Swapped Vive lenses for GearVR lenses... WOW what a difference!

[BareNakedSlayer]

Hey everyone. Just wanted to put my thoughts on here. Yesterday I swapped my Vive lenses out for GearVR lenses and what a world of difference. The Fresnel lenses are honestly the worst thing they could have done with this. It looks SO MUCH better than the default lenses. No more ridiculous glare in high contrast settings, I can look with just my eyes (which is the most natural thing in the world) and it's crystal clear.

Also wondering if anyone else has taken the plunge and if they had any issues or wanted to weigh in.

[RED-FROG]

I've done the same to my Vive.

I've bought a used GearVR for 20Eur on Amazon, pulled out the lenses and threw away the rest of it.
It was a quick and easy job really. I also have a 3D printer so that wasn't any problem.
(If you're reading this and want the same upgrade and live in germany we can make it happen together)

The difference is AMAZING and I don't want the fresnel crap back again!

For example in SteamVR I can read the entire dashboard keyboard on the bottom and type on it without moving my head. This has been impossible with the fresnel lenses.

I can finally look around with my eyes and not just have my eyes stuck with the head movement.

Godrays are gone, glare is gone, blurryness is gone.
I'm using the distortion version v3.

I honestly feel bad for every Vive user who doesn't use the better lenses.

[40+]

And with that, I ordered a used Gear VR from amazon . . . . so much for no frivolous spending this month :/

I don't have a 3d printer but I do have a metal lathe which should be able to turn up some adapters of nylon or something.

[RED-FROG]

And here's a video by SweViver on how to do it:

https://youtu.be/2ckPBhIlkX0


With this mod you'll say "The Vive Pro can surely wait".

Funfact: Even the Vive Pro owners have to do the GearVR lens swap mod if they want best quality. Because the Vive Pro has the same "1$ fresnel lenses".
And some people have already been modifying their Vive Pro with GearVR lenses. Keep in mind this might cause some warranty trouble.

[RED-FROG]

I've bought the game Beat Saber today and WOW I am so happy I could enjoy this game with the GearVR lenses.

So much contrast and blooming colors is a disaster for the original fresnel lenses in the Vive.
Also, I'm sure I can see the blocks for a longer period of time and sharper in my peripheral vision.

[BareNakedSlayer]

Haha, glad people are responsive on this. It's pretty much amazing as it stands now. It was cool before, now it's just about incredible. The only complaint I have is they still need to tweak the VR config files I think. It's not quite there.

Originally posted by pfrances:

And with that, I ordered a used Gear VR from amazon . . . . so much for no frivolous spending this month :/

I don't have a 3d printer but I do have a metal lathe which should be able to turn up some adapters of nylon or something.

I actually used a 3d print service. 3D Hubs. You upload the file, select your material, they give you a quote right there with shipping. I ordered it on Thursday, had it by Monday. The only thing I'll remind you is that there are 8 files associated with the design, two of them are 3d prints of the lenses which you can ignore, which are incidentally the two most expenive things to print. There were a couple of extra things in there too that I don't quite understand. I used only 4 of the 6 pieces I ordered.

[RED-FROG]

Originally posted by SuNin:

The only complaint I have is they still need to tweak the VR config files I think. It's not quite there.

Yes the lens distortion seems to be difficult to deal with.
It is important to have the headset sitting pefectly correct on the head. Perhaps it's important to use the deluxe audio strap for this, too.
The slightest misplacement will result in distorted image and may lead to nausea after longer periods of time (especially if the player is new to VR I believe). It also depends on the game.

Some people have reported stressed eyes with the GearVR lenses but I cannot confirm this...like AT ALL.

If anything, these GearVR lenses put LESS eye strain on me. It is easier to read text and everything. No more weird eye peeking and trying to focus on something that is always blurry.

[Friend A]

I didn't know this was a thing at all, I'm glad I found it, I'm gonna look at the video RED-FROG shared and see what's up. The lenses on the vive really isn't great at all.. so I'll consider this option. I've also got Beat Saber today and know the experience with the default lens, haha thanks for sharing

[RED-FROG]

I haven't played Beat Saber with the original lenses but it must suck big time. High contrast situations don't work with the fresnel lenses.

Best thing about this mod, you can always put your Vive back in it's original state.

[40+]

Is this teh adapter design you guys are using?

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2837804

If so, which of the parts are needed?

[Alien Identity]

The READ ME file says "V3.2 Use this version if you have 20/20 vision or don't normally need glasses in the vive. [print 1 for each eye]"

It is the file named AdapterV3_2 in the files folder.

[40+]

Originally posted by Alien Identity:

The READ ME file says "V3.2 Use this version if you have 20/20 vision or don't normally need glasses in the vive. [print 1 for each eye]"

It is the file named AdapterV3_2 in the files folder.

Thanks for the help, I ended up ordering the adapters from a local print shop for <$10. I couldn't by the material to make them on my lathe for that much. . . . I love the internet

[craigh95630]

Same...just ordered my 3D printed adapters the other day, they should arrive next week. Also found a used Gear VR on local Craigslist for only $15...now if I can just get them to return my message if they still have it or not. I'd say 95% of the time I am exclusively playing racing sims in VR, very rarely do I find myself playing anything else. Thinking the warping may be less noticeable in the racing sims...but what do I know. Going to try it anyways. Those fresnel lenses are junk.

[craigh95630]

So the Craiglist lead for the Gear VR was a bust...however found a certified refurbished set on Amazon for only $20 delivered. Already arrived and 3D printed adapters arrive today. Should be able to try this out by tonight.

[40+]

I've got my 3d printed adapters in hand but amazon just emailed me saying that my Gear VR has not shipped yet and seller may be a flake . . . they said it a lot nicer of course.

[40+]

Quick question. What version of Gear VR lens are people using? I ordered a 2015 version but just watched a video on Youtube where the guy said 2017 version.