Is it Worth the Upgrade? My Hands-On Review of the Redgrass SOLO R9 Task Lamp for Miniature Painters

The Redgrass SOLO R9 Task Lamp is a compact, powerful lighting solution that follows the same formula of the flagship desk lamp Redgrass Creative released a few years ago. If you’re just starting out in the hobby or looking to add to an existing hobby setup, this article will show you something that may just help you out. You can check out my full overview of the the SOLO R9 Task Lamp.

Here, I take a closer look with the lamp with my hands-on experience using the Redgrass SOLO R9 Task Lamp in my current miniature painting workflow. From its design to its performance, I show you what is good, bad, and amazing about this this light for precision hobby and creative work.

Disclaimer: Redgrass Creative provided me with a copy of the SOLO R9 Task Lamp for my testing and review. While I strive to provide accurate and honest insights, individual results may vary based on different workspaces, lighting preferences, and painting techniques. Always consider your specific needs before making a purchase decision.

Key Takeaways

• The Redgrass SOLO R9 Task Lamp is lightweight and folds up neatly, making it easy for me to carry when I travel or work in small spaces.
• The SOLO R9’s high CRI lighting makes it easy to see colors with excellent contrast, and gives me confidence when taking photos ad hoc without worrying about having to fix major issues with white balance later.
• The versatile setup options—a sturdy base or a clamp—let me use it anywhere I’m painting or traveling. I love this! 

A CLOSE COMPETITOR FOR THE REDGRASS SOLO R9 TASK LAMP

In case you were wondering, the closest competitor for the Redgrass Creative SOLO R9 Task Lamp is the Neatfi XL series of lamps. In terms of pricing and utility for serious work at your setups, I’ve been recommending these lights for years.

• Neatfi XL Task Lamp 2,200 lumens (See the full review)
• Neatfi Ultra 3,500 Lumen LED Desk Lamp (More power)

Enjoy the Dark? Do You Paint Miniatures at Night? 

There is the quiet time—that special space between the daylight hour when chores and responsibilities rule over you. Then, as the sun dies and the shadows grow, you discover a deep need to get some creating done.

You plop yourself on a chair, by your desk, surrounded by a special clutter. 

And, it’s dark. So you turn on your lamp. Oh, how does that feel? Flicking the switch is that trigger. Let’s start painting.

Did you notice something? The first thing you do before you can do* anything* is turn on your lights. It’s not picking up your brush. You may not have even sat down before requiring some lighting. 

Light is the first need for any artist, hobbyist. What are you using? 

I have so many lights and lamps in my studio. But, I find that need is a black hole, never to be filled. I’m always looking for the next cool thing.

The SOLO task lamp excited me the first time I saw it’s unveiling. It packs the same technology in the full sized Redgrass R9 Desk Lamp, but in a smaller, compact package.

Here’s my chance to show you what I think! Read on to learn more about the SOLO R9 Task Lamp after I’ve had a chance to use it for a few weeks.

Features and Specifications of the Redgrass SOLO R9 Task Lamp

In case you were wondering, the lamp is called the “SOLO” because it uses a single LED panel instead of the two panels you would find in the original Redgrass R9 Desk Lamp—it’s a simple and practical naming convention that follows the minimalist design philosophy that I’ve noticed with Redgrass’ approach to product development. Their designs serve a clear purpose.

Here are the specs and topline things you want to know about the SOLO task lamp. 

Compact and Portable Design

The SOLO R9 is designed with portability in mind. Its compact size and lightweight frame make it perfect for painters who need a high-quality light source in a smaller workspace or those who frequently travel to conventions, game stores, or painting clinics. The lamp folds into a tight package, making it easy to pack and carry without adding bulk. An alternative portable task light that we’ve tested is the Uberflex lamp, but it lacks the punch of the Solo R9 task lamp.

High-Quality LED Panel

At the heart of the SOLO R9 is its high CRI (Color Rendering Index) LED panel. This ensures accurate color representation, allowing you to see your paints as they truly appear on the model. The light is bright yet diffused, providing even coverage without harsh shadows or glare. It’s also flicker-free, a crucial feature for reducing eye strain during extended painting sessions.

