Customer Reviews

OttLite L18336 18W Crane/Clamp Desk Lamp

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This lamp was listed as a computer aid but I've seen it listed in all of the sewing magazines that I receive. It is worth every penny that I paid for it. It is large enough that I can rotate it between my craft table and my sewing machine. The light is bright and does not heat the room like some of the halogen lights that I've used. What's even better, it does not distort the fabric colors. I've even used it for matching accessory colors! The brightness and clarify makes tearing stitches out of dark colors a breeze. This lamp is definitely a necessity for anyone who sews or crafts.

Excellent lamp, nice light output. Arm appears flimsy but actually supports lamp quite well. Ballast is in a separate "wall-wart" that does take up a lot of outlet bar space.

Pricey but you get what you pay for. I've been through 2 of the "cheap-os" before buying this one. I'd buy one again.

I am a computer professional, after a whole day of working on my computer, I come home and read for hours. My eyes were killing me until I changed lamps. Now I can read into the night and I don't get headaches. What a difference! Thank's Dr. Ott my eyes and I thank you.

My Ott-Lite crane lamp had an arm and fixture which sagged under its own weight (which is light) when extended. That problem was not fatal as it was possible, though not particularly easy, to adjust. However, the flourescent lamp would not work unless I held it up or pressed it inside the fixture. The fixture came with one page of instructions on how to install the flourescent lamp - but nothing else. Simple on-off switch; no dimming.

Most of the fixture was manufactured in Taiwan with the Ott-Lite flourescent lamp itself made in Thailand. The appearance of the fixture is satisfactory, but quality control is obviously a problem. Very flashy box!

All in all, a disappointment. Better crane lamps can be had at less than half the price.

I have had this lamp since 2004. In 2007, the wire in back snapped loose. This wire runs upward from the center piece between the bottom legs to the center piece between the lower and upper legs. It snapped because the wire is held in place by s small steel barrel, which fits inside a small receptacle incorporated in that lower center piece. Unfortunately this part is ill-designed because it lacks sufficient metal to counteract the force exerted by the wire. In 2007 Ott-Lite replaced the part and I successfully installed it. Now (January 2011) the metal of this new part gave way again and just like the first one, just broke off. You can see where the metal gave way. It is just poorly designed. I called Ott-Lite and they are not sure they have spare parts of which they could send me one. I am waiting!!!!! Very strange because they are still selling the lamps per their web-site. Unless I hear soon I am going to have to look for an alternative.

The lamp is attractive, very stable thanks to a heavy base, and the light output is very natural (close to noon sunlight) and evenly spread. The lamp arm actually stays where you stretch it, which is unusual for desk lamps. Unfortunately, the lamp arm friction knobs are fragile, and break easily.

I love this lamp. Since it's about 36" off the desk surface when fully extended, it has no problem perching above even the biggest computer monitors. The light is soft, but bright, and doesn't glare of my monitors. I also like that I can articulate it such that my desk is full of light, but the bulb isn't in direct line-of-sight. The optional desk/table clamp is a great feature for those who don't want to compromise when it comes to desk space. I got this on sale for $95, and am glad I did. Still, the $200 list price from Ott seems a bit ridiculous.

A nice lamp with good light. The only problem (and it's a big one) is the bolt where head meets upper arm--it's loose, loosens up soon after tightening (because it's plastic), and allows the head to droop so I've kludged it with a paper clip. Disappointing.