What do you guys think of this magnifying lamp?

[Monty]

I've been looking at these and trying to find the best one for a reasonable price (basically under $100.00) for a week or so, relying primarily on reviews (mostly Amazon) to get an idea of which units are worth considering.  My basic parameters were 1) LED lighting, 2) 5" or larger glass diopter lens, 3) adjustable light levels.  It's been a little frustrating 'cuz quite a few that I looked at were called out for shoddy design and/or poor materials.   

This one seems to have almost everything I want but the 1.75 magnification seems low.  Do I need more?)   

https://www.amazon.com/Newhouse-Lighting-Magnifying-Lamp-Professional-6-Diopter-Color/dp/B0716DVKQV

There were only two reviews of this item, unlike most of the others which had dozens, so it's hard to get a feel for how good it is. 

I'm hoping those of you with some in-depth knowledge about these things will chime in (positive or negative) so I can make a better decision.

[Tom Geiger]

I have a similar unit and found I cannot adjust to the required work position. I just can’t look down through the lens and work flat.  So now it’s just another workbench light.

i find I’m better with magnifying glasses I wear since I can work anywhere I can look. Try the cheap Walmart reader glasses, but a couple different magnifications and see if they work for you

[peteski]

I have couple of magnifier lamps, but I almost never use the magnifier. I use them mostly for illumination.  I prefer to use my Optivisor from any precision work.  And it it a genuine Optivisor, not an inexpensive headband magnifier.   I bought my Optivisor about 30 years ago and back then I didn't need it. My eyesight was good enough. I did try using it few times but didn't like it.  Fast forward 20 years, and when my eyes no longer could focus really close, I tried that Optivisor again and I absolutely loved it!  Now I couldn't live without it.  I'm addicted to it!

[mikemodeler]

I picked up an Ott Light magnifier at Hobby Lobby for about $35. It has the best lighting and the magnifier works great, I would check it out.

 

[oldcarfan]

I went to Dollar Tree and bought a couple pairs of those cheap reading glasses in different strengths and they work as well as anything.

[bill lanfear]

I have / use a very similar light but run into a problem sometimes with the magnifier having to be within about 6 inches of the object to be in focus.  If I am working with something I am holding, no problem but if its something on the bench then it can be a little cumbersome.  Otherwise its great!

[oldcarfan]

On 2/20/2019 at 8:13 AM, mikemodeler said:

I picked up an Ott Light magnifier at Hobby Lobby for about $35.

 

I had an Ott Light magnifier as well and really liked it. I got it at Hobby Lobby too when they had a sale on art supplies. I ended up leaving it behind when we moved and didn't realize it until it was too late.

[my66s55]

On 2/20/2019 at 9:13 AM, mikemodeler said:

I picked up an Ott Light magnifier at Hobby Lobby for about $35. It has the best lighting and the magnifier works great, I would check it out.

 

x2

 

[mod3l Lover]

   A lot of good points here, and before you spend almost 

100.00 bucks on a unit you might not even like, maybe

look into the various reader glasses option!

  That's all I use, and the real key to this is lots available

light in your build area!!

    Just my 2 cents worth!

         David S.

[1930fordpickup]

As Peter has stated get yourself a genuine Optivisor, as they sell different lens that have different magnification.  

If your eyes are not to bad get yourself the readers and buy yourself a good light.