Light/lamp recommendations?

[leegwonfu]

As I get older, the once-excellent vision that I used to have is beginning to spiral downward into the abyss ( well, it's not really THAT bad ). But, I'm finding it a bit harder to paint, and am looking for a better light-source than I currently have. I don't need a magnifier yet, and if it comes to that, I'll simply try a pair of reading glasses first. I've done a serach, but not gotten quite the information that I am looking for.

I'd like to know if anyone can recommend a nice, bright light/lamp? One that is adjustable, and one that has a light-source that simulates daylight. I really don't like hallogen lamps, and try to steer away from them. I currently use one of the "daylight" lightbulbs, and it's OK, but not as bright as I'd like it to be, and not as "neutral" as I think it could be. It'd be nice if I could get it in the US, as that's where I'm located.

Thanks,
JP

[Papa Spanky]

I like the Ott brand lights. Pretty popular with the old lady needlepoint crowd, but still al good light. Some models come with a magnifier, too.

[Brandlin]

This

http://cpc.farnell.com/daylight/d33200/artists-lamp-professional/dp/LA03876

Best price I've found for it. Very flexible and positionable. Energy saving day light compact fluorescent, 100w incandescent equivalent. Comes with an easel clamp and a table clamp. Not cheap but worth every penny.

Google search for "d33200 professional artists daylight lamp"

[leegwonfu]

The fluorescent light doesn't make noise (like a hummimg noise), run too hot, or give off harsh light (my main beef against fluorescents)?

[Mindenbrush]

2 Anglepoise lamps from IKEA and these bulbs
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/12-Energy-Saving-23-100W-Compact-Fluorescent-Light-Bulbs-100W-Flourescent-CFL-/290881567853?pt=US_Light_Bulbs&hash=item43b9e47c6d

They do not generate a lot of heat and give a good clean light.

[fastolfrus]

We use one of these:

http://www.candh.co.uk/pp/Craft/Lamps_and_Magnifiers/3_in_1_Magnifying_Lamp.html

Originally designed for embroidery work?
So one of the important factors was that it had to give good light but not get hot - embroiders tend to sew for quite a while.
You don't have to look through the magnifyer, although it sometimes helps to check details (but personally not with a brush in hand).

There are several types/makes/suppliers.
Your best option is probably to look for a good embroidery show, if you're in the UK there is a big one at the NEC this weekend, and then you can look at a few lamps in use:
 
http://www.ichf.co.uk/

or find a good embroidery stockist.

[Monty]

Hi there,

two weeks ago my wife bought a LED magnifying daylight lamp for her embroidery stuff. Actually it's a LED ring with an optical lense for 2x magnigication inside it. Yesterday I tested it for miniature painting and it seems to work really well, I'll run another test session this evening.   

The item is rather pricy but it's a 3-in-1 thing. The desk lamp only version is about 50 €:
Amazon UK
Amazon Germany

Cheers
Stefan