What's the best microscope for electronics repair in 2016 under $100?

[monster_of_electronics]

With camera sensors and chips rapidly improving, it's unclear whether some of the reviews such as Dave's USB microscope review from a couple years ago and others like it are still relevant.  What are the best options in 2016 for electronics repair work?

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The best for repair is a head mounted magnifier.

Bob

[staze]

It's not under $100, but I just bought an Amscope SE400-Z, and it's great. With my giftcards and points, I got it for just about $100USD from Amazon. So, maybe save up?

Other than that, yeah, a head mounted magnifier...

[ez24]

Since you do not say which country. Do you mean pesos  ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dollar_sign

$100 (pesos) will get you what others have said   

[android]

The best for repair is a head mounted magnifier.

In particular, this one: http://www.doneganoptical.com/products/optivisor

Very comfortable; replaceable glass lenses (not plastic junk); and you can add aftermarket led lighting (or add your own).
Ignore the slightly retro look. Highly recommended.

[Samogon]

Only stereo microscope can help with soldering

[linux-works]

for most things, I use my optivisor (super great thing, just get one.  just get one!)

I'm also looking for the next level of mag, so a stereo microscope is also on my buy-it list.  so I'm following this thread, as well.

both are different.  I started using the optivisor about 8 years ago and I won't ever solder anything unless I'm wearing it, now.  yeah, safety matters.  you get one pair of eyes.

but for tiny smd work, the head mounted ones run out of power.  I can spend more than $100, but I don't want to break the bank.  what are the levels of prices, so I can figure out how to avoid total junk but also avoid overspending.  I'll probably use mine a few times a month, at most.

[ez24]

Only stereo microscope can help with soldering

Because with mag glasses and visors your nose will be a couple of inches from the board.  Hard to work and breathe that close

[Samogon]

Only stereo microscope can help with soldering

Because with mag glasses and visors your nose will be a couple of inches from the board.  Hard to work and breathe that close

True true!
I have optivisor with light installed, due to the single lens system it is usable with 2 diopters (higher diopters shorter focal distance) max has and has poor depth of field.
I have bought usb "microscope" camera, complete failure too.
Now i have real stereo microscope and i love it from very first minute of use.
Optivisor now is used as optical tool when i cut my 4moths son's nails 

[uncle_bob]

Only stereo microscope can help with soldering

Because with mag glasses and visors your nose will be a couple of inches from the board.  Hard to work and breathe that close

Hi

If that is the problem you are having, you likely bought the wrong one. Some of them are designed for high mag / close up. Others are designed for lower mag and more reasonable working distances.

Bob

[ez24]

Others are designed for lower mag and more reasonable working distances.

Bob

Forgot about these - there was a topic on these and I think a reasonable pair was available for about $80  which would be the way to go for something under $100

Here is the style (not price)  OP would have to do their own research to find a good pair in the $100 range

http://www.amazon.com/Spark-Surgical-Dentist-Magnifier-Magnification/dp/B00K7P7XWQ/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463186124&sr=8-4&keywords=dental+glasses+with+light

These allow you to keep your nose out  of the solder (or teeth).

Maybe someone reading this can link the old thread ?   I am also looking for a pair under $100.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

These aren't to bad. They come with multiple lenses.

http://www.amazon.com/Bausch-Lomb-Magna-Visor-Lens/dp/B003E6OJ9U/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463193794&sr=8-1&keywords=baush+and+lomb+magnifier

If you want to move up a bit, these:

http://www.amazon.com/Donegan-OptiVisor-Headband-Magnifier-Magnification/dp/B0068OSIIS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463193953&sr=8-2&keywords=donegan+visor

Are a better version. They are a bit more expensive. 2 and 2.5X are pretty popular for things like soldering.

Bob

[ez24]

I added this to my Amazon cart


http://www.amazon.com/Careshine-High-end-Surgical-Medical-Binocular/dp/B00XL70CDE/ref=sr_1_28_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463199122&sr=8-28&keywords=Binocular+Loupes#customerReviews

[Mechatrommer]

i use this to replace my older one (broken by kids)...
http://www.ebay.com.my/itm/10X-15X-20X-25X-LED-Glasses-Jeweler-Magnifier-Watch-Repair-Magnifying-Loupe-D-/172056005472?hash=item280f564b60:g:548AAOSwLN5WkIrP
because i can take one out and use it by hand or put it on a helping hand, that way i more prefer instead of tucked both on my head and create subreal reality due to misaligned parallax... extra bonus is the many magnification lenses, not to mention the LEDs. i only use one currently so i know i have many other spares...

[Samogon]

Only stereo microscope can help with soldering

Because with mag glasses and visors your nose will be a couple of inches from the board.  Hard to work and breathe that close

Hi

If that is the problem you are having, you likely bought the wrong one. Some of them are designed for high mag / close up. Others are designed for lower mag and more reasonable working distances.

Bob

Hi Bob,
I use 2 diopter lins and have to wear my -2 diopter glasses to compensate my bad eyesight. In this combination it is ok but not convenient causing everything else being blurry. Yes I should not give my opinion on this due to my specifics.

[MT]

What about this one? Im going to try it out!
http://www.clasohlson.com/uk/Magnifying-Glass-with-Tweezers-and-Worklight/34-7935

[Samogon]

Looks to me like another space taker in the drawer of useless tools

[ar__systems]

What about this one? Im going to try it out!

I might be mistaken, but my first impression that this is absolutely retarded idea. Maybe try and get normal tweezers before buying this monstrosity.

[ar__systems]

i use this to replace my older one (broken by kids)...
http://www.ebay.com.my/itm/10X-15X-20X-25X-LED-Glasses-Jeweler-Magnifier-Watch-Repair-Magnifying-Loupe-D-/172056005472?hash=item280f564b60:g:548AAOSwLN5WkIrP
because i can take one out and use it by hand or put it on a helping hand, that way i more prefer instead of tucked both on my head and create subreal reality due to misaligned parallax... extra bonus is the many magnification lenses, not to mention the LEDs. i only use one currently so i know i have many other spares...

I tried one like this, although way more expensive - they are unusable. Very narrow field of view, and when they are on, they block your entire vision outside of the loupe. So something as simple as locating and grabbing a soldering iron becomes difficult when this thing is on.

[MT]

What about this one? Im going to try it out!

I might be mistaken, but my first impression that this is absolutely retarded idea. Maybe try and get normal tweezers before buying this monstrosity.

Looks to me like another space taker in the drawer of useless tools

OK so yesterday i went to the shop and tried one out just for the sake of it, low and be hold i did work... sort of..
But..... there are always the buts'.......it works only if pcb are flat on desk or if its angled in a fixture while soldering
but the closeness of it all most likely will burn your nose tip or set your mustache on fire!

Improvements would be magnifying glass needs to be able to be rotated and telescoped in and out.
So was the tool retarded? Yes and no, but there are way better tools around!