Reddit reviews AmScope SE400-Z Professional Binocular Stereo Microscope, WF10x and WF20x Eyepieces, 10X and 20X Magnification, 1X Objective, LED Lighting, Boom-Arm Stand, 110V-120V

Cheap: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005C75IVM

Better: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06X9C2VJW

With "Better" one, you also need this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016NBASBK

Even better: used "nikon smz-u" from ebay (~$1500)

Also, if you havent already, check Louis Rossmann's YouTube channel, he talks a lot about equipment for soldering and micro soldering: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCl2mFZoRqjw_ELax4Yisf6w

From cheapest with the least amount of features to the most expensive with the most features.

SE400 Inspection Scope
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Cheapest Option, no zoom, but large working distance at .5x Very limited and similar to getting a 250cc bike when you need atleast 1000cc. Great to learn how to scope with, but a waste of money after a month when you could have put the money to a better unit.

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SW-3T24Z Trinocular Stereo Microscope
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Trinoc without simufocal so you lose depth of field when the cameras on, ( you can only see out of 2 of the 3 ports at once ) and you cannot pull the scope out, so its got limited rage.

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SM4B Stereo Boom Scope
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Basic Binoc scope with decent features, zoom and reach. Decent working area around 5.5 to 6 in

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SM4TP Simufocal Stereo Boom Scope
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Best of the best for the price, has capabilty to have cmount camera attached for 3rd viewer on a tv for training or for youtube livestreaming, ect

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Good luck! and dont forget to buy a ring light!

Without arguing about "free" ...

All those tools are pretty cheap, if you're into electronics or making you may already have them, you might be able to avoid a stereo boom microscope you may be able to get away with a magnifying visor like this (even then Amscope x5/x10 boom scope models aren't expensive in the US - e.g. $185).

I don't have one, but this looks like it's in your range. It looks to be well rated.

wfish's is better than mine, but mine was much less expensive

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C75IVM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've used it with 0603 components and 0.5mm pitch chips; so far so good. I find I rarely switch above 10x for components and inspection.

Looks like the same one I have on my bench. I got mine here. It's not the greatest, but it does it's job nicely.

for surface mount, you need a hot air rework station, and most likely an AmScope or similar.

I would suggest watching a few of Louis Rossmann's videos to get an idea of what would be involved.

/u/CunningLogic uses this scope with 10x eyepieces and swears by it. You could get it directly from AMScope.


I went with something a bit more expensive and got ahold of a really nice used Nikon with zoom.


When buying glass, you usually get what you pay for so it comes down to how much do you want to spend?

What do you want to see in particular? You won't be able to see nosema with a dissection scope.


Edit:
You could also consider a USB scope if frame rate isn't a concern. They're incredibly cheap these days.

I am new at this, but the setup I had for electronics seems to be working well for mini painting. I am using one of these binocular microscopes:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C75IVM/

and two LED lamps which total about 1600W 1600 Lumens of 5500K light.

Edit: Whoops, 1600 Watts would be blinding.

A microscope will help tremendously. Get one with an LED light and an adjustable viewpiece. This is the microscope I use at work. It does pretty well.

Grab some kapton tape and a good vise or very solid pair of helping hands.

A multimeter, quick alloy, desoldering braid, solder sucker, a collection of tips would be my next purchases in your shoes.

EDIT: Spend the money on the soldering iron. A good soldering iron will give consistent heat for quicker, cleaner work.