Recommendation on cheapist benchtop microscope for PCB inspection?

[Fusion916]

Similar to what we see Dave use. Is there anything decent for a few hundred bucks? Or is the sub $1000 market nothing but junk?

[DaJMasta]

There are certainly options under $1000, but what kind of thing are you looking for?

A binocular scope on an arm can be as little as $300 or so for a decent one, and there a lot of variants available, and USB/HDMI/VGA scopes can be had even a little cheaper and then on up, but depending on the usage can have limitations (especially USB scopes tend to have much lower framerate, so it's not great for soldering under even though it's fine for inspection).  The Mantis scopes like the one Dave has start higher than that, probably $500-600 for a used older model, but for a live inspection/soldering scope are tough to beat in terms of usability.

I ended up getting an HDMI scope (Aven Cyclops) for inspection and soldering and am reasonably happy with it, but Dave's more recent videos on the autofocus scopes would be were I'd look now in the price class, they seem to perform similarly or a bit better in terms of image quality, but the good autofocus is a big boon.

[alan.green@gmail.com]

There's many hours of good reading here on the forums about microscopes and other magnifying devices. Try searching for "binocular".

I have an Amscope 10x arm microscope. It's great for detailed assembly work, but only has ~20mm field of view, so isn't as good for inspection. If your budget is $1000, I would second DaJMasta's recommendation on autofocusing scopes.

You might also check out Scotty Allen's recommendation for a scope that he uses. It has both binocular optical and HDMI paths:

Not what you asked for, but a good magnifying headband can get you a long way, cheaply.

[Pack34]

You can't go wrong with amscope. I bought the one below and could not be happier. I've been using it daily for about five years.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006QN5T5G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Aztlanpz]

You can't go wrong with amscope. I bought the one below and could not be happier. I've been using it daily for about five years.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006QN5T5G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have the same microscope and I love it.

[wulfman]

I have this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UBJ85I/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B004UBJ85I&pd_rd_w=UFvXl&pf_rd_p=733540df-430d-45cd-9525-21bc15b0e6cc&pd_rd_wg=B8YgB&pf_rd_r=NEH244M4TZQS2TJNFYGQ&pd_rd_r=1befd603-38f0-11e9-9f14-0518718f1dc0

I am old  .  I need all the help i can get. I use it to inspect everything i build. I could not to SMT without it.

[jfiresto]

If you are not into Chinese optics and not in a rush, you can get some intriguing deals on a nice, used "big four" stereo microscope on ebay. For example, this Nikon SMZ-2T I suggested on another forum, last summer. It was up for a month before it sold. I bet you could get a similar setup for under $500 if you watch for a Nikon or Olympus.

If you don't need to take photos, you might be able get a Wild or Zeiss for that much. They are in demand, however, so you will probably have to lurk a while and maybe pounce. The flip side is that you can probably sell one later for what you paid for it.

I would also look for a used Bausch & Lomb StereoZoom 7 on a boom stand. They are plentiful, and were and are a real workhorse. (Make sure it is is good shape!)

EDIT: Are you near a big university that auctions off their surplus property? I could buy lab equipment that way even on a grad student's salary when I was at the University of Washington.

[SiliconWizard]

I must admit I used to prefer optical stereo microscopes for the image quality, obviously no latency and the sense of depth, but I'm getting used to working with video microscopes on a screen and appreciate this more and more. You get a lot less fatigue indeed, due to a better body posture, and the lack of depth perception can be mitigated if you can tilt the camera (which is a big plus IMO compared to a vertical position only). It takes more training though.

I currently use a system built around a full-hd camcorder and additional lens (some kind of Barlow lens to get usable working distance), an articulating arm and a 14" full-hd LCD monitor which I find a good compromise (large enough to get good magnification and details, small enough that you can still put it relatively close to you which is much more comfortable). I get a x40 maximum magnification, which is nice for soldering jobs or even inspection.

I have also bought a camera and microscope lens (C-mount) from Aliexpress, similar to what Dave evaluated a few weeks ago (except the camera I bought has no autofocus), and it works pretty well, but it has a basic stand which only allows a strictly vertical position. Although I can get much higher magnification than with my other setup, I still mainly use the one above because it has autofocus which is a lot more useful than I thought, has digitally-controlled optical zoom (which is also very handy as opposed to rotating the lens manually), can be tilted sideways and has better overall image quality IMO (JVC camcorder).

Either way, for a fairly decent video microscope system, count around $400-$500. You can try the Andonstar ones which are significantly cheaper (around $200?), but of course much more limited as well, although many people get good results with those. For an optical stereo microscope, you'll be pretty much in the same ballpark budget-wise if you go for a chinese one or for a second-hand one (around $400 I'd say). There are also cheaper optical ones but I personally haven't found anything under $300-$400 that was good enough for serious soldering or inspection work.

[Kasper]

I use a $50 USB microscope like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Jiusion-Magnification-Endoscope-Microscope-Compatible/dp/B06WD843ZM

The install procedure is a little funny and windows security doesn't like it but it works pretty well for $50.  I use it to take pictures of mods or failures to send to the production department.

Adafruit has a variety of similar ones:
https://www.adafruit.com/product/636

[poorchava]

I used to use an old smartphone with macro lens. Focal length is very very short, but works very well for reading chip markings and solder joint inspection. Soldering work is out of question though.

[rhb]

I bought an Amscope binocular, but found it uncomfortable.  I suggest one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-3in-LCD-1000X-Desktop-8-LED-Digital-Microscope-Endoscope-5MP-Camera-hk-f-g/232984501083

I have one of these:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1000X-Digital-Microscope-Camera-Video-720p-with-4-3-LCD-Screen-8-Led-Holder/153241317556

which I modified to put the screen at a more comfortable angle.  Actual magnification is 5-30x which is what you need for PCB work.

