Incredibly good boom mount stereo zoom microscope for incredible price - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2011, 12:58:02 pm
content: I have been looking for a reasonably priced boom mount sterero zoom microscope for a long time. Features that I wanted were a very long working distance (distance from the objective to your work). This is so I could solder or assemble/disassemble under magnification. And very wide fieild of view. Amscope model SM-3BZ provided all of these features.http://store.amscope.com/sm-3bz.html.One important thing I learned is thatthe .5 Barlow lens is what gives the 165mm 6.5" working distance! Your total magnification is your eyepiece mag. x your zoom mag.(.7 to 4.5) x your Barlow mag. So the lowest mag possible is 10 x .7 x .5 = 3.5 mag. At this setting you have 165mm working distance and 57mm field of view. if you now zoom to 4.5 you have 10 x 4.5 x .5 = 22.5 mag. At this setting you have 165mm working distance and 8.9mm field of view. So if you want to maintain that 165mm working distance at higher magnifications you need to get a set of 20x eypieces also. this will double the magnifications above without changing the working distance. Wtih the 20x eyepieces and the .5 barlow you have 165mm working distance and 28.6mm field of view at 7x mag and 4.4mm field of view at 45mag. You could get the same values with 10x eyepieces and no Barlow but your working distance drops to 100mm. If you put the 2x Barlow on your working distance drops to 30mm Ouch!I asked them to exchange the 2x Barlow for two 20x eyepieces and I would pay the $20.00 US difference. No problem and it came with the 2x Barlow anyway! That give me the ability to go to 180x. at 180x I can see the ripples in each individual pulse puddle of laser marking on a metal crystal can!Also got the 48 led light ring. Scope is worthless without lighting.If you mention that you saw the Microscopes on thier Ebay store you get free shipping! So my entire package cost $463.98 US delivered.The quality is outstanding both mechanicaly and opticaly. Ii is all metal construction and all glass optics. I still cant believe the qulaity at this price.Keep in mind this is the model I picked for my purposes and you can get much less expensive and much more expensive units from them. I do feel this is the ideal model for serious electronic work with the boom mount and the huge working distance and wide field view. You can get the same models with camera tubes but I take pictures right through the eye piece and i works great for the number of times I need to take a photo.I give it three thumbs up!

author: dimlow
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2011, 01:20:08 pm
content: Sniff Sniff i smell spam

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2011, 01:32:12 pm
content: This is not spam, I have no relationship with amscope. I just thought others may have been looking for the same thing. I learned a lot about working distance in the process of buying this microscope and thought it might be helpfull to pass it along.Yes I am gushing with enthusiasm about it because it is such an incredible bargain. Sorry it came across as spam.

author: dimlow
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2011, 01:37:56 pm
content: Well, its a strange first post, that's for sure

