Desk light suggestions

[jdong]

I'm looking to replace a cheap fold-up CFL desk lamp with something a bit more upscale. My big issues with this current one are that (1) the U-tube 13W lights all tend to have horrendous startup delay (2) It puts a lot of noise on my power tap, and on this side of the room this lamp has to share power with my primary desktop. (3) When I want to use it to read, the light is way too glaring, though when I want to use it as a general desk-area lamp the output is just about right.

So, I think I'd prefer something LED based for output level adjustability.

Alternatively, I've been considering building a diffuser stand for one of my ordinary flashlights to have it double as a desklamp. Sounds a bit more nerdy and saves a power plug ;-)

Suggestions for products towards either alternative are welcome.

 

[1 what]

I'm in the same position and am waiting on delivery of a 4sevens "light bar"
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=79&products_id=345
180 lumens but fully dimmable by remote control.
At this stage I don't know if I'll use its tripod base or graft it onto something more stylish.
Hopefully it will arive today and if so I'll let you know what I think about it.

 

[2xTrinity]

So, I think I'd prefer something LED based for output level adjustability.

This is why I wish that more CFL lamps would come with good quality electronic dimming ballasts. There is no reason dedicated CFL shouldn't be dimmable, with instant startup, and with ZERO noise on your line. Commercial linear fixtures have had all those features (dimming, instant start, no noise) for years.

I agree though that 13W is too intense for a desk lamp, which will be less than 1m away from your workspace. A lot of those fixtures can produce "hotspots" of well over 1000 lux, which means a lot of glare unless a whole bunch of other lights are on.

I have only 9W 3500k CFL in a standard edison-base desk lamp, and find that way too intense unless other lights are on. If 4-5W were available in anything other than 2700k, I'd probably be using one of those.

 

[jdong]

Yeah indeed there's nothing inherent with CFL that should give it the undesirable qualities I outlined earlier -- that's just the state of the U-tube CFL technology that I can purchase today -- seems like dimmable LEDs are closed to reality.

 

[LukeA]

Yeah indeed there's nothing inherent with CFL that should give it the undesirable qualities I outlined earlier -- that's just the state of the U-tube CFL technology that I can purchase today -- seems like dimmable LEDs are closed to reality.

You can even get Crees in 3200-3500K now, which is probably warmer and easier on the eyes for reading than some CFLs.

You could do two of those Crees run by a Microdriver4 @350mA for 160lm@~2.4W and not know that it wasn't incandescent light by the color. Not dimmable, but you could switch it to do two levels.

 

[darkzero]

I'm in the same position and am waiting on delivery of a 4sevens "light bar"
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=79&products_id=345
180 lumens but fully dimmable by remote control.
At this stage I don't know if I'll use its tripod base or graft it onto something more stylish.
Hopefully it will arive today and if so I'll let you know what I think about it.

Perfect for my old desk. I just ordered one!

 

[jdong]

Yeah, that light definitely looks VERY cool!

 

[1 what]

OK... the light bar got here.
The included tripod is flimsy but the lightbar works fine and is not too bright. Nice colour temp. I actually purchased 2 and one of the dimmers was non-functional . I've emaled Fenix Store and am sure they'll replace it for me given their excellent service reputation.
I've decided to put one of the lightbars into an old "Bankers light" - one of those desk lamps with a rectangular dark green glass shade - should look nice and work well.
Will post a pic in a week or three when I finish it.

EDIT:
I've just fixed the dimmer. It had a bent battery terminal probably due to the way the battery was inserted. I should note the onerall build quality is excellent.

 

[darkzero]

OK... the light bar got here.
The included tripod is flimsy but the lightbar works fine and is not too bright. Nice colour temp. I actually purchased 2 and one of the dimmers was non-functional . I've emaled Fenix Store and am sure they'll replace it for me given their excellent service reputation.
I've decided to put one of the lightbars into an old "Bankers light" - one of those desk lamps with a rectangular dark green glass shade - should look nice and work well.
Will post a pic in a week or three when I finish it.

EDIT:
I've just fixed the dimmer. It had a bent battery terminal probably due to the way the battery was inserted. I should note the onerall build quality is excellent.

Received mine yesturday. Very well constructed & output is nice. My tripod already broke, cracked by the swivel screw lock. No intention of using it anyways.

Only thing I dislike is the blue LED indicator. While it's cool, it's too bright & is very anoying the way I have mine setup. I'm swapping it out for blue diffused LED that I have laying around.

One thing that worked out great is the light automatically turns on when power is disconnected & turned back on. Convienent cause I power mine on by using a switch box.

Anyone know which way the front "lens" is supposed to go? Shiny side or dull side facing out? Took mine off & forgot which way it came. Can't tell the difference anyway but I'd like to know.