Is this microscope ok for SMD soldering work?

[MassDestruction]

I'm currently looking at this microscope for doing some SMD soldering. Probably should look at better options but I'm on a tight budget. Has anyone used a scope like this for SMD soldering/inspection? Or should I not even bother.

https://www.amazon.com/AMSCOPE-KIDS-Microscope-Magnification-Reversible-Battery-Powered/dp/B005N0C7IA/ref=sr_1_71?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1478542999&sr=1-71

[onesixright]

I don't have one, but im looking as-well.  I don't think this will make you happy.  But of course it depends, if you use it a few times a year (?) i might be fine.

I would consider work height, i'm not sure if this has a enough space. Might be fine for inspection, but soldering is another ball game. Also take into account how many hours you will be looking at it.

Myself im looking for for a USB version (with C-Mount) with a LCD screen, but thats more in the 350-500 USD.

Good luck, lets us now what you got!

[wraper]

https://www.amazon.com/AMSCOPE-KIDS-Microscope-Magnification-Reversible-Battery-Powered/dp/B005N0C7IA/ref=sr_1_71?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1478542999&sr=1-71

Don't think so. Even if it's not that bad as a scope, imagine in what posture you would need to be for soldering while looking through it.

Myself im looking for for a USB version (with C-Mount) with a LCD screen, but thats more in the 350-500 USD.

Fine for inspection, completely sucks for soldering.

[Carrington]

... Has anyone used a scope like this for SMD soldering/inspection?

I made some weldings with it, but I cannot recommend it for that, however to inspect small boards is pretty decent.

[onesixright]

@wraper
 Thanks for the heads-up. Could you explain what it is that sucks?

[rstofer]

In general, you want a scope that works over the bench, not over a stage.  That leaves your PCB flat on the table.  Something like:

https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-SE400-Z-Professional-Microscope-Magnification/dp/B005C75IVM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_328_7

[wraper]

@wraper
 Thanks for the heads-up. Could you explain what it is that sucks?

Even if you manage to get one which has no noticeable lag, absence of stereo vision (perception of depth) ruins everything.

[onesixright]

Even if you manage to get one which has no noticeable lag, absence of stereo vision (perception of depth) ruins everything.

Ah, of course. I was thinking about FPS. But thats gonna suck indeed  Thanks!

[ataradov]

This microscope has ~2" of a working depth before you hit the back support column. This will make it very inconvenient or impossible to work with large boards.

Also, AmScope SE400-Z has a very good price/bang ratio. I would recommend it.

[MassDestruction]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'll go with the AmScope SE400-Z then. More than I want to spend but seems like it's well worth it.

[rstofer]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'll go with the AmScope SE400-Z then. More than I want to spend but seems like it's well worth it.

I would really like to have a microscope like this.  So far, I have been getting by with a Stereo Visor.  I usually cook my PCBs in a reflow oven made from a converted Black and Decker InfraWave toaster oven.  There is very little rework.
One day...