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2011, 05:51:00 pm
content: I have worked with stereo magnifier as both hobbyist and geology. I have experienced all types in academia and self owned ones. There are many inexpensive microscopes being made in China and India. I have three stereo microscopes in my sleeping room along with my Philips analog and Rigol digital. Stereo microscopes comes in two types. Greenough design with the microscope for each eye provides great relief 3 dimensional views, but lower N.A., numerical aperture, angular resolution. Common objective provides the greatest resolution, higher N.A. and narrow, but higher angular resolution. That is why semiconductors are inspected with reflected light microscopes with single compound objectives with really high N.A. and sharp images. The working distance is long a few millimeters and the depth of field is little. The resolution and sharp images are for the really flat and shiny objects. I have the plastic Zeiss DR1040, slightly blurry images compared with the compound microscopes, because of low N.A. and larger separation distance between the two objectives, a Greenough design. I have used that to inspect my soldering in powered amplifier, when I repaired my Sony stereo. Greenough design have great working distance, around 3 inches, 80 mm and good depth of field. My Zeiss DR1040 has only two magnifications in steps, 10X and 40X. My cheap, Meiji Techno SKT-2 is a portable Greenough stereo microscope with only 10X and 30X. My best stereo microscope is an expensive Nikon SMZ-U, 7.5 X to 75X stepless, common objective design with better N.A. by an adjustable f/stop like in a camera, but two optical path from a single objective system. I used them to study rocks and minerals with their ground mass and euhedral (distinct crystals) and anhedral (crystals mixed into the ground mass of the rock). I can pick out the individual minerals in beach sand. It is true that we could use it to identify parts and labels in electronics.The working distance, depth of field, brightness of the image, and sharpness decrease with increasing magnification. LED lights are sometimes too cold white temperature. Any goose neck flexible desk lamp will work, too.The most expensive brand of microscope you could buy is the Wild Heerbrugg line that was made in Switzerland. There are some models of the Olympus and Nikon that are expensive, like the 1:10 zoom common objective design microscopes are expensive. The current model Zeiss V-8 series are expensive, too, a common objective design. Yours is a Greenough design like my inexpensive Meiji Techno or Zeiss DR1040. Wild Heerbrugg in plastic body is the Leica M and MS series. Leica Microsystem got bought out by Wild Heerbrugg. American makes are the Bausch and Lomb Stereo Zoom series in a pod and offered second hand at fixed single magnification for $250.00 at 10X from Nightingale Sales in Florida, U.S.A. There are no spare parts for the Bausch and Lomb models, too old and the supporting company is not interested.I am not familar with the Mantis, but the only advantage is it is ocular less, fiber optic microchannel projection screen view, which is handy when soldering surface mounted components. This is what a geology person would buy. Mantis is made by a company in the U.K., Vision Engineering:I cannot afford this 8X, three dimensional magnifier for $1,872.00 USD. Surf here:http://www.all-spec.com/products/MCHBS.htmlI have heard about these awhile ago, but it is not something we used for mineral identification. I just use my geology microscope for checking soldering, because it is available in my room and already paid for many years ago. I have seen pictures of the Mantis in magazines, but never tired one myself, ocularless, comfortable while soldering and viewing through it simultaneously. Dave Jones is right about the possibilities at 8X.http://www.visioneng.com/stereo-inspection-microscopes-overview.phpThe Queen of Elizabeth of England got to tour Vision Engineering office and factory. The Queen got to view through a Mantis.http://www.visioneng.com/company-profile.phpLawsen

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2011, 10:17:52 pm
content: If you want the best stereo microscope for working on electronics , nothing beats theMantis.

author: Time
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2011, 01:31:54 am
content: how much does that bad boy cost?

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 16, 2011, 01:59:25 am
content: Any good company lab has a Mantis, almost certainly the most common up market electronics magnifier on the market. I've spent many an hour soldering under those.I just ordered myself a 2nd hand Olympus stereo magnifier for the EEVblog lab, as I no longer have access to the Mantis. 7x-40x with what looks like a good working distance.Will see how it goes when I get it.Dave.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2011, 02:21:53 am
content: That cool Dave- hope we get a review!

author: insurgent
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2011, 05:33:40 am
content: Quote from: Time on April 16, 2011, 01:31:54 amLooks like the stand alone is $580!The head unit is $1000+ and the objective lenses are $120-$450.I just ordered 3 ;p

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 16, 2011, 08:02:03 am
content: Quote from: insurgent on April 16, 2011, 05:33:40 amI have a new x6 Mantis objective lens, but no mantis :-(Works great as just a hand magnifier thoughDave.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 16, 2011, 09:32:45 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 16, 2011, 08:02:03 amI think I paid around GBP£1000 for a new Mantis Compact with one lens - you very occasionally see the older model on ebay for $4-600. x4 is about the right balance between magnification and field of view, which will just about fit a TQFP144 in view - any higher and the small FOV is too limiting, although a x6 may occasionally be useful for detail inspection (Dave - wanna sell?).The key thing is that you have a decent working distance below the lens, and a small amount of '3d' effect as you move your head. The non-eyepeice design also means you can bump it around the working area with your forehead while your hands are full of soldering irons and tweezers.Cheap large-lens magnifying lamps are fine for inspection but you just can't work under them.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 16, 2011, 09:48:16 am
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on April 16, 2011, 09:32:45 amI've always used x4 for coarse work (with the big advantage of FOV as you say), and x8 for fine soldering (0402, <=0.5mm pitch) and inspection.x4 I found wasn't a huge increase over normal eyesight, so often just used the x8 and lived with the smaller FOV.The x6 lens will likely go on ebay once I get and prove this Olympus microscope.Dave.

