Customers find the magnifier effective, particularly for reading small print, and appreciate its bright LED light and handy design. Moreover, the sliding lens cover provides good protection, and customers consider it excellent value for money. However, the size receives mixed feedback – while some praise its compactness, others note the lens is smaller than expected. Additionally, clarity is also mixed, with some customers reporting a very clear view while others mention limited viewing area.
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13 reviews for Carson MiniBrite LED Lighted Slide-Out Aspheric Magnifier with Protective Sleeve (PO-55), 5X, Gray
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J. Koons –
Tiny Workhorse – Big Quality
I am a judge for USA Archery, and these little guys are great for my needs. I have one on me at every competition I judge at, and generally have to use it at each one – looking closely at targets and arrows. I’ve been using them for over a year now, and they get used pretty hard. I can speak to the durability as the ones I have still look new despite the heavy use. On top of that, they are nice and small, weighing almost nothing, so carrying one with me at an all-day competition isn’t a problem at all. If I could say anything negative at all it would be about the light – in my opinion it’s not that bright. I do carry a small flashlight with me to use in conjunction with this magnifier, but I would say that maybe my use case is a bit more unique than the average, so for most the built-in light is going to be sufficient. In all, I don’t think you can beat the quality of this magnifier for the price. It’s compact and lightweight and the magnifying glass itself is crisp and clear.
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Butch Bobcat –
Great little magnifying glass at a good price
I bought a few of these. I don’t have the greatest sight to begin with and with such small print on so many things, these come in handy. Having the light is a huge (no pun intended) advantage. These use 3 AAA batteries which do last quite a while, but I’d still recommend getting rechargeable batteries if you use it a lot. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket or travel bag to take wherever you may need it. The sliding sleeve is great because it protects the glass when you’re not using it.
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Frank B. –
Not perfect but quite decent
I bought the MiniBrite 5x (PO-55) for reading values on small electronics parts, calibrating an old slide rule, and a number of other tasks that require a bit of magnification. It’s not perfect, but I find the MiniBright 5x to be quite decent. I’m only giving a 4-star rating because this magnifier is not perfect, but it is quite good for the price.First, you can’t expect such a magnifier to be incredible for $10. I’ll explain in more detail. Also, refer to the attached photos (tax form fine print, slide rule, and capacitors) to get an idea of what it’s like. Note that these photos may not be as clear as I could have made them, nor do they provide a totally accurate representation of what to expect, but they’ll give you a relative idea of how well the magnifier and light work.Is the light amazing? It could be better, but it is decent and usable in lower light. It’s certainly not going to light up a large area like a page in a book, but it will light up something small that needs magnification, and that meets my needs just fine.Could the battery door be more sturdy? Yes, but again, it’s compact and very inexpensive. Low cost and inexpensive construction go hand in hand. Just be careful with the battery cover, and it will be fine. If you want a more sturdy magnifier, be prepared to pay much more. I’ve had many expensive TVs, DVD players, etc that had remotes with battery covers that did not stand the test of time. For that price, those remotes should have been bullet proof. This little, inexpensive magnifier has a somewhat fragile battery cover that could be improved. Just be careful with it. Annoying as it might be, if the little tabs on the inside of the battery cover break off, throw a piece of scotch tape on it, and call it a day. It’s still a decent magnifier for the price. The thing is only 10 bucks!The 5x magnification seems to be reasonable and is pretty good. I’m happy with it. I have a 30x jeweler’s loop, and there’s NO WAY it’s 30x! I’ve also read many reviews on other magnifiers, and many of those manufacturers over magnify their magnifier’s magnification level (excuse the pun). I don’t know how magnification levels are rated, but I’m reasonably happy with the 5x rating on this MiniBrite 5x.The lens is acrylic (ie, plastic), but the clarity is quite good and makes it appear to be glass. Take care of it, and keep it covered when not in use, and the lens should last just fine. Again, you can’t expect too much for 10 bucks!For those of you looking for a magnifier to keep in your pocket to read menus and such, the MiniBrite 5x magnifier might not be