Whether you’re working on jewelry, craft items or modern electronics, there are definitely a lot of tiny components which can be really difficult to see and maneuver. With that being said, you might have thought that a magnifying glass would be a lot of help.
However, holding the object in one of your hands while working on your project with the other could really end up being more of a hassle than not using a magnifying glass at all! It certainly limits what you can really do with both your hands.
Thankfully, there are better products out there that not only help with magnifying the small objects you work on but also come with an adjustable arm or a stand and even with an attached light!
This way, you won’t need a lamp or other external source of light nearby either while eliminating the annoying issue of blocking the light with your body.
And, of course, it leaves both of your hands free to focus on the project before you!
Such items have been in use for many years in a number of industries, especially manufacturing, so it makes sense that nowadays, they are more accessible for personal use as well.
Styles
There are quite a few different styles available on the market but the most popular ones are: arm mounted, desk mounted and floor mounted!
- An arm mounted magnifying glass, as the name also suggests, is an articulated arm that anchors to the workbench or desk with a clamp, the magnifier and the lamp both mounted on the end of it.
- The desk mounted one is shorter and has a flexible neck anchored by a weighted base.
- Finally, the floor mounted one is attached to a longer stand on a weighted base and has a flexible neck as well. The fact that it does not need to be clamped to anything makes it easy to move around and place anywhere at any time, depending on where you need it.
Of course, it depends of your personal situation and needs but the most popular model is the arm mounted one due to the fact that it provides a longer reach and comes with a larger magnifier.
Desk magnifiers have to be placed right by the workplace and moving them could also mean moving the entire desk or workbench and other items in that area. Not to mention that you need to keep a small area on the desk clear for it to be placed on so if you know you need the whole thing for your project, this might not be the ideal model for you.
All older models used fluorescent bulbs but nowadays, most of the new options use LEDs which will not only lower the energy costs but also last you much longer.
Furthermore, LEDs are much safer to work with as well since they do not produce the heat classic bulbs produce.
Before picking a lighted magnifying glass, take into consideration several things.
First of all, what exactly do you need it for? This obviously determines you choosing a certain model over another.
The size is another thing to consider. Keep in mind that the larger it is, the easier it is to use.
Do you need a lot of light? Generally, most projects would benefit from having more light directed at them.
Finally, think about the amount of magnification you need. The most common for arm mounted magnifiers is the five diopter, or the 2.25x magnification while desk mounted ones tend to have less.
Basically, the greater the magnification the easier it will be to see all the small pieces you’re working with.
However, that also means it could but down on the viewing area if the magnification is too high. So if you need to see more pieces at the same time to figure out how they fit together, a lower magnification could be better for your situation.
All in all, finding the best lighted magnifying glass can be quite a time consuming and confusing adventure, which is why we’ve made this easier for you by compiling some of the best on the market!
AIXPI Large Magnifying Glass with Light
By using this magnifying glass, you will be able to clearly see small and intricate things such as jewelry pieces or old coins but it’s great for some night reading as well.
All you need for the LED light to work are two AA batteries and you’re set!
NEWACALOX Desk Lamp with Large Magnifying Light
This product has one of the biggest magnifying lenses on the market and gives a lot of light as well, despite the fact that it consumes no more than 8 watts of power.
The arm is 36 inches which is more than enough for most activities you might need a magnifying glass for, although it’s definitely not the biggest.
The movement is feather touch with no springs so it always stays put, exactly how you place it.
The lens is 5 diopter, meaning that it features a 2.25 magnification.
It comes with a clamp so you can mount it on the edge of a desk and also features a power switch that can be found on the head.
iMagniphy LED Magnifying Lamp
The third product on our list is super powerful, with a lens that magnifies up to 8 times the actual size!
The lens is also acrylic and scratch-free as well as lit by sic LEDs, making it super bright and useful within any detail work.
The product itself is quite large, measuring 5.5 inches in diameter.
What is great about it is that there is no distortion created by the perspective, allowing you an extremely clear view of your workspace.
The base is sturdy and the neck is adjustable and measures 8 inches, allowing it to remain balanced in spite of its large size.
