I love my ott lights. I have my original one that's over 12 years old that I gave to my DH. Same light bulb in it. I have another one like that one that's about 8 years old. And I have a floor lamp one that DH got me at a thrift store for $10. I've never replaced a bulb in any of these. I've had good luck with them, I'd say it was a great investment. Especially with my "old" eyes and floaters in the right one!!

You are too funny. Reminds me of when my dad was a commercial fisherman and we'd go out at nights and pull in the lines and he always had that on!! Great idea!!

i LOVE my ott light ! santa gave it to me about six years ago mine is on a stand with a magnifing (SP) glass attached to it and it is also great when i have to rip seams out, i have not had to change the bulb yet (but now that i mentioned it i bet it will burn out soon) but my santa did buy me a replacement bulb so i am good to go

Ages ago, I raised plants in a back bedroom. LOL, I always wondered why the local cops didn't knock on my door to see exactly what I was raising back there. Maybe because none of the lights were black lights. Anyhow....I used regular shoplights with wide spectrum florescent tubes. They are the same as natural sunlight. THis is the same thing that Ott lights are based on. You can get the same thing for your kitchen over the sink sized lights. Just make sure it is wide spectrum.

My oldest son gets seasonal depression - lives up north. I told my dil to put some of the WS lights up for him. Made a world of differnce, and a whole lot cheaper.

I like all of my Ottlites, I use them in different applications. I don't know of the others. I have seen some off brand ones that are not made well and you can't find replacement bulbs, so I would be careful there.

I use 3 of them in my sewing room; 1 floor lamp at one end of my cutting table and a table model at the other end; another floor lamp sits by my sewing machine. Bought one floor lamp at Tuesday Morning (huge discounted price); table size bought at Costco or Sam's for about $20; and the 3rd ?. Check everywhere because they are more readily available now at great prices.

Absolutely love both of mine, couldn't sew at night without them. Well worth the money! I've had my floor lamp for about 4 years now and have not replaced the bulb yet and it gets used at least 4 or 5 evenings a week.

I bought a floor model, with adjustable arm at Joann's about 3 years ago (with a 50% coupon). I think I paid about $40. Not a bit of trouble with it and I have never had to replace the bulb, which costs $30.
I can't speak for those at Walmart, etc. \

But how long had you used the bulb?? I've had mine over 3 years and the original bulb still burns brightly. Several others here say their bulbs have lasted 5 years.

But how long had you used the bulb?? I've had mine over 3 years and the original bulb still burns brightly. Several others here say their bulbs have lasted 5 years.