author: amigo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2011, 09:30:14 pm
content: Sorry, I'm kinda digging this thread up, but what was the verdict at the end?Amscope, or a used Olympus (SZxxyy???) or the Mantis?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2011, 10:50:35 pm
content: Quote from: amigo on April 26, 2011, 09:30:14 pmIf you want the best and can afford it, the Mantis totalaly rocks. Anything less & you'll have to try it yourself to see what works for you - different things suit different types of work and eyesight capabilities. The main thing is enough room/access below the lens to be able to work.

author: amigo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2011, 01:21:21 am
content: Thanks Mike.Do I look at Compact or the Elite? I might be able to scrape some savings for the head, but their stands/arms are bloody expensive...I read elsewhere here that people would solder at 4x and do inspection at 20x or so, but Compact would goes up to 8x and that's 59mm clearance, ick.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2011, 08:19:06 am
content: Quote from: amigo on April 28, 2011, 01:21:21 amI have the compact which is the cheapest - not familiar with the higher end ones.4x is fine for work and inspection - 6x would be the upper limit before FOV gets too small. 20x is way OTT unless you're into metallurgy - what you're mostly looking for is stuff like lifted pins and lack of solder, and x4 is fine for that.As regards clearance, the Mantis is fine unless you have boards with very tall parts - the important thing is space at the side to get your hands/tools in at a decent angle - this is the failing of large circular magnifying lamps

author: Leo Bodnar
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2011, 09:56:46 pm
content: How do you actually solder under the scope if you do?Do the fumes get inside lens assemblies eventually? I have fume extraction system with two flexible arms but sometimes you just need a quick tack here and there without bothering to adjust them.Would something like this be OK for daily use?http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Zeiss-DV-4-Stereo-Microscope-Made-Germany-NEW-/200599719680?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb4accf00

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 28, 2011, 10:07:19 pm
content: Quote from: Leo Bodnar on April 28, 2011, 09:56:46 pmIt isn't a problem - the internals are sealed, and the lens pops off easily for an occasional clean - smoke doesn't seem to be an issue but you get the occasional gob of flux etc.. They do sell proteciton caps but these aren't really necessary

author: amigo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2011, 01:14:44 am
content: Mike,What's exactly inside the Mantis Compact or Elite, how much glass is in there? Does it have anything else, beside the fan and the lights?I saw some photos on e(vil)Bay of the original Mantis and it looked like it had a big lens at the top and probably one or two below it. If that's it, what is so special about it?Thanks.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2011, 11:41:12 pm
content: Quote from: amigo on April 30, 2011, 01:14:44 amHaven't investigated too far (compact) - you can see some mirrors & stuff through the hole when you take off the objective. There is no fan as light source is LEDs - could be older ones use halogen & need a fan but this probably wouldn't be hard to replace with LEDs. Interestingly after a couple of years some of the LEDs went intermittent in a very odd self-oscillating mode. Eventally about a third of them had died so I replaced all of them - just standard 5mm white ones.

author: amigo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2011, 11:47:04 pm
content: Thanks again for the details.Do you have any photos of your unit handy - I can not imagine what it looks like to look through it and VE does not have any videos showing actual image through it or approximation of?

author: JuKu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2011, 08:06:57 pm
content: Since this is a review forum and people get criticized for a positive review as the first post, let me add to the subject:For an affordable stereo microscope that allows soldering, I'm very happy with my C2-D microscope from GX Optical (in US, they are called GT Vision). I paid about 230 UK pounds, including shipping. I bought a 0.5 objective too, so I have a choice of 5x and 10x magnification. I've never used the 10x yet, but that is the standard, the 5x is extra. Well, I guess that the day I need it, I will need it very badly.Pros:-Long focal length, leaves enough room for hands and tools-Good optical quality, I have never felt that limited by that-Makes my workbench look really professional. 8-)Cons:-Poor light. For soldering, you'll need additional lights. I put two cheap halogen clip lights on the boom, and now it is bright enough.-the boom could be longer. So far, I've been able to get the target area to view, but I did need to remove one board from a chassis, as I couldn't push the opened chassis far enough under the microscope.-The height adjustment is limited. There is no easy way to raise it by (say) 30cm, so that I could more easily inspect from an angle.-Still on the expensive side. I considered Bresser IDC from TechGSM, but decided my old eyes need all the help, and I figured that eventually, I'll be happier with a presumably better unit. Your preferences and experiences may vary; if you try out the IDC, please let us know!Overall score: 9+[No links because I wrote this originally to format that does not render links, you have to Google the references by yourself.][I have no association other than a satisfied customer to any of the companies mentioned.]

