I am happy with the
LANCOSC one I bought but it is about half size compared to standard ones. They make a larger one in two different magnifications.
I would prefer something not made in China but could not find one.
I just wish you guys wouldn't keep linking Amazon. I don't want to deal with them.
Thanks for the replies Guys. Sorry about the links Bob.
I bought this one in 2019. I don’t think it was quite this expensive back then, but probably close. I bought it primarily because the light was the most powerful I could find, the magnifier was a secondary consideration. I would buy it again tomorrow if I needed one. It is well built and functions as you would expect. It puts out a lot of light, has a four level dimmer and the magnifier is clear. The base and arm are sturdy and stay where you put it. Sorry about Amazon but I love it. Hate shopping and willing to pay a bit more for delivery. Returns/refunds and damage or poor product claims are quick and generous and a pleasant human answers tHe phone promptly.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L9JTNVZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
A 10X magnifier with a 6" aperture is pretty much impossible with a single element. For any significant magnification, you really want a stereo zoom microscope.
For soldering, you need something like at least 4" (100mm) of "working distance", a bit more is better.
I do lots of precision soldering with an old Olympus, but we have one of the Chinese ones at work. The dual beam stand is good, you want it to be pretty rigid so it doesn't bounce.
Jon
Good Morning Atlarge, my recommendation is Optivisor. Love mine.
Good Morning Atlarge, my recommendation is Optivisor. Love mine.
These are very good units and you can get lens assemblies with different magnifications. For somethings they are the ideal solution.
Depending upon what the original poster is doing there are other approaches that shouldn’t be ignored. One approach that can be simple is an old composite TV camera and monitor. Often such stuff can be found for pennys on the dollar. If you are creative stands can be made cheaply.
Another approach to consider is optical comparators that can be had surplus.
Finally there is a whole world of magnifying Loupes out there.
Getting old myself and even reading the stamping on fuses has become a chore. Ultimately you will need multiple magnifying solutions. Old age sucks.
I could really use a bench magnifier. Not to magnify my bench but to mount on it. My eyesight and steadiness of hand are deteriorating (age 89) and the magnifiers I have are inadequate. Compounding the issue is my lack of money to buy a good unit. So I go to swap meets in hopes of finding a generous seller.
I could really use a bench magnifier. Not to magnify my bench but to mount on it. My eyesight and steadiness of hand are deteriorating (age 89) and the magnifiers I have are inadequate. Compounding the issue is my lack of money to buy a good unit. So I go to swap meets in hopes of finding a generous seller.
That's pretty neat Bob. I hope to still be putzing with electronics when I am your age!
