Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The description of this item has changed a few times, and some of the reviews appear to be for different lamps. I ordered and received a 90 LED lamp from ProMagnify and it's better than I expected at this price. The lens is indeed glass and the optical distortion at the correct working distance (about 5-8 inches) is minimal even towards the edges. If you try to view something from too far away, then there's more distortion, but that's normal. The box indicates this lamp comes in both a 3 diopter (1.75X) and 5 diopter (2.25X) version. Mine is the 5 diopter. The 3 diopter version would let you view things from farther away (10-13 inches) while a 5 diopter lamp is best for really fine work with small objects. The 90 LEDs are not as bright as similar fluorescent lamps but they're plenty bright for close viewing at the correct distance. And unlike flourescent lamps, they run cool, there's no flicker, buzzing, etc. If you intend to use this as a general desk lamp with it high above your desk, however, don't expect 60 watts worth of incandescent light like you'd get from even a 13 watt flourescent. I'd say it's closer to half that. The color of the light is "cool" but not overly blue like some LED lights can be. It's similar to a 3500K - 4000K flourescent (i.e. "cool white"). Working with the magnifier it's about the perfect amount of light and uniform with no shadows. There's a power supply for the LEDs built into the "ring" around the lens near the on/off switch and that area runs a bit warm after its been on a while but far from being hot. The LED's, however, will likely far outlast the switching power supply. My only real complaints are the lens is a bit loose and moves around (but it's in no danger of falling out), you have to really tighten the clamp at the head to keep it from "drooping" down under its own weight, and I'm a bit concerned the "ball socket" at the head that lets you pivot the lamp/lens might loosen up someday and not hold its setting. But those are, so far, minor complaints. It's mostly well designed and made. Overall, it works well. And considering it costs *less* than a lot of fluorescent magnifier lamps of this size with decent lenses, it's a relative bargain.