I've been using this one to do my Votann and it works great. If you extend it all the way one way or another it benefits from a weight on the base as it can get a bit tippy.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MMZ27QK/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

No. I have one and it’s almost useless.

I have a big magnifying glass on a gooseneck, with an LED ring light surrounding it. Much, much better. I use mine all the time. Highly recommended. Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MMZ27QK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1