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I do not use a magnifying glass, I can see my brush bristles pretty well. But I do use a white LED bulb that it harsh enough that i can see any flaws on the model.

The good thing about the harsh white light, is if it looks good in that, it's going to look great in normal room lighting

I don't use one, there are some instances where I can see one coming in handy, but I generally find that the appropriate lighting is much more important than magnification...for which I use an adjustabledesk lamp

I understand the concept but really find it easier without a magnifier, simply because, as the model gets bigger under the magnifier, so does the brush. I work better without one, but I suppose that's just me.

Takes up too much time for me

I bought one of these.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190723275240?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

And was in the middle of painting up some cultists. So i opened it plugged it in and started to paint to see if i could get used to it when the bulb sparked and popped less the 5 inches from my face. I contacted the seller and the sent me out a free one which was nice of them. Now I am to scared of the thing to use it. I even plugged it in and turned it on for over 5 hours sitting off to the side and it was fine, I just cant work up the nerve to try it again.

Not at the moment, but I plan on picking up a table magnifier when I start my new Ork army and DKoK force...My brother uses one, as does my dad who makes obscenely detailed F1 models.

I put other, because while I don't currently, I want to get a desktop lamp/magnifier thingy.

I haven't used any up till now, but I just got one of those headsets for Christmas, so I guess I'll give it a try.

Yeah I have too. The eyes aren't what they used to be! xD

Tabletop illuminated magnifying glass. It allows me to see detail that I would otherwise miss.

despite having nearly perfect vision, I *do* use a magnifier for fine detail work. it really makes a difference and I feel that my painting is better as a result.

I use one of those headsets that gives you true, stereoscopic vision (dual lenses). I think that's the key and what turns a lot of folks off about using magnifiers. if you're using a single lens, like one attached to a lamp, your depth perception is going to get wonky and that takes a lot of getting used to. if you use a headset with a lens for each eye (or strong reading glasses, etc), you shouldn't have any depth perception issues.

it can become a crutch, though, so you need to exercise a bit of discipline. you really don't need a magnifier to base coat, etc :p

I have the table lamp/magnifier, but I only use it for light.

The magnification messes with my aim and depth perception too much, despite being near blind, I find I do better without.

I sometimes use a magnifing glass if I can't see details very well or in awkward positions, but for the mostpart thankfully my vision is great (touchwood) so i dont need to use one.

My answer is no, but maybe not for long. I am nearsighted which has been a blessing in disguise when painting. I've noticed lately that I am losing close focus, just enough to be annoying. Getting old sucks.

I like to use reading glasses at 1.75 magnification and an Ott light. The glasses don't hinder my depth perception as much as a magnifying glass.

I don't even wear my glasses when I paint although I do use a lamp it helps me see the colors better

20/19 vision, but plenty of rest. I usually paint for one hour (one fig) then rest for 30 mins. If there a lot of layers, I can probably get away with resting while waiting for the fig to dry.

 illusion2269 wrote:
Funny, I just picked up a magnifying lamp this weekend, and it has already been very helpful with brush control and details.

I have perfect vision.

But I've been looking at buying some magnification in combination with lighting, where did you get your magnifying lamp?

The problem I have is not with my eyes it's with my unsteady hand!!

I wear reading glasses to paint.

I just get really close up to the model I'm painting. Granted, I look like Smeagol, hunched over, clutching the model to my face.

Before a few days ago, my answer would have been no. My oil sister bought me a magnifier lamp for my birthday.

I think there should have been an option for 'sometimes'...

Things like tanks, bikes, dreadnoughts = no.

Tactical marines = no.

Sergeants, characters etc (as in, those infantry minis with added details) = yes. Sometimes...

Luckily I have a zoom function built in. But I cant see more than a few meters away without my specs though!

No, but maybe some day.

I wear my cheater glasses because my 50 year old eyes are blurry... LOL

Jack_Death wrote:
My answer is no, but maybe not for long. I am nearsighted which has been a blessing in disguise when painting. I've noticed lately that I am losing close focus, just enough to be annoying. Getting old sucks.

Amen, brother, amen..... getting old in this hobby is tough on the eyes...

I voted "other", as i don't currently, but i'm considering it, especially for face painting.

I didn't used to, but in recent years I've started to use one for fine details.
I fancy one of the big ones with built in daylight lighting, but they are a little hard to come by out in Saudi.

I have perfectly good eyes and yes, I do use a magnifier while modelling/painting.

I used to use a hand-held glass to check my work and then still find little issues when I blow up photos on my computer.
But now I have a large (5 inch diameter) glass on a bendy arm that I use for all but the largest of work.

I got used to the magnification quite quickly and my hand movements now adjust automatically when working under mag'n or not.

It really helps with all the little details I like to add to my models.

I (Paul) wear a magnifying visor, just like the fella repairs Woody in Toy Story 2. I hurriedly remove them anytime I hear someone at the door.