I need a light for general reading in my recliner (without magnification). However occasionally I would like magnification when working on small parts or reading tiny print. Would this be good choice, since most of the time I would use it as a reading lamp? I need a light for general reading in my recliner (without magnification). However occasionally I would like magnification when working on small parts or reading tiny print. Would this be good... » Read More I need a light for general reading in my recliner (without magnification). However occasionally I would like magnification when working on small parts or reading tiny print. Would this be good choice, since most of the time I would use it as a reading lamp? « Show Less
1170554
I believe there are other lamps that would suit you better for general, unmagnified, reading
673597
I bought mine for this use originally. Now it is very dim and absolutely inadequate, I wish I'd never purchased it. I only use it for magnification now as a weak lamp at my desk. (I did post a review.)
1170555
The whole viewing area of the lamp is about 1.5 magnification. There is a larger magnifier (about 3x) that is inset into the larger viewing area, which is about 4"x 6". This larger magnifier is about 1" in diameter that you can use for the tiniest print/needle work etc.
1170556
I have had it very long and use it for the magnification. It would probably work well for reading if positioned well. It's a little top heavy because of the magnifying glass.
1170557
just for a reading lamp, probably. I wanted it primarily for its magnification. Not good for that. The light produced is more ambient than direct lighting.
183432
This is more than adequate light but pay attention to the height....I presume you want overhead light and this IS a wonderful lamp but not tall--more for reading in a chair!!!
1930492
It is suitable for reading. It has a concentrated light source over the book or magazine. I have a slight visual problem and it helps a lot!
912605
Patti, I don't know if my eye Doctor would be recommending it? I mean? Bottom line, they are BRIGHT very versatile lights. I use them for many uses...mainly on pictures in my living room. However I have used them on my bench for working, and we have used them in camping situations for reading...so I would personally say YES! Just have plenty of batteries on hand or rechargables, as the leds do require plenty of power and will dull within an hour or so of being on high, which I would recommend for reading. P.S. 3" headboard? They look no more than 2" @ max, from what I see. Why NOT clamp it to the BOOK? Patti, I don't know if my eye Doctor would be recommending it? I mean? Bottom line, they are BRIGHT very versatile lights. I use them for many uses...mainly on pictures in my living room. However I have used them on my bench for working, and we have used them in camping situations for reading...so I would personally say YES! Just have plenty of batteries on hand or rechargables, as the leds do require plenty of power and will dull within an hour or so of being on high, which I would recommend for reading. P.S. 3" headboard? They look no more than 2" @ max, from what I see. Why NOT... » Read More Patti, I don't know if my eye Doctor would be recommending it? I mean? Bottom line, they are BRIGHT very versatile lights. I use them for many uses...mainly on pictures in my living room. However I have used them on my bench for working, and we have used them in camping situations for reading...so I would personally say YES! Just have plenty of batteries on hand or rechargables, as the leds do require plenty of power and will dull within an hour or so of being on high, which I would recommend for reading. P.S. 3" headboard? They look no more than 2" @ max, from what I see. Why NOT clamp it to the BOOK? « Show Less
1532202
Yes but it is a very expensive option. I found an excellent magnifying lamp from harbor freight for about 20.00 ( on sale and 25% off coupon) normally about 39.00. The only potential drawback is that it is florescent if that is an issue for you.
1182919
I like reading in bright light, but this would probably be too bright. I haven't tried it though.I doubt the angle would work very well either.
751652
I use one to work/solder surface mount electronics to printed circuit boards (PCBs). I love it but naturally if the parts get too small... I should have added that over the years I've use many magnified extension lights to work on PCBs, all had external springs. This light does not have external springs and seems to be much smoother when trying to position it for work. I haven't noticed any distortion when working on 0603 parts and don't want to go much smaller than that.I just ordered one for personal use.
1390295
This is a lovely lamp but it's not designed for reading (I don't know anything about Kindles which I think have their own backlit screen. This lamp throws light up and provides room ambient lighting. Not sure how it would work for readers.
