Check the diopter, not the “X” figure
Magnification claims on magnifier lamps are often inflated: lamps sold as “15X” or “20X” usually give no more than about 3× linear magnification. The reliable figure is the lens power in diopters — 175 (3.5D) gives about 1.8× linear magnification, 250 (5D) about 2.2× and 400 (8D) about 3×. Check the diopter before you buy, rather than the “X” on the listing.
LED clamp cool-light magnifier lamps (3 lens powers)
| Item | 175 (3.5D) | 250 (5D) | 400 (8D) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear magnification | approx. 1.8× | approx. 2.2× | approx. 3× |
| Area magnification | approx. 3.5× | approx. 5.1× | approx. 9× |
| Focal length | approx. 286 mm | approx. 200 mm | approx. 125 mm |
| Long sessions | Comfortable for long use without dizziness | Comfortable for long use without dizziness | Dizziness likely after about 15–30 minutes |
| Typical use | Reading, beauty work, models, nail work | Electronics plants, labs, print inspection | Circuit repair, watches, jewelry and artifacts |
| Commonly sold as | “5X” | “8–10X” | “10–15X” |
Note on the 400 (8D) lens: its short focal length (about 125 mm) means your face has to be close to the lens, and continuous use often causes dizziness after 15–30 minutes. Use it for short, high-precision checks rather than at workstations that need long continuous viewing.
LED ESD-safe magnifier lamp
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Magnification | 3X / 5X / 10X (selectable, as labeled) |
| Volume resistivity | 10⁵ – 10⁹ Ω·cm |
| Static decay time | 1000 V → 100 V in < 1.0 s |
| Tribo-charge voltage | < 100 V |
| Light source | LED |
| Mounting | Clamp-on |
| Color | Black |
| Suitable areas | Static-sensitive areas, cleanrooms, microelectronics, biotech, medical |
Which series to choose
If your work area requires ESD control (SMT lines, semiconductor work), choose the ESD-safe model — the lamp body passes static decay testing, so the lamp itself will not put a charge on components. If static control is not critical and you only need steady light and magnification, the cool-light series is more comfortable for long sessions in the 175 and 250 lens powers, and its longer focal lengths give more working distance.
Focal length tip: the focal length is the ideal viewing distance between lens and workpiece. 175 (286 mm, about an arm’s length) gives the most freedom of movement; 250 (200 mm, about 20 cm) suits seated fine work; 400 (125 mm) needs a very short distance and is mostly used for brief, high-magnification checks.
Related: ESD tweezers · ESD wrist straps
Contact us for a quote via our Request a quote page