Magnifiers / Magnifying lamps

Magnifying lamps for Maker

A magnifying lamp is a practical and versatile tool. Typical applications can be found in industry, for example, to check components in the final inspection. Dental laboratories, manicure studios and precision mechanics also use this tool. In the private sphere, magnifying lamps are used at home, be it for: fiddly handicrafts, artistic work, jewellery making, model making or the examination of insects or minerals. Once you have got used to integrating a magnifying lamp into your everyday work, you will soon not want to give it up. This combination of magnifying glass and lamp is a special product that is a great help, especially for delicate work or filigree objects. Makers appreciate the services of a magnifying lamp when, for example, fine soldering work needs to be done or the finest hairline cracks on a circuit board need to be found.

Good to know about magnifying lamps

- Magnifying lamps make strenuous work easier if you often have to deal with small objects. Be it during assembly or disassembly. With the combination of a bright light and a magnifying glass, you can work with concentration for longer periods. - Today, only modern LEDs are used for illumination. This light source can show all its advantages in the small installation space: it is bright, long-lasting, has a neutral colour temperature and saves electricity. As LEDs do not generate heat, there is never any risk of damage to the illuminated object, even if it is illuminated for hours on end, as might be the case at an exhibition, for example. - There are spare parts or accessories for most magnifying lamps. For example, you can buy a wall mount or a table mount for the holding arm of the loupe head, or order a new loupe glass if the old glass gets damaged.

What magnifications do magnifier lamps provide?

Magnifier lamps differ in the diameter of the magnifier, which is usually between 100 and 130 mm, but also in the magnification. The rule is by no means: the higher the magnification, the better. As the magnification increases, the usable field of view decreases and becomes more and more point-like. If you still have a good overview of the whole object under the magnifying glass at a magnification factor of 2 to 3, at a magnification factor of 10 you have to move it to the exact spot behind the magnifying glass where you have the best view. If you work freehand, every shake and wiggle is magnified by a factor of 10, which can be very tiring in the long run. Depending on what you want to use your magnifying lamp for, a certain magnification is ideal for your field of application. For simple work that you just want to make more comfortable, such as soldering, a magnification factor of 1.5 to 2.5 (this corresponds to 2-6 diopters) is sufficient. Even higher magnifications only make sense if you have to do really delicate work or inspect the smallest components. By the way, the formula for converting a given diopter number into a magnification factor is: Factor=1+ diopter number x 0.25.

Look for this when buying a magnifying lamp

In your search for the ideal magnifying lamp for you, you will find an overview here of how the individual models differ from one another. Decide for yourself which points you give priority to.

• Magnification

As explained above, the magnification that makes sense depends on your preferred application.

• Power consumption

With LED lighting, you hardly need to worry about power consumption, which is usually less than 10 watts. Some loupe lamps offer infinitely variable brightness control.

• Mounting

Models come with different joints, arm lengths and mounting options. Most lamps can be mounted on a tabletop or wall, others come with a stand. Consider beforehand how much mobility you need.

• Colour temperature

The colour temperature indicates how colour-neutral the lighting is. A colour temperature of 5500 Kelvin corresponds roughly to sunlight. Lower Kelvin numbers make the light appear warmer and higher Kelvin numbers mean colder light. However, bear in mind that your eye adapts very quickly to the respective colour temperature and after a few minutes the picture appears colour-neutral.