"Magnifying Lamp" Topic

I'm not sure if this is in the correct forum. My apologies if it's not

Can you recommend a good mangifying lamp (UK only please)? My eyes aren't what they used to be and I have real trouble focusing on the figure.

I did have one but the end of the brush hit the lamp every now and again. I think it was a daylight bulb and had x5 magnification. I was hoping for something better but my search hasn't turned up much so far.

Thanks all

I had used one, and did not find it useful. You may be better off with one of the visor type magnifiers

Examples from Amazon UK

link

Mark,

I used to have the same problems with magnifying lamps, but I finally made the switch to an Optivisor and have never looked back. It allows me a wide choice of painting lamps now that the magnifier is separate.

I know Front Rank has them advertised on its website.

I found normal reading glasses at a higher magnification worked. I use a 2.5 power to paint. They work great.

I use cheap 3.0 reading glasses, they work great.

I got a floor lamp with magnification, which I believe was designed for needlepoint. If you look on Amazon UK with those search terms, I bet you'll find something. I like the floor lamp better than the desk mounted model I had before.

Edit: this similar to mine link

I have used a magnifying lamp with a daylight bulb for about 20 years. I highly recommend them

I wear varifocals and can't get on with the optivisor

My friend and optometrist suggested that using a magnifying lamp was better for my long term eye health. Something about looking at a larger image as opposed to it being enlarged in the eye. I have a lamp and I like it, but I do need to cut the brush handles shorter. hehe

I use link magnifying-visor-n70fk magnifying visor and quite like it but think that if I need to replace it I may go for a Optvisor.

x42

My Optivisor arrived last night and I have to say I don't like it.

I have to hold the figure so close to my eyes that it borders on uncomfortable.

I may have to go back to the magnifying lamp

Thanks all for the help.

@ PrivateSnafu – how much of the brush handle to you cut off?

Hi

I used an optovisor several years ago for a period of about 2-3 years and noticed that my eyesight in relation to close up objects (farsightedness) deteriorated substantially.
It may have just coincided with my age and general eye condition, but it always felt awkward having the figure so close to my eyes/optovisor.
I have not painted for a few years for various reasons, but if I do do in the future I will be looking to get a magnifying lamp.

That's exactly how I feel about the optovisors too flipper. Mine arrived last night and by this morning I'd returned it.

Mind you, I'm having trouble with the magnifying lamp I replaced the visor with. Nothing to do with the actual lamp, that's fine enough. I just can't paint and actually dislike painting. I find it a chore

Interesting--seems that it varies with the individual. I tried a couple of different strength reading glases,always got a headache. Bought visor,no problem. Mine has a flip down higher strength lens,but I haven't needed it so far. Also tried a stand magnifier,found myself always moving my hands/head back and forth. So visor works best for me.

I have some issues with judging distance (binocular vision) and found a magnifying lamp didn't work. Visor works for me

It does take a while to get used to wearing the visor. I started with a cheap one (my local store knows how to get stuff) which worked well, the optivisor is a bit better. Note that the better visors can be supplied with different lenses, a different magnification may work better for different eyesight. The flip down did not work well – too many lenses.

Good luck

John

Hi

With my Optovisor I had 3 different lenses – the way they work is that as they get more powerful in magnification the closer you have to bring the figure to your eyes – the most powerful of magnification meant the figure was almost touching my nose!

I suppose it boils down to how much magnification you need and what is most comfortable to work with.

I reverted back to the mag lamp and I have to say it's a much better option for me. I just need to shorten the paintbrush so it doesn't keep hitting the head of the lamp

Maplins are selling their magnifying lens with circular daylight bulb at a discount currently – I use one and think it is quite effective

@Marc – that's the one I bought :) Paid £24.99 GBP

It's really good to be fair

Lifemax Magnifying Table Light

link

I think I got mine slightly cheaper from that well- known internet auction site, but couldn't be happier with it.

It works well as a normal painting light, but recently I've been using the magnifying function more, and have found it speeds up painting.