, clip-on, eye loupe, and those that hang in a necklace form, or fit in a trouser pocket. Magnifiers are commonly made of plastic or glass. They can have one or more lenses with varying magnification abilities, and can have a binocular configuration with a single lens, or two separate lenses. They are sometimes used with LED or fluorescent light sources to help control viewing capabilities. Magnifier ability is often expressed as magnification at a specific length. For example, 1.75X at 14” means that when a magnifier is held at 14” from a viewer’s eyes, the object will be magnified 1.75 times (X) its actual size. As magnification increases, viewing areas and focal length decrease. Magnifiers sometimes have a diopter number, expressed as + or -D, which is a measurement of strength (or power) of the lens. Some magnifiers are marked with a dioptric number on the lens. A high diopter number has a higher magnification than a low diopter number. Aspheric magnifiers, unlike spheric magnifiers, produce a sharp image to the edge of the lens for less distortion. Magnifiers are widely used in jewelry inspection and fabrication, watch-making, needlework, artwork, reading, print inspection, and stamp-collecting.

Determining Magnification Diopter Magnification Focal length (Distance from object) Sample view 20/20 vision 20" (50.8cm) 2-diopter lens 1.50X 20" (50.8cm) 3-diopter lens 1.75X 14" (35.56cm) 4-diopter lens 2.00X 10" (25.4cm) 5-diopter lens 2.50X 8" (20.32cm) 7-diopter lens 2.75X 6" (15.24cm) 10-diopter lens 3.50X 4" (10.16cm)

Donegan Optical manufactures and distributes precision visual devices for hobbyists and professionals in industry, home, office and crafts applications. The company was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas.

What’s in the Box?

• OptiVISOR
• Fitted, plastic, carrying case
• Instruction manual

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Upgrade Instantly to Bionic Eyeballs!, December 6, 2009

By 

First Quadrant "techReader" (Providence, RI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Donegan DA-10 OptiVisor Headband Magnifier 3.5X (Misc.)

I have owned an OptiVisor for several years. Originally purchased for work, I bought a second pair for home and have used them for (to name a few) pulling splinters out of the kids fingers, assessment of a problem with my dog's paw, detailed gluing of small project work, removing and assessing a tick, replacing a watch battery and for making small, detailed measurements. My eyes aren't what they used to be--but with these... they're temporarily much, much better!
Others have reviewed the limited depth of field. This is true--you'll need to be close to the subject for it to be in focus. Please understand that this is not a fault of the manufacturer but is the way optics perform when designed to work in this fashion. In my opinion, this limitation makes these an unsuitable solution for reading unless you need extreme help and are willing to hold the material very close. I've tried. It's clumsy.
Two notes from my years of using this product. 1) There are "thumbturn" tighteners (small knobs visible in the picture) that keep the visor in position once you've adjusted it on your head. We tend to only tighten the one on the right because we are right handed. The left one became loose, fell off, and was lost for quite some time before we located it under the couch. Keep both of these finger-tight or you may lose one of them. 2) The optics can scratch if you store the visor improperly. We like the visor so much that we put a hook on the wall near the office desk--just an arm's reach away. Easy access. Safe storage.
These are ruggedly built, well-designed and have helped me to solve many problems. Therefore, they get my 5-star approval and recommendation.

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for soldering surface mount componets, November 16, 2009

By 

Gerald Vaagen "Genius at Large" (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Donegan DA-5 OptiVisor Headband Magnifier 2.5X Magnification (Misc.)

I been using this product for years and years, 1 have 2 broken ones where the plastic hood part cracks and is impossible to glue back together.
but is light weight and I can wear them all day working on electronic circuit boards.
There are many magifications of this product but this one a #5 is just right gives you about 7-8 inches away from work area

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Decent Magnifier but a little pricey, February 2, 2010

By 

Tony G. (Justice, IL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Donegan DA-10 OptiVisor Headband Magnifier 3.5X (Misc.)

I bought this headband magnifier to be able to work hands-free on electronic circuitry and small surface mount components. I thought I'd be able to use a small soldering iron while wearing the visor, but at the point of good focus there's only about 3 to 4 inches of clearance between the lenses and the work. It can still be done, but you have to be careful as you bring the iron in and out of the working view so you don't burn the visor or the lenses.

This magnifier is good overall. The fit is nice and snug and pretty comfortable to wear for extended time. The lenses are good quality, although if I had to buy another I'd get a lower magnification than this 3-1/2X. It's very hard to work with items because the focal length is under 4 inches. The 2.5X or 2.75X are probably better for getting more working distance. The knob-adjust headband is a nice feature for quickly adjusting to a snug fit, and the side knobs let you adjust the up/down swing very easily.

I also ordered the OptiLoupe 2.5X addon, but that thing is pretty useless. It's very hard to use and it has a narrow zone of vision.

Overall, the construction and quality of this headband visor is very good and it does what it claims.
It costs a bit more than most others, but it seems to be of very good construction.