Customer Reviews

3-D MIRASCOPE by Toysmith®

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This product uses two parabolic mirrors to create the illusion of a small object (e.g. a penny) floating above the object's actual location. The resulting image is very clear and sharp, and can be viewed from a reasonable range of angles. I found that the mirror scratched easily, hence the lower mark for durability; otherwise it is pretty rugged. A quibble: because the illusion is produced with mirrors it is incorrect to refer to it as a hologram, which is produced by interference.

I bought the more expensive "Mirage" which is a higher quality (less distorted) image than this but this is by comparison may be the better buy when it comes to value for your buck. It accomplishes what the Mirage does with just a little less flare. If you have no Mirage to compare it to you will be completely satisfied.

Fun, educational toy. One problem is that the frog that comes with the toy is too large. A smaller lady bug purchased separately works much better in creating the desired effect.

No one is too old to enjoy a "toy" like this. I put it on a display shelf outside my apartment in a retirement community on April Fool's day with a sign that said "Try to pick up the frog." The illusion that the frog is sitting on top of the bowl instead of inside it fooled people 100%. I got numerous amazed reactions, and several people wondered where they could get one like it for their grandchildren. It's not a toy that will occupy a child's attention for hours and hours, but it's well worth its low price for the temporary interest it creates.

We first found this toy in New Zealand and soon realized the one we bought was not enough. We were delighted to find it at Amazon and enjoy how adults and well as children are facinated with it. We even bought one for ourselves! R. Cross

I am buying another one of these because I was so impressed with the first. It's only seven dollars, and for that price, you'd be hard pressed to be able to purchase a floating frog anywhere else!

I bought the first one because I remember seeing a miroscope as a kid. This one is kind of small, but considering that your kids are only going to play with it for 120 seconds, it's well worth it.

Of course, you could always have your kids write a 120-word essay on it too (if you want to be put in a home after you get senile).

I have to agree with others that the frog is kind of big for this device. You'll only get the full effect if viewed from just the precise angle. But put a dime in it instead, and you'll get a fascinating illusion that can be seen from a much larger field of view. It literally looks like a real dime sitting on top of a black saucer. You can try to pick it up, and your fingers go right through it.

If you are a science geek like me, this will be some of the best seven bucks you've ever spent.

Is 5-6 inches in diameter. A shiny dime works better than the frog that comes with it.

The item itself seems to be decently made. It novelty of it wears off after a week or two. Its still a fun conversation starter, but one thing I dislike is the angle of view, that you can see the image at. The shipping was fast though.

A good friend sent me one of these intriguing little holagrams for Christmas and I spent a short time searching for another on Google. Quickly found, immediately ordered - very shortly delivered. It's simple, it's intriguing and it appeals to all ages. The only possible drawback is a lack of facile portability. I like to carry it around with me to show it off! (And I love having it sit on my desk to greet me in passing.....)
No home should be without one!

This toy is facinating. It is so simple but it creates an extraordinary illusion. I saw one when I was a kid some 20 years ago and thought it was the coolest thing. I told my 10 year old son about it and he bugged me for weeks to order one. There are 2 sizes to choose from. A large one for about $35 or a small one for about $10. I chose the small one with free shipping. Needless to say my son was excited when the package arrived and he was amazed at what he saw. The frog looks absolutely real but your finger goes right through it! You can't see the illusion from every angle though, but when you turn the mirascope to the proper angle it is truly astounding. My son showed it to all his friends in the neighborhood and took it to school to show it off even more. He said they all thought it was really cool and asked him where he got it because they've never seen or heard of such a thing before. If you want to amaze your friends its worth the $10!