Customer Reviews

SE Folding Pocket Magnifier, 6X 2.5" Glass Lens

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I am disappointed because I didn't get what I was expecting. I purchased this 6X magnifier because I already have a very handy 3X pocket magnifier and a better quality 8X loupe (for flatwork; I used to proof printing with it) and wanted something in-between to view coins. This seemed like the perfect choice. However, the magnifier is 2 1/2" in diameter, not 2" as described, which makes it, for me, too large and bulky to be a lightweight pocket magnifier (glass is heavy!). But more problematic is that I can't see any difference in magnification between my 3X and this one--it might be 4X at the most, but I doubt it.

The balance of the magnifier in the hand is not great but I wouldn't expect much for $4.99. Overall, it's an inexpensive magnifier suitable, I'd say, for reading maps but I am disappointed that it's not the advertised size and stronger.

The service from hobbytoolsupply was excellent; it was shipped and received--across country--within two days from my order.

This magnifier is very reasonably priced, but it's rather bulky to fit comfortably into most pockets. The lens measures 2.35 inches clear diameter, and the overall thickness, including the folding case, is 0.69 inches. The lens on mine shows a few cosmetic chips around the perimeter. They don't affect the view significantly.

For a high quality pocket magnifier that fits the pocket better (but is also more costly), consider the model 532 made by General Tools.

This is not 6x. The distortion would be severe if it were. I measured it at about 3x. Nice view for fine print, and isn't all messed up at the edges like higher power magnifiers, which also shade the light. For close work, stacking two of these gives a phenomenal wide view if you place your eye an inch from the lens....a 'super-loupe'. but, yes, that is still just 6x. Very good flatness and depth of field that way, though. If you can give the pocket space, this is a handy general magnifier, and if you want a super wide loupe, try two stacked.

I have optic neuritis, so I carry a magnifying glass to read with as needed. This glass is stronger than the 1.5x or 2x ones commonly found in bookstores, but sometimes I have to stack two, and I doubt a single one is 6x as advertised.

Pros:
It's convenient enough to carry with me.
It's powerful enough for most common printed text.

Cons:
As mentioned, it's weaker than it's claimed to be. At the time I bought mine, they were sold in pairs, so maybe they meant it's 6x when you stack them?
The plastic surrounding the lens is not sturdy enough. In fact, both of mine have broken. One broke while in my pocket, so I wasn't sure what happened, though the pocket was loose, not tight like a jeans pocket. I was there to hear the snap as the plastic of the second one spontaneously snapped. It was sitting untouched on my desk at the time. My room was fairly cool, but not freezing.
Anyway, both of mine have been repaired with hot glue, but now I'm looking for a stronger magnifier with sturdier construction.

THIS IS A GOOD PRODUCT. SLIDES NICELY INTO HOLDER. FITS EASILY IN POCKETS.

..and that I'm actually taking time to compose this for a $3 item. But perhaps it persuades someone else to NOT add this piece of plastic clutter to their life. As others have noted, NO way is this thing 6X! Maybe 2X at best. I use 1.75X~2X readers, and looking at the fine print on a medicine bottle or a DVD case, this item gives NO more magnification. [Unless I'm also wearing the readers. Duh.] At least 3X would have been a bit useful.

But it's the totally unnecessary THICKness that I regret: the lens is mounted in a plastic ring that's twice as thick as it needs to be. Which means its plastic case is as thick as 2 pencils or 2 Bic pens ..and so not some slender item to slip into those little 'misc' pockets in shoulder/computer bags (where thick items are problematic).

I'd also ordered the SE Folding Magnifier 8X which might be 6X~8X (and distorts at outer 20%), but it's quite thin and useful-enough held monocle-like. And the Bausch & Lomb 2X - 6X Sight Savers Rectangular Handheld Magnifier with Acrylic Lens, 4 x 2 Inches (2206) which is a quality product that's actually THINner than this reviewed item. Though its 2.3"x4.3" frame (plus non-folding handle) makes it impractical as a slip-in-pocket tool.

A reviewer somewhere noted that a quality item costs a bit more, suggesting the General Tools 532 2.5 Power Pocket Magnifier. That's probably what I should have bought, instead of a handful of magnifiers whose common denominator was "free S&H" :-)

Just returned this item. It's fairly sturdy but IMO it's not 6x magnification. Not good for looking at fine details on a coin. As I mentioned in another review this also does not magnify as well as a $5 one I picked up at a local drugstore that was packaged as a 2x power with a small 4x inset. I also purchased the 10x power model that looks identical to this one and IMO that also is not as advertised - maybe 4-5x at best, however the 10x model is good enough to scan the overall coin - still not powerful enough to look at the fine details(errors). I've given up trying to find a cheap model and went and bough a Bausch and Lomb pocket model that has 3x, 4x, and 7x when both lenses are combined and it works great to look at coins. Use the 3x or 4x power alone to scan them and then combine the 2 for closer examination. Drawback is it cost $50

This is way bigger than the picture makes one think. A waste of money, if you think you are gonna put it in your pocket. If you have a purse, go for it.

The item was a little bigger than I thought but it is great. I'd buy it again but it is not small if you want to carry it in your pocket. It is a good size for a purse. It is about the size of a pocket notepad. i use it often and it works great and is protected. It is also built well for a few bucks cost. I wear contacts and this magnifier makes small print readable!

I like that this magnifier can be covered when not in use.

One thing about magnifiers in general that don't have a light attached - it will add some shadow and also reflex spots if there is a light shining above.

Since I got this because of reduced eye sight - I need lots of light to be able to see the print regardless of the size - and I found that it doesn't help out like I had hoped.

It does increase some, I don't know how much, and if light is not a major issue, then it would have been a reasonable help for just enlarging a little.

For example when trying to read Japanese - it helps with the regular Japanese printing in books, but minor help to see the furigana not quite enough for easy reading/seeing.