MagnifyLabs Headband Magnifier - (Hands Free Optical Visor/Binocular Magnifier) - with One Optical Glass Lens Plate (2.5X at 8" Focal Length)

I have used a number of these kinds of designs at all kinds of price points, and was looking for a new one. However, surveying the field on Amazon there's about 20 different kinds of what I'll refer to as the "Donegan-style" or "Welder type" optical visor as well as a variety of new, more modern looking contenders.The problem is that:1. They all look roughly the same2. They are all different prices from about $14 to over $503. Some have acrylic lenses, some have glass4. Some have LED lights while others don't5. Some have more magnifying options, some come with only one magnification level6. They have wildly different reviews7. Most are reviewed by people who are purchasing their first optical visor and don't have experience with other modelsSo, I bought a number of these to compare and figured I'd share my results.At the end of the day I feel this unit, considering it's cost compared with the competition is:1. Limited without the LED lamp2. The rear adjustment knob is difficult to adjust3. It's quite large4. It doesn't come with other lens optionsTo add an LED lamp and additional magnification, you are talking about $30+ additional costs, in which case you are much better served purchasing this right off the bat: SE MH1047L Illuminated Multi-Power LED Head Magnifier It's $8 cheaper than this one as of writing and provides an LED lamp and an additional magnification loupe right off the bat to give you the two levels (standard, and “ultra”)IMHO the glass vs acrylic thing is overblown. You have to be more careful with the acrylic, so as long as you don't throw it around and keep it clean you should be just fine. Additionally, a poor glass lens isn't superior to a good acrylic one. So, don't take that difference too seriously unless you are using it in a rough environment. For general hobby work I don't think there's a reason to squabble over the differences.If you need more than one lens and a loupe and want this style of headset, you are looking at buying this one:  Headband Magnifier Visor Double Lens - 1.5X 2X 2.5X 3.5X And then hoping you can add this to it:  Quasar Led Lighting System for Optivisors Which brings me to what I believe to be the best option:  Yoctosun Headband Magnifier Glasses LED 5 Replaceable Lenses1.0X,1.5X,2.0X,2.5X,3.5X (Upgraded Version) This model comes standard with all of the features lacking in the Donegan-style design plus some additional for a whopping ~$15 delivered.1. Five high quality thick lenses of varying magnification levels that should be perfect for almost any application.2. Comes with a lint-free cloth to wipe off the lenses3. The lenses can be adjusted more than 90 degrees and be flipped up when not in use4. The magnifier has a built in LED lamp with conveniently located on off button.5. The LED has a wide range of adjustment as well, ~45 degrees6. All of the adjustments are fluid, have set screws for varying tension and are head and shoulders above others for ease of use7. Comes with a lens holder which is fantastic for preventing scratching and wear to the lenses when not in use (don’t underestimate the value of this!)8. It comes both with eyeglasses style temples and a wraparound headband depending on your preferences9. I find it more comfortable to wear given that you take some time to get the nose bridge just rightGet some silicon nose pads for eyeglasses to get it just right on your nose and 3x AAA batteries and you'll never look back.

While there are some shortcomings to the design/materials used in this magnifier, they are all offset by the fact that it magnifies wonderfully, and I can use it without being distracted by it.Yes, the tightening mechanisms come loose. But I've gotten used to that, to the point where I just periodically re-tighten them.Yes, the vinyl padding inside the headband looks and feels cheap, but it doesn't irritate my forehead, and it keeps the price down vs. other costlier materials (which may not actually be considerably more comfortable).Yes, it arrived with the lens having fallen out, but once I put the lens in place, it's stayed put.Yes, it only comes with one lens. But this is known before purchasing, the lens is actual glass, and for me, the magnification is perfect.Yes, there's a typo on either the box or with some of the packaging. It's an aggravation that I can't deny, but given the price, I can overlook it.I spend a LOT of hours hand building electronics projects, and this magnifier makes a huge difference in what I can see, and how well I get it done. My solder joints have gotten so much better as a result. There's almost no debugging required, because I can SEE a potential problem when it first arises.Despite the visor coming loose, I've grown used to tightening it periodically, but absolutely love having my hands free, and being able to flip the visor up. I work in conditions with little or no climate control, and can't complain of skin irritation from heavy sweat on the headband. Since I work with solder, these double as eye protection, and glass lenses means that a potential solder splash will not ruin what is typically made of plastic....I really didn't have a lot to spend for this magnifier, especially given that it's my first one, and I wanted to see if this specific design was something I might end up liking enough. That said, I tried to find one that wasn't all around cheap, which would have defeated the purpose. Maybe it's a combination of quality where it counts along with shortcomings that aren't dealbreakers FOR ME, but I honestly value this magnifier for the whole five stars...I don't even have to think about it!