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Optics by Tobias Dostal

Created by: Tobias Dostal

Optics is a visually stunning close-up magic trick where the magician borrows a spectator's phone, asks them to film a trick, and then makes the phone vanish in an impossible way. The spectator then realizes they are holding their own phone, which was supposedly vanished. This trick plays with perception and leaves the audience baffled, making it a strong and commercial effect suitable for various performance settings.

Key features

  • Unique gimmick that allows for a clean vanish and reappearance of a phone

  • Highly visual and interactive with the audience

  • Requires some practice to master the handling

  • Strong reactions from both magicians and laypeople

  • Portable and can be performed anywhere

Pros

  • Produces strong reactions and is highly baffling

  • Interactive and involves the spectator directly

  • Portable and easy to carry

  • Unique and different from typical magic tricks

Cons

  • Requires practice to perform smoothly

  • Some magicians may find the method challenging initially

  • Not suitable for all performance environments

Effect

Optics is a visually stunning magic trick where a borrowed phone vanishes and reappears in an impossible location. The magician asks a spectator to film them with their phone. The phone is then openly vanished, leaving the spectator holding what they believe is the magician's phone. The reveal occurs when they realize they are actually holding their own phone the entire time. The effect is bold, surprising, and leaves audiences completely baffled.

Full details

Optics is a gimmick-based trick created by Tobias Dostal, known for his innovative and artistic approach to magic. The method involves a cleverly designed gimmick that allows the magician to perform the vanish and switch seamlessly. The trick is designed to be performed in close-up or walk-around settings, making it highly practical for professional performers. The routine is structured to maximize impact, with the magician maintaining control over the spectator's perception throughout.

Who should consider the trick

Optics is ideal for magicians who perform in social or walk-around settings, such as restaurants, weddings, or corporate events. It suits performers who enjoy bold, visual magic that plays big with minimal setup. Those who appreciate Tobias Dostal's creative style—whimsical, surprising, and highly deceptive—will find Optics particularly rewarding. However, it requires confidence in handling the gimmick and managing spectator reactions, so it may not be the best choice for absolute beginners.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

Optics is not a self-working trick and requires practice to master the handling and timing. The gimmick is well-made but demands smooth execution to ensure the illusion remains convincing. Some magicians may find the boldness of the effect intimidating at first, as it involves openly vanishing a spectator's phone. However, reviewers like Roddy McGhie emphasize that even if spectators notice the switch, the vanish itself is still mind-blowing. The difficulty level is moderate, making it accessible to intermediate performers willing to put in the rehearsal time.

What magicians say

  • Steve Faulkner (RealMagicReview) describes Optics as "ridiculously strong" and praises its practicality, noting that Tobias Dostal performed it effortlessly in front of magicians despite claims it was too difficult.
  • Roddy McGhie calls it "one of the best things I've seen in so long" and highlights its deceptive simplicity, saying, "Even if they notice the switch, the vanish is still mind-blowing."
  • AlakazamMagicUK describes Optics as "visually stunning" and "a trick that twists perception in surprising ways," emphasizing its commercial appeal and unique gimmick.

Magicians consistently praise Optics for its boldness, creativity, and audience impact, making it a standout trick for those looking to add a high-impact, modern effect to their repertoire.

What people are saying about Optics

AlakazamMagicUK says...

Optics is frickin cool the gimmick is amazing... it's a very very cool gimmick right you know sometimes you spend what is it fifty clear it's 54 pounds you spent 54 pounds sometimes you you might open a box and receive something and go okay I've spent these four pounds on this yeah and that's what's the video just make sure that that's kind of worth it I have watched a video yeah I opened this looked at the gimmick away wow that's cool you know he received something you don't know I would be happy yeah it's a custom-made thing yeah it's yeah shall we have a look away that would the effect is yes let's play the trailer.

RealMagicReview says...

Optics, a trick that twists perception in surprising ways... it's such a strong effect and it's easy to lose faith in that effect because it's so bold and it is knacky as he says it's not easy but you know to take a mobile phone from someone film them and then say can you film me make their mobile phone vanish you know in you can eat it or just do a complete vanish of it showing your hands empty and then they realize that the phone that you've vanished as they're filming you with your phone the phone that they're holding is in fact their phone it's ridiculously strong.

Roddy McGhie says...

Optics by Tobias DTO... you ask to borrow someone's phone. You say, 'Can you actually can you put on the camera for me? I'm going to show you something cool.' You take the phone off them. You switch the light on and then you say, 'Oh, actually, can you film this in my phone?' Uh, you then go into your pocket, into your jacket, you hand them your phone, you have them film it, and then you just openly vanish their phone. The lights still on, and it just it's gone. Your hands are empty. Uh, and at that point, they discover that they're actually filming it on their own phone, which is just mindb blown for mind blown.

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