Hi Terry,
A magnifying lamp is an essential tool for anyone working with precision assembly, inspection or design. A lot of users are involved in electronics repair (like you!), and these lamps are also popular with jewelers, watch repair, dental clinics, industrial inspection, scientific research laboratories and the home office. Lighted magnifying lamps are tremendously helpful in reducing eye strain and preventing vision fatigue.

In terms of your question about whether you need a 'lighted' magnifier, I would say that good, clean lighting is an essential element to consider when choosing a magnifier. Many workplace locations have indirect and shadow-filled lighting conditions (at best!). Lighted magnifiers compensate for this with a quality fluorescent, halogen or LED lighting element embedded around the viewing glass frame.

Fluorescent lighting brings out clarity by shining a broad, cool and shadowless light. Halogen lamps will yield a warmer glow and heat up more quickly. LED lamps put out less lighting, yet tend to last much longer than either fluorescent or halogen bulbs.

For more information on the right magnifying lamp for your application, I suggest checking out our Magnifying Lamps Buyer's Guide: https://www.microscope.com/education-center/buyers-guides/magnifying-lamps-guide/