I want to propose an alternative.
Good work light:
Is not to bright because if so it will create shadows and glares and is simply not comfortable -irritating and your eyes have to constantly adjust to it. Yes, bright light is fine for one hour job once in a while, but for 8-10 hour days - it gets old very quickly.
Has good
even flood to illuminate the work area without hot-spots or dark areas.
Last but not least it should light up the work area from the right angle and leave your hands free to do the work. Most of the time the only light that fits the bill is a good headlamp.
I never cared for headlamps until I met this one, after I got it I discovered what was wrong with the headlamps I had already tried (uneven light, to bright, to dim, junk straps, battery hogs etc).;
4 years and counting: check!
Over 2000 hours runtime: check!
Fallen on concrete floor many times: check!
Been outside in rain and snow many times: check!
Covered (literally) in oil few times: check!
Fantastic even flood light for close up work: check!
No-nonsense on and off with gloves: check!
Strap still comfortable after several trips to the washing machine: check!
Runs for approx 20 hours on 2 AA NiMH batteries on lowest setting. And the lowest setting is what I use 90% of the time because it's just right for most close up work situations. And it has very good flood and decent throw on higher settings.
It dims down and gives you a warning when batteries run down - you still have hours of usable light before it turns off. Needless to say I have two pairs of batteries so I never have to wait for recharge.
Honestly - after I got this light I feel sorry for my co-workers who are constantly buying new lights and haven't embraced the fantastic usability of a good professional headlight. None of the stuff they have bought for the past 4 years comes close to a good headlamp in usability - this one does it all!
Downside - some girls find it a bit bulky and heavy.
There are others out there, Zebralight comes to mind but I have never tried one.
