An optical system and a magnifying device including the optical system are described. The optical system includes an exit pupil, a reflective polarizer proximate the exit pupil, a partial reflector disposed adjacent the reflective polarizer opposite the exit pupil, and a quarter wave retarder disposed between the reflective polarizer and the partial reflector. The reflective polarizer is curved about two orthogonal axes and the partial reflector is spaced apart from the reflective polarizer.