As a creative hobbyist, I know how frustrating it is to work under inadequate lighting. Whether it’s painting miniatures or assembling models, poor lighting can distort colors, cast distracting shadows, and strain your eyes, making the experience less enjoyable.
In this article, I share my excitement for the R9 SOLO task lamp from RedGrassCreative. If you’re looking for a premium, high-quality hobby/art/miniature painting task lamp that you’ll want to use all the time, then you should take a closer look.
The R9 SOLO task lamp is a more compact and arguably more versatile version of the original Redgrass Creative R9 Desk Lamp that I’ve reviewed—if you were interested in that task light, own it or on the fence, then you’ll want to check out this post. Keep reading!
And, other task lamps that I highly-recommend:
- Most Wanted — Redgrass R9 Task Lamp (full review)
- Best Value — Neatfi XL Task Lamp 2,200 Lumens (full review)
- Popular Magnifying Lamp — Brightech Lightview Pro Magnifying Light (full review)
The Redgrass R9 Task Lamp Still Shines in My Studio
As someone who uses the RedgrassCreative R9 desk lamp daily, I can personally say that the R9 SOLO task lamp is a lighting solution to get excited for. It’s the same thing, but more compact, less expensive, but just as powerful with the Euro matte-black, minimalist styling that I think we can all appreciate—
With dual lighting panels, single-button operation with seamless dimming modes, it has been worth every penny for this professional hobbyist.
For a closer look at the original, read our review for the Redgrass R9 Desk Lamp.
The R9 SOLO Task Lamp: The Same But Compact and Ready-for-the-Road
The R9 SOLO Task Lamp, the compact and portable sibling of the renowned Redgrass Creatives R9 Desk Lamp, is set to revolutionize your creative space. If you’re already familiar with the R9’s stellar reputation, then you’ll know what I’m talking about; the SOLO task lamp brings that same vibe and utility to a more portable package.
A closer look at the spec sheet shows that the SOLO is lightweight and still uses its super-high CRI R9 technology to reproduce colors accurately on your working surface.
I move around in my home quite a bit. With the option to use the stand or clamp system, I could attach or place the SOLO task lamp on any surface where I need its light. I love my Frontier Wargaming hobby deck and the Redgrass Creative R9 SOLO task lamp looks like a great pairing.
Alright, to the key question: Do you really need another lamp in your home or workspace?
Here’s what I think!
Why Lighting Matters in Creative Work
I’m written a lot about lighting before in this full hobby lighting overview.
As miniature painter and photographer, good lighting has been essential for so many reason. Gone are the days of unfocused, ad hoc kitchen overhead lights, or those warm-yellowish hues that are wonderful for reading, but a horror for focused creative productivity in the studio.
Indeed, years and years ago, when I first started painting miniatures, I didn’t realize how much of an impact proper lighting could have. It wasn’t until I upgraded my setup that I began to see the true colors of my paints and the fine details in my work. Certain projects became easier to approach. The process, less painful.
For me, accurate color rendering is so important. Without it, matching tones or achieving smooth blends becomes frustrating. It’s an issue I know many other hobbyists face.
But it’s not just about the colors. Poor lighting used to leave me squinting and struggling to see the smaller details, and after a while, my eyes would feel strained. Long painting sessions that should have felt relaxing ended up being tiring and unproductive.
Upgrading to proper, daylight-balanced lighting made all the difference. With bright, even illumination, I could finally see my work clearly, and painting became more comfortable and rewarding.
Now, when I sit down to paint, I feel more focused, and I can enjoy the process.
No, you don’t need fancy, expensive lighting systems. I’ve still work with sub-$100 task lamps, including the super popular Neatfi XL task lamp. In fact, I’ve found that mixing different lighting sources can sometimes be beneficial, especially when experimenting with creative photography or achieving varied effects in your workspace. ☝
So, don’t feel limited to just one light—there’s value in exploring what works best for you.
That said, certain lamps stand out for their ability to tackle specific challenges. The SOLO Task Lamp is a great example. Designed with creators in mind, it a no-hassle, premium lighting solution. The aesthetic, function, and versatility as a compact system are what I’m most excited for.
SOLO Task Lamp vs. Redgrass R9 Desk Lamp
When comparing the R9 SOLO Task Lamp to its predecessor, the Redgrass R9 Desk Lamp, the differences come down to portability and specific use cases. Both lamps share the innovative R9 Color Perfect Technology™, ensuring outstanding color accuracy with a CRI above 95. However, the SOLO brings its unique advantages tailored to a more mobile lifestyle.
Key Differences:
| Feature | SOLO Task Lamp | Redgrass R9 Desk Lamp |
|---|---|---|
| Portability | Compact, foldable, and includes a carrying bag for mobility. Ideal for creators on the move. | Larger and stationary, better suited for permanent workspaces. |
| Lighting Area | Single rotating LED bar for focused, precise lighting on small desks. | Dual-LED design for broader illumination in studio settings. |
| Build and Weight | Lightweight and durable, prioritizing versatility for transport. | Robust, premium build designed for long-term stationary use. |
I think where the SOLO Task Lamp truly shines is in how it takes the best features of the R9 original and reimagines them for creators on the go.