for you. For menus that are very wordy, it might be slow going to read everything. For more concise menus, it might be fine. Don’t get me wrong, it will magnify the words on a menu just fine, but it won’t allow you to see much text at any one moment. You could have a wider viewing angle if you place the MiniBrite 5x about 1-2 inches from your eye and equally close to the page, but who wants to look like Sherlock Holmes examining blood spots in a restaurant? You might be better off with the MiniBrite 3x, which should provide a wider viewing angle (how much better? I don’t know) but with a little less magnification. Remember, regardless of the manufacturer or quality of the optics, more magnification always means a smaller viewing angle, so it’s a tradeoff. This is exactly why you must have your eyes so close to the eye pieces of binoculars–for the largest viewing angle.Lastly, I absolutely love the sliding cover! There’s nothing worse than a dusty, scratched magnifier, so having this cover was the selling feature for me. Placing a magnifier in a sleeve or pouch when not in use would be fine, but having a sliding cover rocks! It’s so convenient to have that cover.After buying the MiniBrite 5x, I noticed the LumiPop 5x (LP-66), which I kind of like better because of its cleaner design and separate light switch. The lens is probably identical. I suspect it’s the newer design to eventually replace the MiniBrite 5x. I still like the MiniBrite 5x and will probably move it from my electronics work bench to the kitchen, and then buy the LumiPop 5x for use at my electronics bench to see if it’s as good as it looks. Aside from the cleaner design and separate light switch, both MiniBrites are essentially the same, and I’d be content with either.Reading all of the reviews on similar magnifiers drove me batty. I hope this review helps your search.
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nyc –
Good Quality, No Problems.
Has clear 5x Lens. Takes 3 AAA Batteries. No problems at all. Carry in pocket aok. Had 2 of these already and justbought 2 more. Very handy.
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David Baydowicz –
a good basic magnifier.
This is the second one I’ve bought. The previous one lasted ten years. It’s good for moderate magnification and the light comes in handy for some tasks. If you don’t need the light to come on, just don’t open the lens cover all of the way. I use it for first viewing of coins, and if see anything interesting I switch to a higher magnification lens or put it under digital microscope.
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Lourene Johnson Edwards –
Magnifier
YThe item works well, however, when I got it, the LED light did not work at all. Since it is opened in the package, I believe that the light burns out before you get it.
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bandman –
It is small and fits easily in purse. Uses batteries
It is perfect for her purse. She is having vision issues and this is just great to read label on groceries and medicines! it fits just right in her purse to be handy when needed. The cover slides down to turn on and up to turn off. No additional buttons to punch. Very useful!!
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juzz meuh –
Delighted!!!
Handiest little gadget ever for a partially blind person (my sister) or a astigmatic (me) with a limited vision problem. Medicine, groceries, even some magazines are difficult and need to be clearly read and understood. An extra in the car for maps, et al, is affordable too.
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Martina –
Beautifully designed. Compact. Easy to take with you. Great magnifier with protective sleeve and if you install batteries, it illuminates the object you’re magnifying…a neat little addition! Arrived quickly and safely. Great seller! Highly recommend!
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Javier –
Lo uso para ver mapas de carreteras, la luz incorporada usa 3 pilas AAA, estupenda opción, mejor que las de botón, además si no la despliegas del todo la luz no se enciende, por tanto no gastas bateria si no es necesario, es una buena compra.Cuidado con la tapa de las pilas, es frágil, podría romperse al abrirla para cambiar las pilas.
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Amazon Customer –
The magnification is 3X as advertised. No problem there, BUT the information on the package says that three AAA batteries are required but actually three AAAA batteries are required. AAA batteries are too large. Also, the battery cover is very difficult to open. I finally had to pry it open with a flat screwdriver.倍率は宣伝通り3倍です。問題ありませんが、パッケージの情報では 単３電池が3本必要と書いていが、実際は単4電池３本しか入らな。また、電池カバーは開けるのが非常に困難です。最終的にはマイナスドライバーでこじ開けなければなりませんでした。
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geoffrey –
Parfait pratique fonctionne très bien
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Leandro Martini –
Bem prático, levo na mochila e tem sido bastante útil. Tem uma luz que ajuda bem em alguns situações.
