illuminated magnifiers

[Flump]

I need a desk magnifier with built in lights
something with good magnification (x5+)
and is flexible for most angles.

what do you guys use / recommend ?

(it's for soldering)

[ivaylo]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-5-Diopter-Magnifier-Lamp-Magnifying-Table-Clamp-Arm-Swing-Lights-BLACK-/291239827576

The thing is heavy though. Bought it by the recommendation of someone in the forum here.

[Flump]

I cant use that as I t's too big and I have no where to clamp it too,
infact I have one very similar but like I said too big for my
small bench area, so I need to get a smaller desk one.

[KJDS]

I got a good little one from Lidl that sits on my desk, however it's one of those things that they only sell for one week a year. My big one came from Maplin, both work well when I don't need a microscope to see what's really happening.

[GreyWoolfe]

There is this: http://www.cmlsupply.com/magnifying-desk-gooseneck-table-lamp-5x-magnifier-light.html?gclid=CNvvkL-I88ACFWwQ7AodPzAA0A but it is here in the US and no doubt that the shipping will be more than the cost of the product.  Though for $23 USD, I am not too sure of the quality.

edit: found this: not the magnification but maybe it could work? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mercury-700-048-Desktop-Illuminated-Magnifier/dp/B000VT5K00

I, myself, do have the space for a desk mounted, articulated arm lighted magnifier that is most definitely my best friend, not just for soldering but for reading small print and fixing costume jewelry for the wife, daughter and granddaughter!

[P90]

There is this: http://www.cmlsupply.com/magnifying-desk-gooseneck-table-lamp-5x-magnifier-light.html?gclid=CNvvkL-I88ACFWwQ7AodPzAA0A but it is here in the US and no doubt that the shipping will be more than the cost of the product.  Though for $23 USD, I am not too sure of the quality.

edit: found this: not the magnification but maybe it could work? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mercury-700-048-Desktop-Illuminated-Magnifier/dp/B000VT5K00

I, myself, do have the space for a desk mounted, articulated arm lighted magnifier that is most definitely my best friend, not just for soldering but for reading small print and fixing costume jewelry for the wife, daughter and granddaughter!

Yeah, I got a small magnifier, but I need to make room on my desk for a real articulated arm magnifier lamp, I can't work with a 3" magnifier!   

[GreyWoolfe]

I agree.  I have a couple of 3" handhelds scattered around the office/work area that are useful, but on the workbench, I have the articulated unit plus a headset magnifier that I have had to combine the 2 occasionally.  I have been wearing glasses since about 1964 and it seems to get a little worse each year or 2.

[MrsR]

I have a jaycar one that sits on the bench. it is 3 power but seems a bit more powerful as I can work with 0402 components OK! for soldering.

It cost $45 in Aus. Land has a fold away dust cover and a ring of LEDS around the Lens.
Has height,level and tilt adjustment I think the Lens is about 120mm in Dia.

Quality and finish is good for the price.

I do have a Microscope for checking boards and looking for faults though.

 

[kc9qvl]

This one from OttLite:

http://www.ott-lite.com/p-391-2-in-1-led-magnifier-floor-and-table-light.aspx

Led lights and very clear optics.

[zapta]

I would recommend separating between the light and the magnification. I tried those magnifier/lights but it was too clumsy, to use and light was limited. Currently using an OptiVisor and a Dazor dual bulb fluorescent desk lamp and it works just great.

[P90]

I would recommend separating between the light and the magnification. I tried those magnifier/lights but it was too clumsy, to use and light was limited. Currently using an OptiVisor and a Dazor dual bulb fluorescent desk lamp and it works just great.

I prefer the magnifier lamp, I tried using those head magnifiers and the head band irritates the hell out of my head.

[zapta]

I prefer the magnifier lamp, I tried using those head magnifiers and the head band irritates the hell out of my head.

I can work with that head band magnifier all day with no problem whatsoever, but different strokes for different folks.

[GreyWoolfe]

I don't mind my headband magnifier either, been using one for years and have used it in conjunction with my desk magnifier when the desk unit wasn't enough by itself.  I would wear it for hours at a time without irritation and I buy the cheapies from Skycraft here in Orlando, FL.  I', sure that I would enjoy a higher quality magnifier even more.

[Fluxed Matter]

I also use the optivisor and recently purchased illumination for it. I bought the item shown here on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0058ECQ46/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1411845853&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40

I really like them and it makes using the optivisor even better. They don't get in the way and it makes a big difference. I was using a separate light and the magnifier like others mentioned but this is a great improvement. I recommend them. They are a bit pricey but I feel well worth it.

[zapta]

I also use the optivisor and recently purchased illumination for it. I bought the item shown here on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0058ECQ46/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1411845853&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40

I really like them and it makes using the optivisor even better. They don't get in the way and it makes a big difference. I was using a separate light and the magnifier like others mentioned but this is a great improvement. I recommend them. They are a bit pricey but I feel well worth it.

Added to my Amazon wish list. Thanks.