2214853
Lots a good points about this light. It was bought to use as a reading light over a recliner, it works very well with an LED bulb providing downward light only, but note the metal shield over bulb does heat up. Pull chain turns it on or off. The light is stable on its base, u don't worry it will fall over. It's nicely made and looks expensive. It would work for elderly parents, but there are other versions made with plastic that I have seen my elderly parents use that seem safer. Less metal edges, more maneuverability of the light and don't get hot. Also, the ones they have made with plastic provide full spectrum light. Lots a good points about this light. It was bought to use as a reading light over a recliner, it works very well with an LED bulb providing downward light only, but note the metal shield over bulb does heat up. Pull chain turns it on or off. The light is stable on its base, u don't worry it will fall over. It's nicely made and looks expensive. It would work for elderly parents, but there are other versions made with plastic that I have seen my elderly parents use that seem safer. Less metal edges, more maneuverability of the light and don't get hot. Also, the ones they have made with... » Read More Lots a good points about this light. It was bought to use as a reading light over a recliner, it works very well with an LED bulb providing downward light only, but note the metal shield over bulb does heat up. Pull chain turns it on or off. The light is stable on its base, u don't worry it will fall over. It's nicely made and looks expensive. It would work for elderly parents, but there are other versions made with plastic that I have seen my elderly parents use that seem safer. Less metal edges, more maneuverability of the light and don't get hot. Also, the ones they have made with plastic provide full spectrum light. « Show Less
518445
Yes, this lamp is great for reading. No need to pull it down close to your book, though, as it casts ample light wherever it's shone. Right now, we have the lamp set up so that it's about two feet above our three seat couch, making any of its seats a great reading spot.
1532204
I use it for reading many things. However, I think it would be difficult to use it to read a book. You would want a larger opening so you could at least read a full line across a book sized page. Nevertheless, it is a very nice and very versatile magnifying lamp.
856266
Hello John. I was just reading your question and the reponses. I didn't buy this light but I did buy a bigger one. You can find that version here: Mighty Bright Orchestra Light, with Adapter and Bag . I still read hard cover books and need the illumination these lights provide. The version I listed above uses three AA batteries which have more staying power than the AAAs. I have a lapdesk I use to sit the books on and this light clips on the back cover nicely. I bend the goose neck to the center of the book for equal light coverage and this 9 LED light version does a great job for me. I bought rechargeable AAs due to the heavy use I give my lights. Hello John. I was just reading your question and the reponses. I didn't buy this light but I did buy a bigger one. You can find that version here: Mighty Bright Orchestra Light, with Adapter and Bag . I still read hard cover books and need the illumination these lights provide. The version I listed above uses three AA batteries which have more staying power than the AAAs. I have a lapdesk I use to sit the books on and this light clips on the back cover nicely. I bend the goose neck to the center of the book for equal light coverage... » Read More Hello John. I was just reading your question and the reponses. I didn't buy this light but I did buy a bigger one. You can find that version here: Mighty Bright Orchestra Light, with Adapter and Bag . I still read hard cover books and need the illumination these lights provide. The version I listed above uses three AA batteries which have more staying power than the AAAs. I have a lapdesk I use to sit the books on and this light clips on the back cover nicely. I bend the goose neck to the center of the book for equal light coverage and this 9 LED light version does a great job for me. I bought rechargeable AAs due to the heavy use I give my lights. « Show Less
121234
it really depends on what you need done. If it is the only source of light it will not be bright enough in that size room for reading. In the evening.
1510942
I wouldn't recommend it for task lighting, but it could be good enough for reading. Use this lamp, it works brighter than the others I've tried: Triangle Bulbs T95035-6 5W E12 LED Candelabra Equivalent to 40W Incandescent Bulb, Chandelier Led Light Bulbs (6 Pack)
919147
I am an artist and use this lamp to work on close drawings. It has a flexible neck, so you can bend it down to shine on a specific place. You could also use it as a reading lamp directly on a book. But I would not use it as the only lighting source in a room.but as the only lamp in a room it would be kind of odd
1516561
It depends on the bulb you installed on the lamp. The lamp height is good for the reading.
2169239
Yes to both. It is a reading lamp, not a mini book light. The clip is too big for a book -- it would tear up the pages and likely not hold well. It needs to be clipped to something solid, like a bedframe.