J. Koons –
Tiny Workhorse – Big Quality
I am a judge for USA Archery, and these little guys are great for my needs. I have one on me at every competition I judge at, and generally have to use it at each one – looking closely at targets and arrows. I’ve been using them for over a year now, and they get used pretty hard. I can speak to the durability as the ones I have still look new despite the heavy use. On top of that, they are nice and small, weighing almost nothing, so carrying one with me at an all-day competition isn’t a problem at all. If I could say anything negative at all it would be about the light – in my opinion it’s not that bright. I do carry a small flashlight with me to use in conjunction with this magnifier, but I would say that maybe my use case is a bit more unique than the average, so for most the built-in light is going to be sufficient. In all, I don’t think you can beat the quality of this magnifier for the price. It’s compact and lightweight and the magnifying glass itself is crisp and clear.
Butch Bobcat –
Great little magnifying glass at a good price
I bought a few of these. I don’t have the greatest sight to begin with and with such small print on so many things, these come in handy. Having the light is a huge (no pun intended) advantage. These use 3 AAA batteries which do last quite a while, but I’d still recommend getting rechargeable batteries if you use it a lot. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket or travel bag to take wherever you may need it. The sliding sleeve is great because it protects the glass when you’re not using it.
Frank B. –
Not perfect but quite decent
I bought the MiniBrite 5x (PO-55) for reading values on small electronics parts, calibrating an old slide rule, and a number of other tasks that require a bit of magnification. It’s not perfect, but I find the MiniBright 5x to be quite decent. I’m only giving a 4-star rating because this magnifier is not perfect, but it is quite good for the price.First, you can’t expect such a magnifier to be incredible for $10. I’ll explain in more detail. Also, refer to the attached photos (tax form fine print, slide rule, and capacitors) to get an idea of what it’s like. Note that these photos may not be as clear as I could have made them, nor do they provide a totally accurate representation of what to expect, but they’ll give you a relative idea of how well the magnifier and light work.Is the light amazing? It could be better, but it is decent and usable in lower light. It’s certainly not going to light up a large area like a page in a book, but it will light up something small that needs magnification, and that meets my needs just fine.Could the battery door be more sturdy? Yes, but again, it’s compact and very inexpensive. Low cost and inexpensive construction go hand in hand. Just be careful with the battery cover, and it will be fine. If you want a more sturdy magnifier, be prepared to pay much more. I’ve had many expensive TVs, DVD players, etc that had remotes with battery covers that did not stand the test of time. For that price, those remotes should have been bullet proof. This little, inexpensive magnifier has a somewhat fragile battery cover that could be improved. Just be careful with it. Annoying as it might be, if the little tabs on the inside of the battery cover break off, throw a piece of scotch tape on it, and call it a day. It’s still a decent magnifier for the price. The thing is only 10 bucks!The 5x magnification seems to be reasonable and is pretty good. I’m happy with it. I have a 30x jeweler’s loop, and there’s NO WAY it’s 30x! I’ve also read many reviews on other magnifiers, and many of those manufacturers over magnify their magnifier’s magnification level (excuse the pun). I don’t know how magnification levels are rated, but I’m reasonably happy with the 5x rating on this MiniBrite 5x.The lens is acrylic (ie, plastic), but the clarity is quite good and makes it appear to be glass. Take care of it, and keep it covered when not in use, and the lens should last just fine. Again, you can’t expect too much for 10 bucks!For those of you looking for a magnifier to keep in your pocket to read menus and such, the MiniBrite 5x magnifier might not be for you. For menus that are very wordy, it might be slow going to read everything. For more concise menus, it might be fine. Don’t get me wrong, it