Lighting can become (relatively) expensive, but it is always worth the cost for accurate and consistent inspection results. The least expensive are the low-voltage and fluorescent lights. They provide bright and consistent illumination, but have a limited life span (weeks/months) and will reduce in intensity with age. Newton Research Labs recommends replacing these types of lights half way through their rated life.

LED illumination is more expensive, but will last years before replacement. LED life span is generally rated at 100,000 hours. The illumination is very even and flicker-free. LEDs come in bright white, red, green, blue, yellow, orange, and infrared.
Also on the more expensive end are fiber optic lights, which are very suitable for small working space and/or small object illumination requirements. Whether using LED, fluorescent, or fiber optic lighting, each type comes in different shapes to suit different applications: bar lights, flat panel back lights, ring lights, dome lights, co-axial lights, flood lights, etc.