Reddit reviews AmScope SM-3BZ-80S Binocular Stereo Microscope, WF10x Eyepieces, 3.5X-90X Magnification, 0.7X-4.5X Objective Power, 0.5X and 2.0X Barlow Lenses, 80-Bulb Ring-Style LED Light Source, Single-Arm Boom Stand, 110V
We found 2 Reddit comments about AmScope SM-3BZ-80S Binocular Stereo Microscope, WF10x Eyepieces, 3.5X-90X Magnification, 0.7X-4.5X Objective Power, 0.5X and 2.0X Barlow Lenses, 80-Bulb Ring-Style LED Light Source, Single-Arm Boom Stand, 110V. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
3.5X-90X continuous zoom power with great flatness & contrastSuper widefield optics offer crystal clear stereo images2-1/2" super widefield view and 8" large working distanceSturdy single-arm boom stand covers large working areaPowerful 80-LED compact ring light with built-in dimmer
I have this Amscope setup which I am mostly happy with. I'll have to measure it when I am back at the office on Monday. I think it might meet the 1 cm at 10X that you are looking for.
I haven't been around a proper lab inspection scope in a while, so I can't say how it compares to the really expensive stuff, but it definitely works well enough for my electronics assembly work.
The 0.5x lens really helps open up the field of view and give you a greater clearance to work in. My main gripe is that I didn't spend the extra money for the boom stand -- I can survive without it, but in retrospect, I would have paid the extra $50ish premium for it. Also, the focus shifts as you vary the zoom. My understanding is that the more expensive ones keeps the focus on target as you adjust the zoom -- this one does not.
Like you, my aging eyes can't do small things like they used to. I'm much more reliant on my scope now to do all my interesting solder work. It's gotten to a point where I wanted to have a scope at home so that I didn't have to drive to the office at 2 am just to install a component. I got one of these "kids" binocular microscope through eBay for $35. It's a fixed 40X and seems to have about 1.5 mm DOF, which translates to about 2-3mm of working height, since I can tolerate some blurriness while working. It's just a bit on the narrow-angle side... But, hey, it is just $35...
I have one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/AmScope-SM-3BZ-80S-3-5X-90X-Binocular-Microscope/dp/B006QN5T5G/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1408588448&sr=8-10&keywords=dissection+microscope
I use it for instrumentally inseminating honey bee queens....and for doing smb work/rework on my various electronic projects. Its design lets me fit my various equipment under it.
I don't know if you will consider it a good price, though. But I think it is good price for a decent quality very articulable dissection microscope.