Dazor makes some really nice flex mag lamps. i have bought several old ones at the thrift store or estate sales (= the old man’s stuff that the kids didn’t want). My favorite is an older incandescent version that i swapped out to one of those corn-cob led bulbs—perfect for looking at circuit boards. Dazor
When I was in my late 20s — we did a renovation job and the owner gave me a roll around magnifier lamp —it must of been 10” diameter —- I had an old guy use to hang around my shop that I gave it to —back then my young eyes could thread a needle in the dark — Well I’m the old guy now
Don’t worry, if you live long enough they will get worse. Then when you can’t see, your priorities change and money has more value as a tool to solve problems than something to save up. :nerd_face:
Here's one that I might suggest over the other...and it's showing an $8 discount at the moment, too. It has the nice temp/dimming control. I have a very similar one from Newacalox in the 3x smaller lens and it's been excellent. The larger model with the higher magnification would be nicer. Optical clarity is actually very good and it's sturdy, holds position well. Black finish is great quality and doesn't seem like it's ever going to flake away or rust like the painted models usually do. Thus far the clamp seems like it will last, too. I've got a gooseneck from them as well and it's been good. I picked up a different clamp for it that allows me to screw in other additional arms but you can order these with all kinds of configurations.
The Brightech Lightview Pro got some decent talk over on Eevblog. I bought it, based on that discourse, and am happy with it (so far). Amazon.com. I will say that it looks dead nuts to money just like the picture of the Harbor Freight one which costs less.
There is a 5% off coupon on that page you can click if you are buying it. I think the other thing that might be of value is a digital microscope. They’re pretty cheap these days and the magnification is greater than the magnifiers. (I don’t own one but have been looking)
Just Google on “Magnifying Glass Desk Lamp” and a bunch of sources will show up. One from a website named “wish” is under $20. No information on lumen output but it does have 3 levels of illumination.
My google fu is pretty good,but it’s nice to get feedback on products from someone that’s not a shill (since it seems like many amazon reviews are fake).
Both arrived. VERY similar in construction. Cast metal base is better than my last one (plastic). One uses USB, buttons for changing modes, changes brightness and has fairly high magnification so needs to be close to the object, other is straight to AC and has toggle switch for changing color (constant brightness) and not quite as high power. Nice pair, both going in the shop (mounts are interchangeable).
I received my USB version —It’s definitely worth the price —- By being USB powered I’m going to make a wood block and use a battery pack for a portable setup
The first ones I purchased seem to be a little clearer