Although I'd rather work in good natural daylight, often I work in the evening or teach projects in large conference rooms in hotels. For these situations good lighting and magnification are a must. Several craft lamp suppliers have created lamps specifically for crafters, with magnifiers built in or available as add-ons. Some of these lamps are portable, some are designed for studios, others to fit into your living room decor.
Daylight Fluorescent Light Bulbs.
If your desk lamp will take a spiral fluorescent bulb, 5000 Kelvin rated Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs may be the easiest, least expensive option to improve task lighting. Ranging in cost from $5 up, depending on the light output, daylight fluorescent bulbs should be listed at 4700- 5000 Kelvin to allow close to true color reproduction. (You will find this designation on the light bulb box or in the specifications on a website.) Daylight and Blue Max are two companies who produce daylight fluorescent bulbs in this range which will fit into standard light fixtures. 18 watt fluorescent bulbs are equivalent to a 75 watt incandescent bulb, and 24 watt fluorescent bulbs are equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent bulb. Price Range $5 - $20
Daylight Halogen Light Bulbs
SoLux lighting produce a 12 Volt, M16 halogen bulb which is rated at 4700 kelvin and which can be used in halogen light fixtures and lamps to get a light close to the daylight spectrum. These lights are usually found via photography or art suppliers or through speciality lighting stores. Unlike fluorescent lights, these lights give off a lot of heat, so the fixture they are used in must be designed for safety when working close to your light source.Ott Lite True Color Portable Lamp
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There are several portable true color fluorescent lights available. This compact folding variety from Ott Lite is lightweight, easy to pack and useful at craft classes. The light can be angled out from it's base. It is available in several colors and can be wall mounted if you want. It uses a 13 watt daylight fluorescent bulb (equivalent to a 60 watt incandescent), so it's output is more limited than the other lights mentioned. Price Range $40 - $80.
Similar lights are available with a two power magnifying lens build in for a price or $90 - $130 and there is also a similar model available which is battery operated (has a plug in adaptor) for $90 - $130
Daylight(R) Magnifying Desk Lamp
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Daylight(R) Slimline Magnifying Light
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This more traditional five inch magnifying lens surrounded by a task lamp, can be adapted with three different strength magnifying lenses at 1.75X, 2.25X, 3X. as well as an additional add on secondary magnifier. The Daylight(R)bulb is a full spectrum fluorescent bulb rated at 22 watts which gives a very bright work light making it easier to view colors accurately. This light can be used as a clip on table lamp, or a table base or rolling floor base are also available. Price Range $80- $170 depending on accessories.
An Ultra model, with a 7 inch lens and 28 watt ringlight is also available. Check prices and descriptions to ensure you are getting the model you want.
Daylight Ultimate Armchair Magnifying Lamp
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