will magnify the words on a menu just fine, but it won’t allow you to see much text at any one moment. You could have a wider viewing angle if you place the MiniBrite 5x about 1-2 inches from your eye and equally close to the page, but who wants to look like Sherlock Holmes examining blood spots in a restaurant? You might be better off with the MiniBrite 3x, which should provide a wider viewing angle (how much better? I don’t know) but with a little less magnification. Remember, regardless of the manufacturer or quality of the optics, more magnification always means a smaller viewing angle, so it’s a tradeoff. This is exactly why you must have your eyes so close to the eye pieces of binoculars–for the largest viewing angle.Lastly, I absolutely love the sliding cover! There’s nothing worse than a dusty, scratched magnifier, so having this cover was the selling feature for me. Placing a magnifier in a sleeve or pouch when not in use would be fine, but having a sliding cover rocks! It’s so convenient to have that cover.After buying the MiniBrite 5x, I noticed the LumiPop 5x (LP-66), which I kind of like better because of its cleaner design and separate light switch. The lens is probably identical. I suspect it’s the newer design to eventually replace the MiniBrite 5x. I still like the MiniBrite 5x and will probably move it from my electronics work bench to the kitchen, and then buy the LumiPop 5x for use at my electronics bench to see if it’s as good as it looks. Aside from the cleaner design and separate light switch, both MiniBrites are essentially the same, and I’d be content with either.Reading all of the reviews on similar magnifiers drove me batty. I hope this review helps your search.
nyc –
Good Quality, No Problems.
Has clear 5x Lens. Takes 3 AAA Batteries. No problems at all. Carry in pocket aok. Had 2 of these already and justbought 2 more. Very handy.
David Baydowicz –
a good basic magnifier.
This is the second one I’ve bought. The previous one lasted ten years. It’s good for moderate magnification and the light comes in handy for some tasks. If you don’t need the light to come on, just don’t open the lens cover all of the way. I use it for first viewing of coins, and if see anything interesting I switch to a higher magnification lens or put it under digital microscope.
Lourene Johnson Edwards –
Magnifier
YThe item works well, however, when I got it, the LED light did not work at all. Since it is opened in the package, I believe that the light burns out before you get it.
bandman –
It is small and fits easily in purse. Uses batteries
It is perfect for her purse. She is having vision issues and this is just great to read label on groceries and medicines! it fits just right in her purse to be handy when needed. The cover slides down to turn on and up to turn off. No additional buttons to punch. Very useful!!
juzz meuh –
Delighted!!!
Handiest little gadget ever for a partially blind person (my sister) or a astigmatic (me) with a limited vision problem. Medicine, groceries, even some magazines are difficult and need to be clearly read and understood. An extra in the car for maps, et al, is affordable too.
Martina –
Beautifully designed. Compact. Easy to take with you. Great magnifier with protective sleeve and if you install batteries, it illuminates the object you’re magnifying…a neat little addition! Arrived quickly and safely. Great seller! Highly recommend!
Javier –
Lo uso para ver mapas de carreteras, la luz incorporada usa 3 pilas AAA, estupenda opción, mejor que las de botón, además si no la despliegas del todo la luz no se enciende, por tanto no gastas bateria si no es necesario, es una buena compra.Cuidado con la tapa de las pilas, es frágil, podría romperse al abrirla para cambiar las pilas.
Amazon Customer –
The magnification is 3X as advertised. No problem there, BUT the information on the package says that three AAA batteries are required but actually three AAAA batteries are required. AAA batteries are too large. Also, the battery cover is very difficult to open. I finally had to pry it open with a flat screwdriver.倍率は宣伝通り3倍です。問題ありませんが、パッケージの情報では 単３電池が3本必要と書いていが、実際は単4電池３本しか入らな。また、電池カバーは開けるのが非常に困難です。最終的にはマイナスドライバーでこじ開けなければなりませんでした。
geoffrey –
Parfait pratique fonctionne très bien
Leandro Martini –
Bem prático, levo na mochila e tem sido bastante útil. Tem uma luz que ajuda bem em alguns situações.