Need a magnifier recommendation to replace my old bench unit - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: AtLarge
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2021, 08:06:22 pm
content: I was hoping to find something a little stronger and reasonably priced.I have one of these now which is only 2.5xhttps://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Efficient-Desk-Clamp-Mount-Spring-Arm-Magnifying/dp/B00PG762EA/ref=asc_df_B00PG762EA/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=193988463246&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6085693329219936703&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9018502&hvtargid=pla-312478956428&psc=1This claims to be 10x but, you know how that goeshttps://www.amazon.com/Desktop-Magnifier-Magnifying-Magnification-Adjustable/dp/B075S8LR1Y/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=bench+magnifying+glass+with+light+high+power&qid=1629209058&sr=8-7This looks like it has a little more area to withhttps://www.amazon.com/Magnifier-Light-Magnifying-White-Repair/dp/B0799G2FL1/ref=sr_1_27?crid=2SCG4JRL0AT6W&dchild=1&keywords=bench+magnifying+glass+with+light&qid=1629208619&sprefix=bench+magn%2Caps%2C297&sr=8-27So, I'm open for suggestions. TIA

author: David Hess
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2021, 08:46:07 pm
content: I am happy with theLANCOSC oneI 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.

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2021, 12:22:47 am
content: I just wish you guys wouldn't keep linking Amazon. I don't want to deal with them.

author: kripton2035
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2021, 06:23:56 am
content: I'm very happy with this one from ELV :https://de.elv.com/elv-led-lupenleuchte-175-fache-vergroesserung-850-lumen-warmweisskaltweiss-dimmbar-wechselbare-linse-124169I bought it some years ago, but they don't sell outside germany anymore. ( long live europa !)may be there is a clone of their product somewhere, I did not find it.

author: AtLarge
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2021, 08:33:43 pm
content: Thanks for the replies Guys. Sorry about the links Bob.

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2021, 02:49:52 pm
content: 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

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2021, 04:08:58 pm
content: 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

author: BILLPOD
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 19, 2021, 04:33:45 pm
content: Good Morning Atlarge, my recommendation is Optivisor. Love mine.

author: wizard69
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2021, 01:54:31 am
content: Quote from: BILLPOD on September 19, 2021, 04:33:45 pmThese 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.

author: bob91343
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2021, 03:50:29 am
content: 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.

author: AtLarge
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2021, 05:57:50 pm
content: Quote from: bob91343 on September 28, 2021, 03:50:29 amThat's pretty neat Bob. I hope to still be putzing with electronics when I am your age!