Picture the scene: you're cosied up on the sofa with a steaming cup of tea, or spread out at your desk armed with snacks and supplies, ready to get stuck into your next project. But minutes into your crafting, you're hunched over and squinting, desperately trying to thread a needle or count your knots in the dim light of your living room.
We've all been there, which is why we've reviewed some of the best craft lights on the market to bring you a solution!
Perhaps you already have a desk lamp, but it's not especially bright, or casts annoying shadows, or you can't adjust the temperature. Here's where a craft light comes in.
Today, we're focusing on the BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp, which is specially designed for activities like reading and crafting, intended to protect your eyesight and posture. Read on to discover what we love about this craft light!
Jump straight to:
- Summary
- How we tested
- BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp review
- Where to buy BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp
- Our verdict: should you buy BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp
- Looking for more craft lights?
Summary
A fantastically designed craft light for all activities, the BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp lets you adjust brightness, temperature, and angles, as well as using sensors to select ideal lighting modes for both paper and screen. Just brilliant.
- Buy now from Amazon (£199 | $194.65)
How we tested
We tested several craft lights based on five key criteria: brightness, functionality, design, portability, and value for money.
Using a light meter app, we measured the lux of each light from 50cm away and compared it to EU regulations for indoor work lighting. We evaluated the usability of different lighting modes for various crafting scenarios, trying out different angles and positions.
We also assessed the design for aesthetic appeal and ergonomic functionality, noting whether the light was intended to be portable and how easily it could be transported.
Finally, we determined the value for money by comparing the features of each light against its price to assess affordability.
BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp review
Key features
- Lux output: 300-1600
- Colour temperature options: 13
- Brightness levels: 23
- Dimensions (cm): 59 x 22 x 62.5
- Weight (kg): 4.8
- Adjustable angles: Yes
- Warranty: 2 years
- RRP: £199 | $229
Brightness- 5/5
I found the brightness of the BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp very impressive. The lamp’s unique curved head ensures that my crafting area is lit up brightly in the centre, with the light dispersing as wide as 110cm. This is much wider than your average desk lamp.
What's really handy is the built-in ambient light sensor, which automatically adjusts the light based on the surroundings. Whether I'm reading on a screen or a physical book, it provides optimal lighting. For screen mode, it maintains a comfortable 500 lux at a colour temperature of 4000k, and for paper mode, it offers a bright 1000 lux at 5700k.
Functionality - 5/5
Functionality-wise, this lamp is a standout. It features a smart mode with a built-in ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the lighting. I can easily switch between screen mode and paper mode by pressing the touch dial for two seconds, and the sensor ensures the best lighting for each.
This unique optical design makes the sides brighter and the middle darker when using screen mode, which reduces screen glare and protects my eyes. When switching to paper mode, the middle is brighter to ensure light is centralised around activity.
There's also a simple touch control on the metal ring to turn it on and off, and a knob to customise the brightness and colour temperature. The lamp has 23 brightness levels and 13 colour temperatures, allowing for a highly personalised lighting experience.
Plus, the high colour rendering index (CRI) of Ra 90 ensures that the colours remain true to life.
Set up was was extremely easy, I just slotted the neck onto the base and tightened the screw with the attached Allen key.
Design- 4/5
The design of the BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp is both functional and stylish. Its patented ball-joint makes adjusting the lamp effortless, allowing for a wide range of angles to meet different lighting needs.
The lamp feels steady in any position, although more than once I was tempted to use the touch dial ring to angle the head of the lamp, and ended up turning it off (which was the only fault I could find).
The overall aesthetic is sleek and modern, fitting well with most desk setups, and is available in silver, gold, or blue.
It came almost completely ready-made - I just had to slot the stand onto the base and tighten the screw - and was delivered in polystyrene with clear instructions, although I would have preferred if there was more recyclable packaging.
Portability - 4/5
The base is fairly heavy, making it more of a permanent fixture on your desk rather than something you'd move around frequently. It's sturdy and stable, thanks to its weight and build, but not necessarily designed for portability.
However, with the addition of the Desk Clamp, it becomes a lot more portable. The Desk Clamp makes the lamp lighter and allows you to attach it to various surfaces without taking up as much desk real estate. This added flexibility can be a game-changer if you need to reposition your lighting frequently or have a smaller workspace.
You can also choose to switch to the Floor Stand Extension for even more versatility while crafting.
Value for money - 5/5
In terms of value for money, the BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp offers a lot of bang for your buck. It might be on the pricier side compared to standard desk lamps, but the features justify the cost. The intelligent lighting modes, extensive adjustability, and high-quality build make it a worthwhile investment.
Additionally, the LED lifespan of 17 years means it's a durable and long-lasting option, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Overall, if you're looking for a high-performance desk lamp with advanced features, this one is definitely worth considering.
Where to buy BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp
- Buy now from Amazon (£199 | $194.65)
Our verdict: should you buy BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp
For the keen crafter who's after quality and all the functions, the BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamp is a great choice. I loved playing with the different modes, which are truly customisable, so there's something for everyone.
Looking for more craft lights?
If you're still browsing for the perfect lighting situation, check out our roundup of the best craft lights for more options!