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2013, 10:49:43 am
content: Reviving an old thread here, but I've searched the microscope threads and am still confused (overwhelmed actually) by the choices.I'm looking for a reasonable stereo microscope to inspect boards and do some fine rework. Is something like the following link suitable?http://www.ebay.com/itm/Trinocular-Zoom-Microscope-Boom-Stand-54-LED-Light-/400453126566?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d3cddc9a6

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 07, 2013, 01:21:47 pm
content: I've been using one very similar for a few YEARS and absolutely love it. First opinion - get one with a DOUBLE boom arm !!A heck of lot more stable (a friend bought a single boom and he hates me :-) ). As commented before, 3-10X is the most you'll ever need.I also bought a hi-res camera for it, but you know I rarely use it now - too much reflection, shallow DOF. Just use it for documenting.I had a very nice Olympus before, and NEVER use that now. I do HEAPS of work under it, especially with my old eyes :-)Edit: GEEBUS that's a damn good shipping price, for the weight !

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2013, 02:16:28 pm
content: That is basically the scope I have been using every day for 2 years. The only thing I strongly suggest adding to your order is a 0.5 barlow lens. that will cut the magnification in half but increase the working distance to8"165mm - 6.5" working distance which is great if you intend to do anything under the scope. I tend to move my work under the scope not move the scope over the work so I have never minded the single arm boom. You can talk directly to Amscope to add options and just ask them to honor their Ebay pricing and free shipping.Edit: corrected the working distance

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2013, 02:29:50 pm
content: I've done a lot of searching and That's about the best bang for the buck. Here is the one I prefer. I think the same one with a 0.5X and 2.0X barlow lens included.http://www.ebay.com/itm/200596382636

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2013, 09:31:44 pm
content: Thanks guys. I understand the options a little more now.

author: PA4TIM
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 14, 2013, 11:08:45 pm
content: http://www.bresser-online.nl/Webwinkel-Product-4995834/Bresser-Microscoop-Advance-ICD-10x-160x.htmlI use this one. The working distance is more then good for soldering. The zoom option is great and it has two very strong (adjustable in brighness) halogen lights.The advabtage of the double light ( under and above ) is that many pcbs are transparant for light, and it is so more east to follow traces of see rotten solderjoints ( you see a light halo around the soldered pin.I used a mono microscope for years that i modded with led light and an other table but i should have bought this stereo microscope much sooner.Today I fixed a diseqc switch from a satelite dish system, there was an intermittend short. I found a strand of coaxshield wire sticking from the centre pin of a port and hanging just above the gnd from the F connector. And a not well soldered smd resistor, took me less as 10 minutes with the microscope. Allways use it , if possible, for a first visual inspection. Repaired a Tek 1S2 pulser board thanks to the microscope too. Found a rotten solderjoint, the halo gave it away.

author: Hardcorefs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2013, 08:00:29 am
content: WAY WAY over priced....I have something that looks exactly like this, fantastic kit, boom arm and solid base.... yours for the price of <150US$. NEW!!Best stereo microscope for inspection I ever purchased....All these 'mono' beasts with cameras are just complete gash crap, you just cannot judge the height of components or their positions accurately.also just a tip.... do not... do not use LED for the light, even worse is unfiltered halogen.