Understanding CRI and Its Importance

The Color Rendering Index (CRI) measures how accurately a light source displays colors compared to natural sunlight. For miniature painters, a high CRI—preferably above 90—is essential to ensure the colors you paint appear true-to-life under different lighting conditions. The Redgrass SOLO R9 boasts an impressive high CRI LED panel, making it ideal for:

• Color Matching: Ensuring your paints look consistent and vibrant.
• Detail Work: Highlighting subtle contrasts and fine details.
• Photographing Miniatures: Producing accurate colors in your photos.

If you want to dive deeper into the importance of CRI for hobby lighting, check out my detailed guide, “What is CRI in Lighting? A Guide for Artists and Miniature Painters”.

Simple and Intuitive Operation

The SOLO R9’s single-button operation is both elegant and functional:

• A quick press turns the lamp on or off.
• Pressing and holding the button allows for seamless dimming, giving you full control over the light’s brightness. The transition from dim to bright is smooth and responsive.

Versatile Setup Options

The lamp comes with two mounting options to suit different setups:

• A heavy tabletop base for stationary use, providing stability even on cluttered surfaces.
• A clamp for attaching the lamp to the edge of your desk or table, saving valuable workspace.

Adjustable LED Panel

Despite its compact size, the SOLO R9 doesn’t skimp on adjustability. The LED panel swivels at the top of the arm, allowing you to direct the light exactly where you need it. This flexibility ensures optimal illumination of your work surface.

Ergonomic Benefits

The diffused light is easy on the eyes, reducing strain and fatigue. Whether you’re working on fine details or large base coats, the SOLO R9’s soft, even lighting creates a more comfortable painting environment.

Side note: I do wish this came with a carrying case. It would make it easier to pack the lamp and go on the road. Not a deal breaker, of course. Overall, it’s an amazingly small package that packs a punch.

My First-Hand Experience with the SOLO R9 Task Lamp

I’ve been using the SOLO R9 Task Lamp in various scenarios, from painting intricate tabletop miniatures to photographing finished pieces. Here’s what I’ve observed:

• At my desk: The lamp’s high CRI and wide, diffused light spread made it easy to see fine details and achieve accurate color blending. The heavy tabletop base kept it stable, even on a crowded surface.
• While traveling: Its lightweight design and compact foldability were a blessing. I took it to a painting clinic and set it up in seconds using the clamp attachment. The portability made it feel like I was working at my home studio.
• For photography: The flicker-free, bright illumination provided consistent lighting for capturing high-quality images of my miniatures. The results were so impressive that I’ve started using the lamp exclusively for hobby photography.

The SOLO R9’s simplicity stood out. The intuitive single-button control meant I didn’t have to fiddle with settings, letting me focus on the task at hand. Although it has fewer degrees of freedom in arm movement compared to the original R9 desk lamp, its compact design and portability more than make up for this limitation.

Comparing the SOLO R9 to the Original R9 Desk Lamp

If you’re familiar with the original R9 desk lamp, you’ll notice some key differences:

• Size and Portability: The SOLO R9 is smaller and more compact, making it ideal for painters with limited space or those who need a portable option.
• Adjustability: While the original R9 offers more degrees of freedom in arm movement, the SOLO R9’s swivel LED panel provides enough flexibility for most use cases.
• Mounting Options: The inclusion of both a tabletop base and a clamp adds versatility to the SOLO R9, catering to different workspace setups.

Who Is the Redgrass SOLO R9 Task Lamp For?

This lamp is perfect for:

• Miniature painters working in small studios or shared spaces.
• Hobbyists who travel frequently and need a portable lighting solution.
• Creatives looking for a high-quality light source that’s easy to set up and use.

Price and Availability

At the time of writing, the SOLO R9 Task Lamp retail price hasn’t been revealed yet, it’s safe to assume it will reflect Redgrass’s premium branding. If you’re looking to invest in a high-quality, portable lighting solution, is the light worth checking out.