GEMWON LED Magnifying Glass With Light
The GEMWON LED Magnifying Glass features a premium optical lens that will allow you to view all small objects with the utmost clarity.
The lens is surrounded by 12 tiny LED lights that, in spite of their small size, are really bright, allowing you to even use the product in pitch darkness.
It is powered by two AAA batteries that are not included with the magnifying glass.
Pro Ultra-Efficient LED 7″ Magnifying Light
This product has a 7 inch round lens with an arm of 38 inches.
To make it easier to use, it is designed with a spring-free, feather touch neck.
Furthermore, it includes no less than 108 LED lights that will last you for 100,000 hours!
The magnifying glass has a 5 diopter lens and provides 2.25 magnification.
It comes with a clamp so you can mount it on the edge of your workbench.
Brightech LightView Flex Magnifier
The Brightech LightView Flex magnifier provides 175 percent magnification and is designed with a 13.5-inch gooseneck, allowing you to alter the position of it without moving the whole unit.
It features a sturdy clamp and a 3 inch lens made of real diopter glass that is resistant to both scratching and fogging.
Finally, the viewing area is surrounded by a ring of LEDs which means that the light is even, casting no shadows.
Fancii LED Handheld Magnifying Glass
This product offers not one, but three magnifying levels – 2X, 4X and even 10X!
The magnifying lens will give you a very clear, no distortion viewing of your project pieces and it even features an ergonomic, comfortable handle for you to hold confidently.
But even if you were to drop it, there is little to worry about since the acrylic lens is shatterproof, significantly reducing the risk of it breaking.
The whole design is also lightweight in order to reduce fatigue since this is a handheld product that does not mount onto anything or stand by itself.
It features really bright LED lights and all you need to turn them on and off is to press a simple switch button.
Neatfi XL 2,500 Lumens LED Task Lamp with Magnifying Light
This is a product that can be used anywhere, allowing you to move it around easily.
It is available with 45 inch arms which means that it is perfect if you already have a full workbench or desk.
The LED lighting can be dimmed 50% in case you feel like the lights are too strong for your eyes.
Furthermore, there is even an automatic shut-off setting after either four or nine hours, depending on your preference.
Carson DeskBrite 200 Magnifier
This is a free-standing, traditional-looking magnifying glass that will allow you to observe objects at twice their actual size.
But that’s not all as this product also comes with spot lens that magnifies up to 5 times!
It is powered by three AA batteries which makes it the ideal pick if you are always on the go and need something easy to take with you everywhere.
Not to mention that it only weighs a little over a pound!
The lens is 4 inches, acrylic and scratch resistant and lit by two powerful LEDs.
Finally, it has a flexible neck that is easy to position however you need it.
Marrywindix Handheld Magnifier
The Marrywindix Handheld Magnifier has 3X magnification as well as a smaller lens with 45X magnification that is small enough to be used as a jewelry loupe.
Both of the two lenses comes with LED lights, the bigger one featuring two.
To turn it on and off, there is a simple switch button and the handle is comfortable to reduce fatigue while holding onto it.
MagniPros Tabletop Page Magnifier
This product looks like a small glass-topped table, as opposed to all the other ones on this list.
As a result, it is great for larger projects, having a viewing area of 6.5 by 9.5 inches.
The rectangular acrylic magnifying lens is lifted around five inches from the work surface and provides four times magnification with little to no distortion to worry about!
There are no less than 12 built-in LED light bulbs and you can change between two different brightness settings.
The lens folds, which helps with storage when not in use.
Finally, this item also comes with a cleaning cloth specially made for the lens.
SeeZoom Lighted Magnifying Glass
The SeeZoom Lighted Magnifying Glass only weighs 4.6 ounces, greatly reducing arm fatigue when in use.
There are two lenses, one with 3X magnification and a smaller one on the handle that provides 45X magnification!
Both are scratch resistant and really durable.
This magnifier includes three LED bulbs that give off a lot of light.
Tomshine LED Lighted Magnifying Glass
This is a dimmable magnifier lamp which, of course, means that you are able to set the brightness level according to your personal preferences.
The lens has both 3X and 10X magnification and it is designed with a flexible neck and a clamp that fixates to your work desk or bench.
