Carson MiniBrite 5x Pocket Magnifying Glass with LED Light and Sliding case, Black (PO-55)

This is one of those things you really do wonder how you did without, especially once you start using reading glasses. I bought mine for checking camera sensors, following a Ken Rockwell recommendation, but use it for many other things. I also have the PO-25 version, a 3x magnifier, but now prefer this PO-55. Both work the same way, with a sliding cover which does a good job of protecting the lens. With the cover closed, you have easy access to the battery compartment. Pull the cover open and you have full lens use without the light, another small further pull clicks on the light. This means you can use the lens to its full extent with or without the light; a light (and glare) is not always necessary. The 5x lens gives an appreciable and useful step-up in magnification from the 3x, and is very clear with little distortion. There is also a difference in LEDs (in my two magnifiers anyway); the PO-25 has a cold bluish light, while this PO-55 has a warm yellowish light, which is more restful on the eyes, and seems to give a truer colour transmission through the lens. All in all, an inexpensive, easily-carried, well-designed and extremely useful tool.

Does the job well, although the quality of the material it is made from is cheap and probably not worthy of the price. The battery compartment cover is very flimsy and cracked as soon as I opened it. Still works but it won't last a long time.

I like the Carson MiniBrite a lot. Light weight and well designed. A bit expensive at £12.34, though. You don't have to use the light, just don't fully open the cover, or leave the batteries out. I am getting old and now find the cooking instructions on food is too small to read comfortably.

I have vision problems (I'm not a pirate, the eyepatch is a medical necessity) and need to wear strong magnifying reading glasses as my only 'good' eye is actually not that great up-close. I have larger magnifiers for home and office use, but needed something I could keep in my jeans pocket for when I'm at the supermarket or otherwise away from home.The size and weight is perfect, the sliding cover keeps the lens nicely protected from scratches while pocketed, and depending on how far you retract it you can view with or without the LED light. It does need batteries, I am using rechargeable ones and they are still going strong after a couple of weeks.I have found the small magnifying lens to be a good size, fulfilling the compromise needed between magnified surface and portability. I don't have any problems with finding the sweet spot for magnification, and it's not with the lens sitting on the page as some people have suggested.My only criticism would be that the battery cover is poor quality (why is it always the battery cover?) and it cracked when replacing after installing batteries fir the first time. Once clipped into place it doesn't interfere with function.

Handy illuminated magnifier. My last one expired after many years of service, so treated to this. The LED is nice and bright, and its nice the way it slides away to protect the lens. Only negative point, its only really clear close up, but i can live with that.Nice and handy to have.

Excellent product. Nothing to dislike. Definitely value for money. Last but not least delivery with continual notifications. Can’t get any better than that.

Great little magnifying glass, just right for the pocket. It’s a valuable help with trying to read very small print especially as one gets older and the old eyesight is not what it was.

I have Macula degeneration so this will be a great help when shopping . a nice size to keep in my pocket.