Desk mounted illuminated magnifiers or similar - need a powerful one

[SolderSucker]

I currently have one of the standard 1.75x desk mounted illuminated magnifiers (the type with spring loaded arms that has a mounting point clamped to the side of the desk).

I also have a small handheld LED 40x magnifier - unfortunately I really need both hands free plus I need to get far too close to the PCB when using that.

Can anyone suggest a suitable, powerful alternative please? I've tried the various cheapo headband magnifiers but they are, to put it bluntly, garbage.

I do a lot of fine soldering work on surface mounted components and need something powerful which will leave both hands free, even if it costs a few hundred Pounds (yeah, I'm in the UK, but I'm sure that there are similar models worldwide for whatever is suggested).

I've even looked into the type of 'loupes' that dentists use but they are way beyond my budget (a few thousand as a rule).

Thanks

[Fred27]

Have you considered a stereo microscope? The AmScope style ones can be had for a reasonable amount - maybe at the top end of your budget. I'm on the UK and got one with a camera for £300 a few years ago.
https://0xfred.wordpress.com/2015/11/21/a-stereo-microscope/amp/

[kosine]

Unless you need a lot of magnification, try some +3.5 reading glasses from your local poundshop. They work surprisingly well at close range, though the world does get a bit blurry when you look up!

Not everyone seems to get on with them, but I have a few pairs scattered around and they do make a noticeable difference when doing surface mount work.

[schmitt trigger]

The technicians here all use stereo microscopes for detailed work and inspection. I've done it myself, and it is really the best way for fine pitch components.

The only caveat: you have to ensure is to have a good fume extraction if you will be soldering with it. Otherwise fumes get deposited in the objective's glass.

[SolderSucker]

Have you considered a stereo microscope? The AmScope style ones can be had for a reasonable amount - maybe at the top end of your budget. I'm on the UK and got one with a camera for £300 a few years ago.
https://0xfred.wordpress.com/2015/11/21/a-stereo-microscope/amp/

Thanks for the suggestion. I had considered that, but I often work on rather large PCBs and I just don't have the available desk space for a microscope AND a board.

[SolderSucker]

The technicians here all use stereo microscopes for detailed work and inspection. I've done it myself, and it is really the best way for fine pitch components.

The only caveat: you have to ensure is to have a good fume extraction if you will be soldering with it. Otherwise fumes get deposited in the objective's glass.

Thankfully that part isn't a problem.

[SolderSucker]

Unless you need a lot of magnification, try some +3.5 reading glasses from your local poundshop. They work surprisingly well at close range, though the world does get a bit blurry when you look up!

Not everyone seems to get on with them, but I have a few pairs scattered around and they do make a noticeable difference when doing surface mount work.

I'll look into that, thank you.

[Benta]

I use one of those x1.75 illuminated magnifier lamps with a CFL ring tube around the lens (nowadays it's LEDs). Ground into the normal lens is a smaller lens (~1") with higher magnification (x4). Works very well.
Here's an example:
https://www.ebay.de/i/223194281592