"Recommend a clamp mounting magnifying lamp." Topic

The title says it all. I'm looking for advice on purchasing a clamp mounting desk magnifying lamp: I have only a small hobby bench (approx. 27" wide) so want a short arm anglepoise style lamp.
Any recommendations… magnification? led or fluorescent? what have you got?
Thanks, Martin.

Try an Optivisor instead.
Inexpensive and won't take up any valuable desk space.

I have tried Magnifying swing arm lamps:

As is my nature, I obtained many different types before ever trying the first. I found only the vintage glass lens ones provided constantly clear magnification. Incandescent bulbs are a waste of time. I did not like the florescent rings much either. So, I suggest LED light. The old glass lens are all clamp on, but I found that to be a pain. Too limiting. So a modern LED desk stand one is better. Like:
link

But all that being said, my end conclusion is a fixed magnifier is hell to paint through. Great for inspection, but not working through.

So, head mounted, even just reading glasses are much better for painting. But good light is still key.

Consider and LED Arch Lamp:
Homemade:
link
Quality hobby:
link
Or repurposed home decor:
link

Salutations !

Would rather have swing-arm lamp than magnifing visor, myself.

Suggest you take a look at
link
or
link

Been happy about my deals with both these firms.

If there's 'art supply store' near you, would see what's to choose from before buying.

While I'm using one now, plan to get better one, more easily adjustable.

I have both an Optivisor and a swing-arm lamp with a magnifier, much like the one pictured in DyeHard's first link, but with a flourescent ring.

The stability of a heavy foot makes up for the hassle of mounting some kind of clamp, and means that I can work anywhere easily -- the dining table, the patio dining table, even (theoretically) my home office desk.

I use the Optivisor for magnification, and the lamp for primary illumination (but I also have indirect sunlight, especially at this time of year, and a bright torchiere-style LED lamp in the corner of the room.

It's a good combination for me. I'm comfortable using the Optivisor while painting or assembling, and the combination of lights in the room is easy on my eyes. Actually, anything is easier on the eyes than spending all day staring at a computer screen, which I tend to do a lot of both for work and pleasure.

My work desk is pretty small, too: 16.5 x 41 inches. My actual painting area is about 16.5 x 18 inches, just the middle of the table, with paints on side and my lamp on the other. It's enough space to work on what I'm working on -- 25-28 mm miniatures, a few shampoo bottles and computer mice being turned into spaceships and grav vehicles.

+1 on optivisor + great lighting

I'm dubious about any "full spectrum" claim without a CRI number. You want cri 90 or more. If there isn't a number then it's less

A ring light would work, but otherwise, go for led instead of cfl

I would recommend getting 2 ordinary lamps with led 100W equivalent bulbs, cri 90 or better. Costco has some at the moment. I prefer daylight (5000K or so)

John

I have an anglepoise lamp bought many years ago screwed to the side of my painting desk. Add a daylight bulb and you are good to go. I find off the peg reading glasses much better than optivisors and the like.