Amazon is full of 10x magnified lamps for $35. Before i buy one, wanted to ask if anyone had any specific suggestions? thanks in advance.
Love mine, great for the aging eyes when trying to solder circuit boards.
I have not found magnification over 10X being useful for that type of application, even a 3X is a huge improvement.
Go above 10X and it is difficult to synchronize your small hand movements against what your eyes see through that massive lens.
The LED lighting is effective. Mine has something like 6 steps, which just switches on more of the string. USB driven.
I have not found magnification over 10X being useful for that type of application, even a 3X is a huge improvement.
Go above 10X and it is difficult to synchronize your small hand movements against what your eyes see through that massive lens.
The LED lighting is effective. Mine has something like 6 steps, which just switches on more of the string. USB driven.
There are two kinds of lamps: CFL and LED. In case of the CFL, the tube is circular in shape and could be difficult to obtain if gone. However, if the electronics ballast blows, it could simply be replaced with one from a reputed company like Philips.
Not sure about the CRI of LED lamps.
Not sure about the CRI of LED lamps.
I've tried several ones but was never happy with them. In the end I started using the OptiVISOR's and absolutely love them. You can get them in a wide range of powers and they have clip on lights available. Best of all (for me) is that I retain stereo vision and depth perception with them. Just make sure you get the genuine ones made by Donegan and not knock-offs.
I would consider a microscope rather than a magnifying lamp. We had both in the lab at TI where I used to work. I found the magnifying lamp awkward to work with because you have to get good alignment between you, the lamp, and the workpiece in order to be able to see. I much preferred to work under the microscope (3.5-4x magnification if I recall correctly).
If you do get a microscope, get a stereo/binocular microscope. With binocular vision you get depth perception, which you won't have with a monocular one. Note that most digital microscopes are monocular. Also, if you do go that route, a dissecting microscope is what you want. AmScope has a bunch: https://amscope.com/
The magnifying hoods can be good too. I used one in grad school that was just a basic fresnel lens. That worked alright, though these days I'd want more magnification for SMD work.
Tom
If you do get a microscope, get a stereo/binocular microscope. With binocular vision you get depth perception, which you won't have with a monocular one. Note that most digital microscopes are monocular. Also, if you do go that route, a dissecting microscope is what you want. AmScope has a bunch: https://amscope.com/
The magnifying hoods can be good too. I used one in grad school that was just a basic fresnel lens. That worked alright, though these days I'd want more magnification for SMD work.
Tom
I've been using an Optivisor for a few years now, and it has changed my life. I like the ability to aim my bench lights where I need them, independent of where my eyes are positioned. Certain operations are best when the light is from the side(s). Highly recommended, and it works great with my prescription glasses. Just flip up the Optivisor to resume normal vision.
Whatever you get, make sure it uses glass and not plastic lenses.
I have the Donegan Optivisor with the mag loupe option. With Opivisor you can get different magnification options. I have three different lenses but generally stick to the DA-3 (1.75X) lens most of the time. Keep in mind, that when you go up in magnification you will decrease the focal length.
I have the Donegan Optivisor with the mag loupe option. With Opivisor you can get different magnification options. I have three different lenses but generally stick to the DA-3 (1.75X) lens most of the time. Keep in mind, that when you go up in magnification you will decrease the focal length.
Luxo makes great magnifying lamps should you choose to go that route. They're not cheap, but they are good. I'd still go either with the visor or the microscope, though.
Tom
Tom
I'll fourth the Optivisor. I wasted a lot of money buying a magnifying lamp and fitting it to my bench. It has a circular fluorescent tube with a decent CRI (Colour Rendering Index) but it's too awkward to use (and it gets in the way when not being used). The Optivisor (DA3) is way better. LED lamps have much poorer CRI, but that doesn't seem to bother me for detailed lighting. For general lighting, you do want a high CRI (90) to be able to read resistor colour codes. Microscopes want a ring light fitting to them and LEDs are fine there.
Donegan Optisight uses good acrylic lenses and is a lightweight minimal flip-up stereo magnifier.
Attachments
Agreed as long as they are truly Donegan parts. They may be acrylic but they are good acrylic and I am looking at a pair now that is at least 10 years old and just tossed around the bench - no scratches.
how about a setup with separate magnifier and light?
https://www.joann.com/ottlite-13w-desk-lamp-with-magnifier/12398095.html
https://www.joann.com/ottlite-13w-desk-lamp-with-magnifier/12398095.html
The issue with the magnifying lamps (IMO) is not the light. It's the magnifier. You have to get the alignment between it, you, and the workpiece just so in order for it to be useful. With a magnifying hood all you have to do is to turn your head and look. With the microscope, you also need proper alignment, but the microscope sets that up nicely.
Tom
Tom
True, I saw a watch/clock guy on a show that would mix multiple pairs of glasses depending on what he was looking at. I've started doing that from time to time.
I would love to get my paws on a pair of the binocular visor things that my dentist uses. Zeiss makes a very nice one. They're decidedly non-cheap, though.
Tom
Tom
^ Depending on what's practical for you and your optometrist / ophthalmologist / tech ... they can perhaps make up a set (or various sets) of lenses for you with the prescription / correction you may need (if necessary) along with a focal length/diopter of choice (within reason). DOF / FOV and working distance can also be discussed.
Perhaps a few pairs for different work types could be cheaper and possibly equally effective as a quality set of loupes. A side benefit may be the insurance could possibly cover them.
I looked at dental / surgical loupes also... $$$
Perhaps a few pairs for different work types could be cheaper and possibly equally effective as a quality set of loupes. A side benefit may be the insurance could possibly cover them.
I looked at dental / surgical loupes also... $$$
The dental optics are called telescopes. I got a set and had lenses made to match my prescription. They work pretty well but are heavy and not so comfortable. And they take some time to acclimate to. But you do get a good close view from a distance. Not cheap even on eBay ($300++). Don't buy the cheap ones, unless you need them for a gargoyl costume. . .
I bought one(3.5X-420) and wasn't quite happy with it because of too high working distance, 10-12" makes soldering inconvenient to me. I tried to find some eyepiece concave lens to reduce the distance but I'm not sure which one will be OK. Would be nice to find an optical online simulator to make sure what I need.