author: PA4TIM
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2013, 08:36:41 am
content: Mine has filtered halogene. The ledlight I used before was horrible, this adjustable and filtered halogene works fantastic.Optical it is very good ( I'm very sensitive for that) and very sharp, also the focus point is wide enough. On my other scope I could get te top of the solder pad sharp but not the pcb at the same time.Mechanical it all is very solid and well made with good optics ( and that is the main part of the price) mine is bought in a dutch store and was a lot cheaper as on the link I gave.A nikon D3 looks also similar to a Nikon D5000 and the 5000 is much cheaper, that does not make them the same and the D3 to expensive. We have a D70S, D300S and D5000. My 300 was about 3 times the price of the 5000 of my wife ( i do not know excact anymore) but I realy like the 300 but the 5000 is for me a punnishment to work with. My wife does not like my 300 ( to heavy, to much knobs, no barby button ( in Dutch tante truus knop, the auto function for those who do not know how to operate a camara ( or scope)) , But for the most people they look the same.In your words an Agilent scoop is much to exensive, an Atten 100 scope looks the same and is much cheaper so it must be as good ?Maybe you are right but then tell us the type and brand of your microscope. I agree a stereo microscope beats a camara equiped one.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2013, 07:39:29 pm
content: I use a florescent ring light at work and I have the LED one at home. I personally prefer the LED one. They both work.Like I've said before, +1 for the Amscopes. They are good bang for buck. They ship from Southern California, and you can go direct and possibly get a better deal than ebay. Worth giving them a call at least.

author: Hardcorefs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2013, 11:37:03 pm
content: The issue with LED's is IR, many of these led lights are based around LED's produced in China from stolen IP, as regards the organic filters material and dies.as a result many exhibit extensive IR radiation due to poor conversion.The issue is so bad that the BSI have actually introduced a standard for LED's that covers these problems.Once you throw these devices onto a lens system, you are basically dumping a magnified and concentrated beam of IR into your eyes………..The same situation exists with Halogen, but there it is UV radiation.

author: Hardcorefs
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2013, 11:38:03 pm
content: Quote from: Smokey on April 17, 2013, 07:39:29 pmAmscopes are made in China at vastly LOWER prices.....

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2013, 04:59:16 am
content: What's the highest magnification that's actually useful for inspecting PCBs ? I was looking at an Amscope unit that did 3.5X to 90X magnification, but another is 3.5X - 45X.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 23, 2013, 06:00:50 am
content: I don't think I've ever used above app 12-15X, maybe 20X. The glass is likely better quality at 45X as well.In a pinch, you can add a 2X lens to the bottom of the scope as well.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2013, 11:39:03 am
content: If you look at the listiing of what items come with each of those two scopes you will see that the 3.5 - 90X version has the 2X barlow added to list. The 3.5-45X will allready have the 0.5 barlow lens because that is what give you the 3.5x (10X eyepiece x 0.7 min zoom x 0.5 barlow = 3.5). That will give you to 3.5 to 22.5X continuous zoom which is a great range for electronic work and will give you 165mm 6.5" working distance.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2013, 09:03:59 pm
content: Ah, I get it now. The 3.5X - 90X is not in one range. It's actually 3 ranges;With 0.5 barlow lens: 3.5 - 22.5With no barlow lens: 7 - 45With 2.0 barlow lens: 14 - 90

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 06:35:47 am
content: One last question; How do the 54, 80 and 144 LED ring lights compare?There's a reasonable difference between them price wise. Can anyone comment on the performance?

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 07:03:32 am
content: I am still thinking about getting one, but the shipping costs to Australia are about $380 iirc. Does anyone have any idea why it is so high?I emailed them to ask if I can arrange freight but they didn't get back to me.Actually I wish I could use it today, I need it now.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 07:38:53 am
content: Quote from: David_AVDMine is app 80, I've tried less Leds. The big difference I notice is a MUCH softer light with more Leds. No where nearthe hot-spots, reflections, glare. It starts to compare to a Fluoro type light.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 07:42:31 am
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnetIt means the seller you picked either is not passing on the shipping subsidy / hasn't been approved for it / not available to him.There are plenty of sellers for exactly the same thing, both mine cost app $150.00 shipping. It's a bloody heavy package.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 08:07:11 am
content: I was looking at Amscope, who did you buy from? Was it some other distributor for Amscope? On EBay?

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 08:15:31 am
content: Check out some of the other listings. The ones I looked at were about $43 freight and zero customs fees according to the listing.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 01:02:10 pm
content: I wanted the one robrenz recommended but a simul-focal version. These ones wont calculate the shipping at the ebay store, and at the amscope site it is $349 plus the cost of the microscope??. I wont pay that for shipping.How is the packaging? is it going to survive a trip via com-gateway?

