The Nikon S1 is a lightweight, round 8X magnifying glass on a rubber-cushioned plastic handle in the same shape that Sherlock Holmes uses. In addition to this 8X, you can get this in a round 10X magnification, and a rectangular 4X magnification. Made of polycarbonate, cast into an aspherical lens, the Nikon S1 is highly corrected against linear distortion, so that lines stay straight across the lens, even when you are lifting it and moving it around. If you have never used a magnifying glass like this one (and I hadn’t) you will be amazed at the image quality.
COMPARISONS
Comparing the Nikon S1 vs every other Sherlock Holmes-type magnifying glass I have had: The Nikon S1 provides a much better, more highly magnified image. Unfortunately, the plastic housing and handle are more fragile than usual metal magnifying glasses so it will require more care.
Comparing the Nikon S1 vs the Bausch & Lomb (Valeant Pharmaceuticals) 813476 3.5X Double Lens Magnifier: Both the Nikon S1 and the B&L 3.5X lens provide a long focal distance, so you don’t have to bend over to use them. Both can be held and manipulated in your hand. And the B&L 3.5X lens is much cheaper. Unfortunately, the Bausch & Lomb gives you a dimmer, smaller, and more distorted image.
WHAT I LIKED THE MOST
This lens is intuitive to use, lightweight to hold and carry, and provides a big, quality image. I am already using it all the time.
WHAT I LIKED THE LEAST
The price is high. The magnifying glass was ordered from Europe so it took a while and I had to buy it under different return privileges. The lens is plastic, so it can be scratched easily. I already found a dedicated microfiber draw-top bag to house my Nikon S1.
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you frequently use a traditional magnifying glass for reading, inspecting, or working, you are going to be overjoyed with this. If you are not going to use it a lot, or don’t want to treat it with care, save the money and get a cheap glass hand lens instead.
I hope my review was helpful. If you want to check out my other magnifier reviews, click my name above. Enjoy!