As I have gotten older my vision has certainly worsened. I don't like to admit it to myself because it is certainly a limitation on my ability to do some sorts of work and that's not very nice.
However, i have always been a fan of both good lighting and magnification, even if the past days of excellent vision but now that I am so dependent on it I use it constantly. That said, I have a couple of lamps that have proven themselves very good in use and wold like to pass on the recommendation to others that need some help with (what used to not be) very small work.
The first is a relatively expensive option but very good for the money.
This Brightech Lightview Pro XL offers a nice large 145mm (5.7") wide lens so you can get both eyes into the work comfortably. The +5 diopter (2.25x) magnification provides a reasonable working distance of ~100mm (4") so it's relatively easy to keep the lamp out of the way. Note that for more freedom you really want a head-mounted magnifier, and the Donegan Optivisor is the jewelers/machinists/craftsman standard.
The arm on the Brightech is excellent with a very long reach. As you can see, it will reach all the way from the back of the 32" bench top to the work area. It has enough degrees of freedom to position it well for most work, though sometimes for non-flat workpieces it requires some creativity. It holds it's position very well.
The 62 cool white LED array provides even lighting without excessive shadows. The color temperature is not unpleasant. There is a five step touch dimmer at the front. Of course, it makes a great task light even if you don't use the lens. All in all, while it is no Luxo, it also doesn't cost the nearly $500USD you'd lay out for one.
The second is a much more affordable but extremely functional lamp which I use on my desk. I reach for it constantly
The BEIGAON Magnifier Lamp is 62 LED, continuously dimmable lamp with three color temperature settings. That I can adjust the temperature to match my desk lighting is a big plus. The diffuser on the LEDs is excellent, and the light is smooth and hotspot free. It is USB powered, and comes with a supply. At full power it draws 1.45A (measured) is you could reasonably power it from a battery if that was useful, The gooseneck hold the position well, and I can just rotate it out of the way when I don't need it.
The base might be useful, but I prefer a clamp. Unfortunately, it doesn't include one but you may have one lying around from a disused architect's lamp, or you can buy one for about $10USD, or pay a bit more for something better than the usual.
I don't think you'll be disappointed in this lamp if you pick one up. It's really helped me with struggling to read small things like serial numbers or looking at details of things when my eyes won't cooperate.
[EDIT: copyediting not affecting content]
However, i have always been a fan of both good lighting and magnification, even if the past days of excellent vision but now that I am so dependent on it I use it constantly. That said, I have a couple of lamps that have proven themselves very good in use and wold like to pass on the recommendation to others that need some help with (what used to not be) very small work.
The first is a relatively expensive option but very good for the money.
This Brightech Lightview Pro XL offers a nice large 145mm (5.7") wide lens so you can get both eyes into the work comfortably. The +5 diopter (2.25x) magnification provides a reasonable working distance of ~100mm (4") so it's relatively easy to keep the lamp out of the way. Note that for more freedom you really want a head-mounted magnifier, and the Donegan Optivisor is the jewelers/machinists/craftsman standard.
The arm on the Brightech is excellent with a very long reach. As you can see, it will reach all the way from the back of the 32" bench top to the work area. It has enough degrees of freedom to position it well for most work, though sometimes for non-flat workpieces it requires some creativity. It holds it's position very well.
The 62 cool white LED array provides even lighting without excessive shadows. The color temperature is not unpleasant. There is a five step touch dimmer at the front. Of course, it makes a great task light even if you don't use the lens. All in all, while it is no Luxo, it also doesn't cost the nearly $500USD you'd lay out for one.
The second is a much more affordable but extremely functional lamp which I use on my desk. I reach for it constantly
The BEIGAON Magnifier Lamp is 62 LED, continuously dimmable lamp with three color temperature settings. That I can adjust the temperature to match my desk lighting is a big plus. The diffuser on the LEDs is excellent, and the light is smooth and hotspot free. It is USB powered, and comes with a supply. At full power it draws 1.45A (measured) is you could reasonably power it from a battery if that was useful, The gooseneck hold the position well, and I can just rotate it out of the way when I don't need it.
The base might be useful, but I prefer a clamp. Unfortunately, it doesn't include one but you may have one lying around from a disused architect's lamp, or you can buy one for about $10USD, or pay a bit more for something better than the usual.
I don't think you'll be disappointed in this lamp if you pick one up. It's really helped me with struggling to read small things like serial numbers or looking at details of things when my eyes won't cooperate.
[EDIT: copyediting not affecting content]
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