Key Features and Benefits of the R9 SOLO Task Lamp
Here is a quick summary of the key features and benefits of the R9 SOLO Task Lamp from RedGrass Creatives.
Lighting Features
- R9 Color Perfect Technology™: Enjoy near perfect color accuracy with a CRI (Color Rendering Index) greater than 95, ensuring your work reflects its true colors under natural light.
- Solo Rotating LED Bar: Equipped with 48 LEDs, this rotating bar delivers focused, bright illumination, for detail-oriented tasks without harsh glare or overly distracting shadows.
- Dimmable Brightness: Easily adjust the light intensity from 10% to 100% to suit your needs and preferences. By the way, dimming the lights can help set the stage for some interesting photography opportunities right at your hobby desk.
- Pure-White Daylight (5000K): Provides consistent, natural lighting for precision and comfort.
Eye Comfort and Safety
- Flicker-Free and Shadowless Light: Reduces eye strain, enabling extended painting or crafting sessions without discomfort.
- No Blue Light Hazard: Rated RG0, the SOLO protects your eyes from excessive blue light exposure, which may improve your mood and help you get better rest at night.
- No Glare Technology: Designed to eliminate distracting reflections and ensure a smooth, even light distribution.
Portability and Design
- Compact and Foldable: Its lightweight design and small footprint make it a great practical solution for limited desk spaces and mobile studios.
- Durable Metal Build: A robust, sleek construction ensures long-lasting performance and a modern aesthetic. It’s pretty amazing looking!
- Carrying Bag Included: The R9 SOLO task lamp comes with a handy carrying bag, so you can take it to your local game or hobby store, favorite convention, or your next vacation.
RELATED: PAINTING MINIATURES IN A HOTEL ROOM? WHAT’S THAT LIKE?
Practical Applications for the R9 SOLO Task Lamp
Here are some scenarios where the SOLO lamp shines:
- Miniature Painting: Achieve perfect color blending and precision detailing with accurate lighting that brings your miniatures to life.
- Scale Modeling: Highlight intricate details during assembly and painting, ensuring every element is visible.
- Portable Workshops: Take the SOLO task lamp to masterclasses, hobby conventions, or a friend’s house, making collaborative projects more enjoyable.
- Creative Studios: Ideal for small or temporary workspaces, its compact size fits seamlessly into any environment.
For more tips on optimizing your workspace lighting, you might enjoy our guide on lighting tips and recommendations for painting miniatures. You can also explore our detailed reviews of the Redgrass Creative Lamp R9 and the Neatfi XL Task Lamp to see how other options stack up.
How the SOLO Compares to Other Lighting Solutions
The R9 SOLO task lamp is new, so a straight comparison would be challenging at the moment. But I think it is clear that right at the top, the SOLO task lamp is positioned well for its unique blend of portability and professional-grade lighting prowess. If you’re curious about other lighting solutions, check out this list of the 13 Best Lights for Miniature Painting and Hobbies (it’s updated regularly!).
For example, in contrast to the Neatfi XL Task Lamp (our site’s current favorite and popular pick), which provides broad illumination, it is on the bulky side, the SOLO is lightweight and compact. Similarly, while the UberLight Flex offers a ultra-portable option, it lacks the brightness and color accuracy provided by the SOLO’s R9 Color Perfect Technology™. The SOLO task lamp looks like it will carry both benefits—portability and robust lighting—in a beautifully designed aesthetic.
Final Thoughts
Interested? I am.
The R9 SOLO Task Lamp from RedGrass Creative is a compact, portable design and boasts high color accuracy (>95 CRI), making it a practical and choice for serious hobbyists and artist, who wants reliable lighting in smaller or mobile-ready spaces and places.
I’ve been very happy with my RGG R9 Task Lamp, and so far, my hands-on experience with the SOLO R9 Task Lamp is very similar with a portable, compact form factor. I’m 100% in.
Don’t miss your chance to own the R9 SOLO Task Lamp. See more details on Kickstarter!
Share your thoughts! Have you struggled with poor lighting in your creative projects? What’s your go-to solution for better workspace lighting? Leave a comment below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Tan is a writer, commissioned miniature painter, and longtime hobbyist with over 15 years of experience in the miniature painting and tabletop gaming community. A father of three, he lives in Connecticut, USA, where he balances family life with his passion for creativity—and more hobbies than he can count. As the founder of Tangible Day, he blends storytelling and artistry, offering insights, tutorials, and reflections on the miniature painting hobby. Whether he’s making discoveries in his studio, experimenting with new techniques, or sharing his journey through words, Andrew is always exploring ways to make art more accessible and enjoyable.
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