30th January 2012
Having tried pretty much every other magnifying lamp available - both "cheap" models from a well known auction site [which were actually dearer than this one] and also supposedly top of the range models from well respected Daylight company [which were over 3 times the price] every one was rejected for either poor / sloppy build quality and / or poor quality plastic lenses - even Daylight now use a plastic lens which suffers from too much "rippling" and distortion - I finally came across this one which has a superb quality glass lens, isn't too heavy, is easily moved to the required position - AND THEN STAYS THERE ! , offers a huge viewing area and has the benefit of greater 5 dioptre (2.25x) magnification whereas most only offer 3 dioptre (1.75x mag) . It is very stable in use and doesn't wobble or oscillate as the arms are quite thick. If there was one thing that could be improved it would be to use a "ring" tube rather than lamps on the side, although the illumination is very good it does create a slightly darker area top and bottom and perhaps a flicker free starter.......I may well add a couple of high power LED's to overcome this.......otherwise I cannot fault it especially at the price. It has a flip up cover to protect the lens when not in use which will also prevent the possibility of a fire if the sun shines through it - something other manufacurers' don't always think of......did I mention that superb glass lens ....