What do you Think of Wenger/Delemont Magnifier SAKs?

[NorCalJim]

Those of us who like Swiss Champs, Champions, Explorers, Yeomans and Scientists (each of which feature magnifiers), probably have acquired the Victorinox models that we admire.  So what about the Wenger or Delemont models that feature magnifiers?

I was curious about some of Victorinox's Delemont models that feature magnifiers and did some initial research on the Evolution 23 & 28 plus the EvoGrip S54.  So far, I have the most interest in the Evolution 28 due to the inclusion of the file.  I was wondering about the comment of one reviewer who characterized the magnifier as something comparable to what you would find in a box of cracker jacks (cheap & practically unusable).

So what do you think about the Wenger/Delemont magnifier & magnifier models?

[SAK Guy]

I think Wenger described it as highly corrected and it's very sharp in the center of the view but has less depth of field...I guess it's not as "flat" a field of view. Does that make sense? Like a photo taken @f/2.8 vs. f/8. You see more of the area in focus with the Vic. Probably a difference in the way the lens is ground.

I'm a photog and can live with it but it's not as good in use as the bigger Vic mag.

[NorCalJim]

I think Wenger described it as highly corrected and it's very sharp in the center of the view but has less depth of field...I guess it's not as "flat" a field of view. Does that make sense? Like a photo taken @f/2.8 vs. f/8. You see more of the area in focus with the Vic. Probably a difference in the way the lens is ground.

I'm a photog and can live with it but it's not as good in use as the bigger Vic mag.

Makes perfect sense.  I like the photography illustration.

[NorCalJim]

For those stopping by with no idea of the Wenger or Delemont configuration, here are some stock illustrations of some of the magnifier models:

EVOLUTION 23:


EVOLUTION 28:


EVOGRIP S54:

[sir_mike]

This is a good thread!  I myself wondered how each companies mag lens compared to each other and I never owned a Wenger one! 

[SAK Guy]

Btw, the 23 is a great pattern IMO!!!

[SAK Guy]

Side by side. The Wenger is higher power to start with so here, fairly close to the target, the flat field performance is closer but still apparent. Worsens quickly when pulling back to enlarge target...which is completely normal in a small diameter, high power, single element  optic. Better correction is achieved with a highly corrected compound element like Bausch+Lomb's Hastings Triplet design. (bottom pic)

As I said doesn't bother me but the really flat field of the Vic, admittedly at lower power (8X) is easier to use...esp on natural or uneven targets. I prefer (and grew up with) the gray 8X Vic mags but the newest design (clear housing) is supposed to offer improved performance.

Added: this is a comparison between a new Vic Evolution 23 and a mid-late 90's Vic Explorer.

[NorCalJim]

Side by side. The Wenger is higher power to start with so here, fairly close to the target, the flat field performance is closer but still apparent. Worsens quickly when pulling back to enlarge target...which is completely normal in a small diameter, high power, single element  optic. Better correction is achieved with a highly corrected compound element like Bausch+Lomb's Hastings Triplet design. (bottom pic)

As I said doesn't bother me but the really flat field of the Vic, admittedly at lower power (8X) is easier to use...esp on natural or uneven targets. I prefer (and grew up with) the gray 8X Vic mags but the newest design (clear housing) is supposed to offer improved performance.

Added: this is a comparison between a new Vic Evolution 23 and a mid-late 90's Vic Explorer.

Thanks SG!!!  I appreciate you taking the time to illustrate the difference and it's great that you used photos to demonstrate the difference.

 

[sir_mike]

Yeah thanks SG!  That is a great demo and explanation!   

[Thunderpants]

The Wenger magnifying glass looks cool in a cyberpunk way but optically it's an absolute joke - you will indeed find a better magnifying glass in any decent box of Christmas crackers.
It's a total waste of space. Assuming you don't mind schlepping it around, it's so bad it's unlikely to help you much when you need it.
Most compasses (I have a Suunto) come with a useful magnifying glass built in. Mine is stuffed in the back of my otherwise fairly lame EDC bag. (The compass is another feature those bigger Wengers could probably do without... admittedly I have never used one but I imagine even a dirt cheap keychain compass would be more usable, without interfering with the day-to-day ergonomics of the SAK.)

[SAK Guy]

You're welcome guys!!!! Glad to do it!   

[Thunderpants]

The Wenger magnifying glass looks cool in a cyberpunk way

Cyberpunk?!
"Steampunk" is the word I was looking for....

[neillcurrie]

For me there's no contest, it's Vic all the way, old or new.

[ThePeacent]

While I don't hate them, I would swap them by almost any other implement, they're so big and take much space.
I really love Vic's magnifiers, though

[Dwest]

I have both Vic & Wenger types. It truly depends on how you use them. General use the Vic is simpler to view through. But if you want to see greater detail holding the Wenger type closer to the eye while  viewing the magnification is significantly better.
As far as the compass it works just fine. And is far better than any of the little button compasses out there.

Also the longer implement on the Wenger's magnifier helps with holding it closer to the eye in a more comfortable manner.

