Di-Li 900 Stereo Microscope? (alternative suggestions welcome!)

[homebrew]

Hi,

I'm looking for a decent stereo microscope for SMD soldering (budget about 1000 USD max).
Farrell offers an interesting looking model accompanied with a robust looking boom stand:

http://uk.farnell.com/distelkamp/di-li-900/microscope-stereo-zoom/dp/2313143
http://uk.farnell.com/distelkamp/di-li-1091/boom-stand-double-arm/dp/2313151

However, I've never heard of the manufacturer 'distelkamp' before.
So does anybody have any experience with either this model or this company?

As long as it fits into my budget I'm open for any other suggestion, too ...

[trevwhite]

I think there are better deals. Amscope comes to mind.

Thanks

Trev

[sn4k3]

check AmScope SM-4TP or SM-4NTP
And if you can buy len protector (1x) or Barrow lens of 0.5x

[jmelson]

54-74 mm working distance.  Usually, there is just one working distance.  54 would be too short to solder under, 74 is still tight to get the board, your hands and the soldering iron under.
My soldering microscopes are more like 100 mm W.D., which is great.

Jon

[amanda1]

take a look at this microscope: https://www.amazon.com/Andonstar-Digital-Microscope-Soldering-ADSM302/dp/B076XYRCYM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1519219823&sr=8-4&keywords=microscopes+for+soldering+boards. Does it fit into your budget?

[homebrew]

Thanks a lot for the suggestion!

In the meantime I bought this one:
https://www.bresser.de/en/Microscopes-Magnifiers/BRESSER-Biorit-ICD-CS-Stereo-Microscope.html

And I REALLY LIKE IT!

I really enjoy working with stereo optics because I have a perception of distance which I find quite hard to estimate using a camera based system.

What I don't like is the illumination 'system'. It's really basic using an incandescent (halogen though) lamp. I'll probably replace it using one white LEDs but we'll see. Most of the time my ambient lighting is bright enough anyway ...

[mavu]

Thanks a lot for the suggestion!

In the meantime I bought this one:
https://www.bresser.de/en/Microscopes-Magnifiers/BRESSER-Biorit-ICD-CS-Stereo-Microscope.html

I was wondering for a while, if there is a technical difference between microscopes with this rectangular bottom piece and those with the circular one?

Is it just a design thing? or are there inherent advantages to either?

[ogden]

In the meantime I bought this one:
https://www.bresser.de/en/Microscopes-Magnifiers/BRESSER-Biorit-ICD-CS-Stereo-Microscope.html

And I REALLY LIKE IT!

Seems like Bresser is rebranding Amscope microscopes. Check look of AmScope SE400-Z and you will see. Unfortunately price differ contrary to look

[ogden]

I was wondering for a while, if there is a technical difference between microscopes with this rectangular bottom piece and those with the circular one?

Is it just a design thing? or are there inherent advantages to either?

Rectangular bottom piece is inferior to circular. With rectangular you have fixed magnification. Many circular have "continuous zoom" magnification. Circular lens accepts accessories such as ring light, Barlow lens which could be very useful, especially if you need to increase working distance (in case of 0.5x lens).

IMHO Amscope SM-3BZ-80S is best price/performance choice at the moment. For 400$ you get decent stereo zooming uscope with full set of accessories.

[homebrew]

Seems like Bresser is rebranding Amscope microscopes. Check look of AmScope SE400-Z and you will see. Unfortunately price differ contrary to look

I know - but unfortunately I cannot buy AmScope stuff easily here in Switzerland. Bresser is available at several places here.
I guess in the end they both rebrand and there is a third supplier :-)

Rectangular bottom piece is inferior to circular. With rectangular you have fixed magnification. Many circular have "continuous zoom" magnification. Circular lens accepts accessories such as ring light, Barlow lens which could be very useful, especially if you need to increase working distance (in case of 0.5x lens).

IMHO Amscope SM-3BZ-80S is best price/performance choice at the moment. For 400$ you get decent stereo zooming uscope with full set of accessories.

True, there is fixed focus only but for me this is totally sufficient. Workpiece distance is also very good.
And for the light - well I might find a DIY solution someday ...

[ogden]

True, there is fixed focus only but for me this is totally sufficient. Workpiece distance is also very good.
And for the light - well I might find a DIY solution someday ...

Low cost photo LED macro light + ductape

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Marco-Light-Adapter-Tamron/dp/B0031AQ302