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 01:55:41 pm
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnet on May 16, 2013, 01:02:10 pmMine came with custom molded sytrofoam inserts that fit the microscope perfectly. It was definitely first class and there was no damage whatsoever. But there are very heavy pieces like the base that withsevere enough abusecould start to crush the styrofoam and cause problems.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 02:46:37 pm
content: Quote from: robrenzSame here - custom foam moulds. It would need a LOT of abuse though. The PC I used is at another site I work from, but I thinkthey're all pretty much the same manufacturer. Just check their feedback and #sales. It'd be silly to pay as much again for shipping.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 09:18:38 pm
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnet on May 16, 2013, 01:02:10 pmGot an eBay link to the one you wanted?

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 10:59:08 pm
content: Heres a laugh.Ebay linkhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/3-5X-90X-Simul-Focal-Boom-Stereo-Microscope-Fluo-Light-3MP-Camera-/190807935574?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6d0a0a56

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 11:14:13 pm
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnet on May 16, 2013, 10:59:08 pmhave you seen the shipping weight? you're like sending a little kid. (equivalent)

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 11:51:52 pm
content: I guess that is about 20kg?I must admit I have not given the weight much thought, but apparently some microscopes only cost $45.00 to ship.

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2013, 11:59:39 pm
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnet on May 16, 2013, 11:51:52 pm~35kg, probably a lot from the stand that has to compensate for the torque from the microscope assembly, and obviously heavy stand requires serious packaging.Also, express is always ridiculously expensive, next-day is basically [plane-ticket/total weight] price, or more even.

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2013, 12:05:38 am
content: I am looking at the 3.5x - 90x Trinocular (not Simul-Focal) unit as I don't think I'll use the camera port, but wanted to have it as an option.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 17, 2013, 12:27:45 am
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnetThat's pretty much EXACTLY the ones I have. Double boom arm is worthwhile. I bought all mine form either Hong Kong or Chinadirect though. They're the ones with subsidised shipping.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2013, 03:57:22 am
content: Sounds good, please give me a link or a contact, or a brand name.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2013, 04:23:08 pm
content: Man those Mantis scopes look nice. Looking at this one here:LINKBut Im a little confused, for those that have used them and that particular mount arm, is the base of that supposed to bolt onto a table top? Is there a weighted base they make for it to mount to if you dont want to bolt it to your table? Or should I just be looking at one this stand:LINK

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2013, 04:59:28 pm
content: IMO don't touch the second one, very limiting in what you can get under it. Picture a motherboard you are fixing, won't fit!The base of the first link does bolt to the table top. Dave has 2 videos on the Mantis.The Mantis is very nice as long as you don't need a wide range of magnifications for your work. In My work I use from from 7X thru 45X daily so the zoom is essential and the Mantis would not cut it. But if I was doing just board work all day long I would get the Mantis. It can't be beat for minimizing optical and physical fatigue when used for long periods of time.

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2013, 05:03:06 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on May 22, 2013, 04:59:28 pmAwesome thank you! Ill def check out Dave's videos on it.

author: DigiGal
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2013, 10:24:55 pm
content: I posted in the blog specific forum but thought I'd duplicate post here.http://www.visioneng.us/mantis-3d-inspection-microscope-landing.phpVision Engineering has a summer special in the US on theMatis Compact for $1380, linked above. I do quite a bit of SMD rework and my eyes are just not what they used to be. I know my employer wouldn't be keen on this expense so I'm considering springing for a Mantis Compact myself. Granted it has a smaller viewing window and only one lens at a time but would the Compact be a wise choice long term as a personal purchase? I would plan to pick up the available 8x lens down the road and don't think it would be a big deal to change the lens as needed. I do wear eyeglasses (progressive lenses) and was considering a stereo microscope but really don't think one of those would work well for me. I'm currently using a magnifier lamp and also use a Donegan OptiSIGHT VISOR pictured below but would like a better solution. The Mantis Elite looks ideal but as a personal purchase is really hard to justify. The Mantis Compact is easier for me to accept but it doesn't seem like as many people are using the Compact so I wonder if I'd regret the purchase wishing I'd stepped up to the Elite. The Mantis line certainly looks like an ideal solution for me but they sure are expensive.Are there any Mantis Compact users on board? I'd really appreciate your feedback regarding the Mantis Compact for SMD work.Donegan OptiSIGHT VISOR (3x, 4x, 5x power)