[SAK Guy]

I have both Vic & Wenger types. It truly depends on how you use them. General use the Vic is simpler to view through. But if you want to see greater detail holding the Wenger type closer to the eye while  viewing the magnification is significantly better.
As far as the compass it works just fine. And is far better than any of the little button compasses out there.

Far better any button compasses but one....the Suunto Clipper.   

[FolderBeholder]

Great, now I have to Google, "Suunto Clipper", hope one doesn't end up in my cart tonight. 

[Dwest]

I have both Vic & Wenger types. It truly depends on how you use them. General use the Vic is simpler to view through. But if you want to see greater detail holding the Wenger type closer to the eye while  viewing the magnification is significantly better.
As far as the compass it works just fine. And is far better than any of the little button compasses out there.

Far better any button compasses but one....the Suunto Clipper.   

Well let us know when your liquid filled button compass gets air bubbles and becomes useless.

Actually I hope you get good use out it.

[SAK Guy]

I have both Vic & Wenger types. It truly depends on how you use them. General use the Vic is simpler to view through. But if you want to see greater detail holding the Wenger type closer to the eye while  viewing the magnification is significantly better.
As far as the compass it works just fine. And is far better than any of the little button compasses out there.

Far better any button compasses but one....the Suunto Clipper.   

Well let us know when your liquid filled button compass gets air bubbles and becomes useless.

Actually I hope you get good use out it.

  Thx, I have 5-6 Clippers put back and use one these days more than my $75- $125.00 compasses...google for some reviews, they're durable and accurate.  For serious use, I prefer compasses with Global Needles that can work even if damaged and some bubbles occur.   

[SAK Guy]

Great, now I have to Google, "Suunto Clipper", hope one doesn't end up in my cart tonight. 

  They are awesome FB!!!  (Sorry for the thread drift Jim)

[NorCalJim]

Great, now I have to Google, "Suunto Clipper", hope one doesn't end up in my cart tonight. 

  They are awesome FB!!!  (Sorry for the thread drift Jim)

Love the show and tell and magnifiers are definitely pertinent to this discussion. 

Besides, you & FB have some way cool stuff!!!

 

[SAK Guy]

[Dwest]

I figured this topic would atrack more response.
Personally I am not a Vic snob nor a Wenger defender both work as intended.if you just want to read labels , map features the Vic with its lower power and wider field of view is easier to use. But if you also want to study object, bugs, find near mico size dirt under your finger nail or the tiniest cactus needle driving nuts then the Wenger type is better.

[NorCalJim]

I figured this topic would atrack more response.
Personally I am not a Vic snob nor a Wenger defender both work as intended.if you just want to read labels , map features the Vic with its lower power and wider field of view is easier to use. But if you also want to study object, bugs, find near mico size dirt under your finger nail or the tiniest cactus needle driving nuts then the Wenger type is better.

I've been delighted with the response from SG's side by side comparison photos to the various opinions.  I now have a much better understanding of what the Wenger/Delemont magnifier SAKs offer compared to the Victorinox magnifier SAKs.  I have learned quite a bit and am appreciative for the various responses.

Your response gave me something to think about since my use corresponds very well to what the 8x magnifier offers (reading small print).  Thanks to your observation, I will give some more thought to getting an Evolution 23 or 28 (I am pretty sure that I won't be getting the EvoGrip S54 "Tool Chest").

 

[SAK Guy]

[FolderBeholder]

I just tossed an EVOLUTION 23 into the cart and will have it tomorrow.
I figure it will come in handy for my side-by-side size comparison thread!     

[Dwest]

I have an S54 and an older tool chest model. I am always debating and have never really came to a conclusion which is better the Vic or Wenger. So I just carry the Vic as a daily item since I dont need a compass around town. But if I go on a hike, travel or road trip I take the Wenger. The compromise has helped me sleep better at night most of the time. 

[NorCalJim]

I just tossed an EVOLUTION 23 into the cart and will have it tomorrow.
I figure it will come in handy for my side-by-side size comparison thread!     

As a fellow magnifier enthusiast, I will be very interested in your impression.

I probably would have one by now except that I am having trouble deciding between the 23 & 28 (really like files)--analysis paralysis?

You have some fine SAKs and keep getting more...ever see the sign/bumper sticker "The one who dies with the most toys wins!"?

 

[FolderBeholder]

You have some fine SAKs and keep getting more...

It's true I do, I like vintage and new, does that mean I like them all? 
I thought it might be fun to see for myself what I think of the magnifying tool.
I liked the 23 because it had some essentials that I like...scissors, wood saw, magnifier, I think only one blade which will be adequate, plus it had a finger nail file, I like those.
I'll post my initial thoughts tomorrow, once it's in hand.

[SAK Guy]

I just tossed an EVOLUTION 23 into the cart and will have it tomorrow.
I figure it will come in handy for my side-by-side size comparison thread!     

As a fellow magnifier enthusiast, I will be very interested in your impression.

I probably would have one by now except that I am having trouble deciding between the 23 & 28 (really like files)--analysis paralysis?

You have some fine SAKs and keep getting more...ever see the sign/bumper sticker "The one who dies with the most toys wins!"?

 

+1!!!  Great news!