Magnification

[Esoxbum]

Think it’s time for me to resort to some sort of magnification device. What does everyone use? Stem mounted? Glasses? Pros/cons of what you use? Thanks in advance

 

[Esoxbum]

Think it’s time for me to resort to some sort of magnification device. What does everyone use? Stem mounted? Glasses? Pros/cons of what you use? Thanks in advance

Would cheap reading glasses from Wal Mart be good (3x), or should I go all in on something like the Orvis Super magnifiers in 4-5x? I’m prone to headaches/migraines….

 

[poopdeck]

I use the same Carson 5X hat magnifiers that I wear when I fish.

 

[JMP]

My preference is the fluorescent magnifier attached to my tying desk in the photo. I also have the attached LED magnifier as a backup.

 

[EchoRidgeElder]

I am with JMP. I use the same fluorescent magnifier. Been using that device for a number of years. I know that it is available in two different powers. I really like the set-up.

 

[TimMurphy]

Dear EsoxBum,

Just squint and curse like a normal person. Adding a magnifying glass to fly tying efforts will require an ample supply of X-Acto blades! 😉

Seriously though, I bought a fly-tying light set up with an arm that has a magnifying glass on a flex-arm with the light. I use it on occasion knowing full well that my flies are not perfect and it rarely makes me see such an egregious error that it's hardly worth the trouble.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

 

[Esoxbum]

I use the same Carson 5X hat magnifiers that

Dear EsoxBum,

Just squint and curse like a normal person. Adding a magnifying glass to fly tying efforts will require an ample supply of X-Acto blades! 😉

Seriously though, I bought a fly-tying light set up with an arm that has a magnifying glass on a flex-arm with the light. I use it on occasion knowing full well that my flies are not perfect and it rarely makes me see such an egregious error that it's hardly worth the trouble.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

On second thought, I am a bit of a perfectionist. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.

.

 

[Esoxbum]

I am with JMP. I use the same fluorescent magnifier. Been using that device for a number of years. I know that it is available in two different powers. I really like the set-up.

I did see something similar (or maybe the same one) online. Prolite, I believe was the brand…I do think one with a weighted base would suit me better than a clamp on. Although I saw a couple that had a variety of mounting options (maybe most do?)

 

[joebamboo]

I've tried a couple desk mounted magnifiers. They always seem to be in the way. Walmart magnifier glasses are the answer.

 

[Shawn_H]

Prefer reading glasses - but I would caution against thinking just go crazy with 3x. I like using the same that I use to read 1.5x. When I wear 3x for any extended time I feel like when I take them off my vision is garbage - I don’t like that.

 

[KELORGO]

Cheap reading glass in 3X or 4X 👍

 

[RLeep2]

I've been using the same cheap Cabela's 5X magnifier for at least 25 years. It's rickety, it wobbles and it gets in the way sometimes. I don't know what I'd do without it though..

https://www.cabelas.com/p/clamp-on-magnifying-lamp?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Cabelas%7CShopping%7CPMax%7CFishing%7CP2%7CNAud%7CGoogle%7CNMT&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20771961065&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItMq9v_CilgMVLm5HAR0sOzx8EAQYASABEgIzRfD_BwE

 

[JeffK]

I prefer some kind of glasses because the focal length is fixed to my head; don't like working with fixed lenses. I started out years ago with 1.5X reading glasses and then worked my way up to 4X, the largest I could find in my drug store. Now I have progressed to magnifiers with built in LED lights. Over time I have needed stronger and stronger magnification.

Biggest problem with stronger magnifiers is that they focus great on the fly, but harder to find materials on the desk. The less the magnification the more depth of field you will have.

 

[Kms]

I’ve been happy with this. It’s cheap, the light is fairly bright (though I do also use a desk lamp), the lens is glass, and the platform is the perfect size for my Peak vise. I put some thin strong magnets on the bottom of the Peak’s iron base that don’t contact the platform, but do keep the vise solidly in place.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7RVZQNC

 

[salmo]

I wear prescription glasses already. I use a 2.75 flip down pair that clips onto my regular glasses.

 

[Esoxbum]

Confused about the magnets. Do you slide the base of the light/magnifier under the base of the vise, and use magnets to keep in place?

I’ve been happy with this. It’s cheap, the light is fairly bright (though I do also use a desk lamp), the lens is glass, and the platform is the perfect size for my Peak vise. I put some thin strong magnets on the bottom of the Peak’s iron base that don’t contact the platform, but do keep the vise solidly in place.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7RVZQNC

 

[Esoxbum]

I wear prescription glasses already. I use a 2.75 flip down pair that clips onto my regular glasses.

I have them to, but only use them for driving at bight when it’s raining…

 

[Esoxbum]

I have them to, but only use them for driving at bight when it’s raining…

*night

 

[Esoxbum]

Confused about the magnets. Do you slide the base of the light/magnifier under the base of the vise, and use magnets to keep in place?

I do like that. The amount of magnification scares me, though

 

[Kms]

I do like that. The amount of magnification scares me, though

Here’s the magnet. Only one actually.

I put my tools in the first post slot and the vise in the last. Light is in the middle. Sorry it’s messy at the moment. The magnification level is a good match for the distance to the vise.