[rating:3/5]

While this magnifying lens (which is really a Fresnel lens) is very light and flexible: it does the job for me. Lately, it seems that the books I’m reading have increasingly small print (ugh!) and my glasses just aren’t cutting it. I’ve recently tried several different magnifying devices, without much success, and this one seems has been the most satisfying. Fortunately, the picture that Amazon provides gives a good representation of how it works – yes, one needs to hold it above the book; sure it bends (and distorts the text). Just the same, it does do the job (I bought mine for even less than Amazon’s price at a bookstore).

For those expecting the perfect magnifier, this is not what many will want. It is; however, an extremely low cost alternative to a new pair of glasses. I am finding that I can generally read about half a page before having to shift the lens to a new position – that’s a lot better than having to continually move other magnifiers as one reads. In comparing it with a traditional magnifying class (which can, depending upon size and source) be far more expensive, this is rather inexpensive, albeit imperfect, way to keep feeding one’s reading habits without breaking the bank.