Budget microscope (USD 400-500) for electronics/soldering work? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: victorhooi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 11:25:45 am
content: Hi,I'm looking to get a basic microscope for some soldering and electronics inspection etc. I'm not doing SMD work at the moment, but maybe that will come later, if/when my soldering improves....I've done a lot of reading, and watching various videos, and I'm still quite confused as to good budget options. From my research, I believe the items I want are:Trinocular, so that I can use a stereo viewing, and also have a camera portLED ring light to view the PCBs etcDouble-boom arm rather than it's own base, so you can work on an ESD mat (although articulating might be an option - but I've heard they're wobbly/not stable4x to 45x zoom should be fine for soldering/electronics workIf budget wasn't an issue, apparently theMantis cameraare the bee's knees.For the more cost conscious buyers in the US, Amscope seems popular - they apparently just resell Aliexpress/Chinese microscopes from various OEMs, but I assume they do some kind of QC on items for you. Outside of the US, people are suggesting to buy directly from Aliexpress, or to look for second-hand units. E.g. theZeiss Stemi 305is a good one to get - however, a new one is way outside my price range, and I can't seem to find any second-hand units available.Anyhow, I've found the Eakin Aliexpress store - I assume they're semi-reputable? Here are two options from them that might be just in budget:Simul Focal Trinocular Stereo Microscope 13.3 inch OLED Integrated Display Industry Digital Camera 1080P For Phone Pcb SolderingOption 2 - Autofocus SONY IMX334 4K HDMI USB Measuring Stereo Trinocular Microscope Electronic Digital Video Camera Double Boom Bracket SetBoth of these microscopes use the Sony IMX334 sensor (8.3MP)Option 1 has a little 13" monitor - do people think these are useful?Option 1 also has a desk clamp - which in theory sounds like it would be good for my situation, as I have a pretty small/cramped work area.Option 1 has an Ethernet port - apparently it has "LAN" output - which I thought was interesting. Not sure how this works though. (Option 2 doesn't have any network port).Option 2 has a double-boom arm, which I've heard is more stable, and doesn't come with the little 13" monitor.What do people think between these two options?I've included screenshots as well of the Aliexpress listing for future reference, in case they disappear.Option 1:Option 2:

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 11:30:58 am
content: Amscope are quite good, not sure if it fits with your budget but they are a rebrand and the actual scopes may be cheaper at different vendors.Lots of advice here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/which-microscope-or-what-do-i-get-from-upgrading-my-current-one/

author: voltsandjolts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 11:33:03 am
content: If you plan to be soldering while using the microscope (as I do for smd) then please get some fume extraction too, otherwise the fume just rises straight to your breathing hole.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 04:07:46 pm
content: The description for option 2 includes this notice:QuoteThat suggests the camera is not parfocal with respect to the eyepieces, which could get a bit annoying.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 04:15:35 pm
content: Quote from: jfiresto on January 27, 2025, 04:07:46 pmI have a microscope which is remarkably similar to the ones shown (mine is off-white) so probably of the same design. The camera can stay in focus with the eyepiece (and both made agnostic to zoom). I think what they probably mean there is that the displayed image will be a different size (aka cropped) to what's viewable through the eyepiece.

author: reboots
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 05:53:53 pm
content: Quote from: voltsandjolts on January 27, 2025, 11:33:03 amIt's also a good idea to add a glass filter that threads into the Barlow lens mount, so flux fumes don't fog the objective or make their way inside the scope. The filter is much easier and safer to clean than the scope optics.I have a collection of Bausch & Lomb StereoZoom 4 scopes and various stands, which came from university surplus auctions. These are a workable option for electronics inspection, and can be very inexpensive. But I'm not aware of common trinocular options for that era of hardware. There are digital cameras made to replace an eyepiece, not quite as convenient.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCLWV62V

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 06:05:38 pm
content: Quote from: PlainName on January 27, 2025, 04:15:35 pmOthers have been disappointed when similar looking microscopes had their three tubes not stay in simultaneous focus. From my reading of the two descriptions and Amscope's written descriptions of "simulfocal" in a couple of their manuals, my hunch is that one will stay in group focus and the other won't. If I were purchasing, I would ask the vendor.

author: PlainName
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 06:13:37 pm
content: Always wise to ask the vendor, especially if you get it in writing

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 27, 2025, 09:51:11 pm
content: The camera and monitor is useless unless you have a specific need for them (eg inspection report, teaching, etc.). IMO.The boom arm is more stable but heavier and takes up more space. The desk clamp is easier to push out of the way. Up to you which is more important.Some previous threads you can read throughhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/is-this-the-microscope-i-want/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/microscope-for-smd-and-inspecting-work/