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I've used "the other" standard 5" fluorescent magnifier at work before and wanted an LED version at home. Comparing the two, however, revealed some issues:
1). The 7" magnifier is too distorted beyond a 4" center circle to be useful. You might as well get the older cheaper 5" fluorescent version, at least the magnifier is undistorted.
2). The 7" magnifier is too heavy for the neck joint. You must loosen and re-tighten the knob every time you want to readjust angle of the magnifier or it just falls/droops down under its own weight. The old 5" magnifier lamp was half the weight and you could readjust the magnifier without having to re-tighten the knob.
3). The LED light has a plastic cover which reflects some of the LED light straight out the side of the lamp so that if you are sitting eye-level with the lamp, you have some of the light shining straight into your eyes. Very annoying if you are trying to use it as a desk lamp. You might be able to remove the clear plastic cover, but I dont know if everything will fall out if you attempt this.
4). The internal spring mechanism rubs on the inside of the metal arms. Lets just say that it is quite evident that this mechanism is not lubricated. I recommend sticking with the tried-and-true (not to mention serviceable and quiet) external spring arms.
5). The LEDs are a little brighter overall than the standard 22w magnifier lamp, but the light is quite a bit more spread out than the old fluorescent version. The light is slightly cooler and has a lower CRI by comparison.
6). The head has an additional axis of rotation perpendicular to the lens that allows you to "twist" the magnifier. Not really sure what the reasoning was behind this, as the lens is round, so I dont see what difference it makes which way you look into it, but it allows the head to fall over when you try to angle the magnifier at the same time (the center of weight of the head is now off-axis horizontally), thus requiring you to further tighten down on the knob.
In summary: Looks like a good idea at first, but another example of a product which was obviously never used by the designer. Along with cars and washing machines, I'm adding the magnifier desk lamp to my list of products which dont see an increase in reliability/usefulness with price...
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I bought this magnifying lamp since I like to build/fix electronics and currently cannot justify going all out on a pro microscope. With this I am able to clearly see and solder 0402 sized components. This thing also puts out enough light to illuminate my entire office (you won't find shadows anywhere under it!). Additionally, the swing arm is very well balanced...a finger push will move the arm into position and it will stay there...no creep or slipping. I've used other lamps that "slip" as the friction clamps can't be tightened enough. This doesn't suffer from that.
This is a great lamp and it is perfect for what I need it for.
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At work we use a lot of these types of magnifier lights. I have used no less than 15 different types of them and this one is one of the best that I have used. Nice big 7 inch lens lets you see a lot and 5 diopter has stronger magnification than most at 3 diopter for us older folks. The light also works well.
CONS: The lens is glass and the unit is heavy. You need to be careful of the lens because the ring that holds it in can come undone. The ring is on top so the lens will not fall out in normal use but be careful when you are setting it up.
Honest reviews on Magnifier Lamp 108 LED - Extra-Large 7" Lens - Quick-Adjust Arm
Great light the lamp bathes the area in light. The magnifier is HUGE. It is also heavy, so make sure that the retaining ring is locked in place as you remove the lamp from the box. The retaining ring can hold the magnifier, but mine was loose after shipping. The articulating arm is top notch, moving anywhere without the need for tightening those annoying wing caps other lamps have. There is one wing cap to tighten for the rotation of the lens itself, but I find that once I placed the lens I have no reason to ever change it. The clamp at the other end of the arm is a huge, heavy metal clamp. It it miles better than the plastic clamps I have busted repeated on cheaper lamps. One caution if you will be clamping this to particle board, I would strongly recommend that you clamp a small piece of 1x4" on the side that you tighten. It bears a heavy load in a small space. The top half is a wide metal piece, and it is unlikely to cause problems. The on/off switch is a rocker, which I find much easier than those rotating types. It seems like a quality switch, and the LEDs draw so little power I doubt that I'll have any problem with it. Wrapping up, I like this lamp so much that I would definitely buy another if I had need for one. I've had this one for several months as I write this (I don't do instant reviews anymore) and I like this lamp more everyday. How often does one get to say that about a product?
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This is a Bourya Model No. 8062D3LED lamp. I don't see any other name on it although my research indicates that it's one of the specialty lamp products made by Ningbo Jaili Optoelectroinc Co. LTD. in China. From my perspective, it's form, fit and function are very impressive.
The Pros:
Its 108 LED's, laid-out in 2 rows surrounding the magnifying glass, create a large blanket of cool white significant illumination.
It's only using (according to my P4400 Kill A Watt Meter) 6.6 watts at 160 ma to out perform my old double-light fluorescent lamp at it's usage of 40.4 watts while producing at least 1 1/2 times the light or more. (A guesstimate as I don't have a meter.)
For electronics work, hobby painting, or other tasks requiring color differentiation in the application, the light color is a preferable cooler *white* as-opposed-to the warmer yellowish light emitted by my older fluorescent lamp.
The very large diameter and capacity magnifying glass is reasonably usable.
Its adjustment arms have a very expansive range furthering it's useability. The clamp tightens well and the arms stay put.
The assembly successfully walks the line of light weight materials vs durability. For a lamp to hold a heavy glass on the one hand, and to be easily controllable to manipulate over the work on the other, is not the easiest task.
Where I got it on-line, the glass had already been assembled into the lamp assembly. I merely had to wipe-off the smudges.
The Cons:
The magnifying glass has *distractable* visual distortion limited to "approximately" the last 1.25" or so of it's outside diameter. The remaining distortion/magnification in my opinion, given this type of lens, while it's not uniform, is more usable then a distraction. It's the wrong lens to use for prolonged reading, however for verifying details on hobby items, collectables, jewelry items and electronic components, etc, it's fine.
Other than the fact that it was made in China as part of the bankster/corporate America sell-out, I can't think of any other cons. I didn't have any of the issues as noted by a couple of the other reviewers on my first one purchased.
As this one is used at my desk, I plan on buying a second one for use in my R&D and build-up area. With the Bourya name and model number in hand, I was able to buy it on the web at an auction sight (11/2011) fully assembled, where some reviews have bemoaned a glass lens assembly step. Its price was cheaper than what it's being promoted and sold for here.
I recommend it.
Update: 12/03/2011. I bought a second one for the same price from the same seller as the first with no problems. It also arrived with all of it's components, although I had to reposition the glass and tighten the loose retaining ring. Tool-less operation, no big deal.
Update: 10/08/2013. The one with the more rectangular leans might be a better choice. I have two of these, so I'll probably not know through ownership.
I still recommend it. Word of caution remove slowly from its styrofoam packaging until glass lens mounting has been confirmed.