[akowalczyk]

I know a few people who have AmScopes, they work pretty well, but you can also snag a great used microscope on ebay if you look around.

I ended up buying a StereoZoom 4 microscope head on a really nice adjustable stand


Got some new eyepieces from Amscope, just need to work on a light ring and eye cups and it'll be all set.

[jfiresto]

... I ended up buying a StereoZoom 4 microscope head on a really nice adjustable stand....

I like the stand and the dual (coarse/fine?) focus controls. How much room does it give you from the center of the field of view to the lower rack? You could make a short platform, level with the top of the foot, to accommodate bigger boards.

I only have 9 cm from the center of the FOV to my stand's vertical rear post. I am working on a short swivel arm to add another 15 cm and a bit of articulation. I may be able to get a few minutes on a high pressure water jet to cut the material.

[akowalczyk]

How much room does it give you from the center of the field of view to the lower rack? You could make a short platform, level with the top of the foot, to accommodate bigger boards.

It's about 5.5cm from the closest part of the base, but 16cm if you rest a board on top of the stand.

 I am working on a short swivel arm to add another 15 cm and a bit of articulation. I may be able to get a few minutes on a high pressure water jet to cut the material.

Sounds like a neat project!

[ali_asadzadeh]

Use your smart phone with this app "Magnifier Camera"

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jkfantasy.camera.jkpmagnifiercamera&hl=en

It's free and can do a very good job at that price

[Karel]

Am I the only one that uses this?

https://www.newark.com/edsyn/ma10/magnifier-headband/dp/88H3359

I use it with a 7x magnification lens and I like it because you stay free and it doesn't take a lot of space on your desk.

[sab]

I know a few people who have AmScopes, they work pretty well, but you can also snag a great used microscope on ebay if you look around.

I ended up buying a StereoZoom 4 microscope head on a really nice adjustable stand


Got some new eyepieces from Amscope, just need to work on a light ring and eye cups and it'll be all set.

That is a nice recommendation. Were you able to find a 0.5x Barlow lens for this microscope or do you know if the Amscope ones will fit?

[DDunfield]

Am I the only one that uses this?

https://www.newark.com/edsyn/ma10/magnifier-headband/dp/88H3359

I use it with a 7x magnification lens and I like it because you stay free and it doesn't take a lot of space on your desk.

I use this one:

   http://www.edroyproducts.com/magnifocuser1.html

Only goes to 3.5x which is good for working/soldering etc. (I have a 1.75 lens which I also use quite a bit).
For detailed inspection I have a cheap USB microscope which works well enough, but you could never work under it as it almost touches the work (built in lights).

Dave

[TK]

I use a $10 monocle magnifier https://cdn.sparkfun.com//assets/parts/2/8/5/7/09316-1.jpg

[artag]

This definitely doesn't win 'cheapest'

http://www.usedmicroscopes.co.uk/584.jpg

But it's VERY good, and I think cost me about £300 at an aerospace auction. The link above is actually on sale at about £500 and is still a bargain. I wish I had a camera tube for it but the ones I've seen so far have been as much as I paid for the 'scope.

So keep your eyes open and don't spend too much on the wrong one. The right one will come along in the end. I did have a £10 russian one for a long while but it wasn't really usable for soldering.

[thinkfat]

Am I the only one that uses this?

https://www.newark.com/edsyn/ma10/magnifier-headband/dp/88H3359

I use it with a 7x magnification lens and I like it because you stay free and it doesn't take a lot of space on your desk.

How much working distance do you get with the 7x lens? I have a similar headband and when I go to higher magnification my nose almost hits the board, which is very inconvenient when operating with hot air.

[Karel]

Am I the only one that uses this?

https://www.newark.com/edsyn/ma10/magnifier-headband/dp/88H3359

I use it with a 7x magnification lens and I like it because you stay free and it doesn't take a lot of space on your desk.

How much working distance do you get with the 7x lens? I have a similar headband and when I go to higher magnification my nose almost hits the board, which is very inconvenient when operating with hot air.

There's approx. 10 cm between the lens and the object. Just enough for soldering etc.

[AE7OO]

I use one of those $35 usb micro for almost everything.
 
The specific one I have, the Pluggable 250x  https://plugable.com/products/usb2-micro-250x/ works fairly well, IF you put enough light on the subject! 

With two sources(Homemade light cards( picked up a pack of 12 12V LED bulbs at Goodwill for $4 and stripped the LEDs), and running at 640x480 I can use it to solder quite well.  I have it plugged into a 2IN1 tablet that is co-mounted on a arm and while there is lag(if I really pay attention to it), for the price I can't beat it.

Oh, get a third party video app.  The one that comes with it is OK, but even VLC will get you much better quality video.  Use the stock viewer and you WILL see lag.   
 

[akowalczyk]

I know a few people who have AmScopes, they work pretty well, but you can also snag a great used microscope on ebay if you look around.

I ended up buying a StereoZoom 4 microscope head on a really nice adjustable stand


Got some new eyepieces from Amscope, just need to work on a light ring and eye cups and it'll be all set.

That is a nice recommendation. Were you able to find a 0.5x Barlow lens for this microscope or do you know if the Amscope ones will fit?

Not sure about the Barlow but I might be able to check, I think I have Amscope ones at work

I use it with 10x Amscope eyepieces and it's exactly the size I need, but an 0.5/0.7x is probably not a bad thing to use with it

[sab]

That would be great. I finally bought a superb used American Optical StereoStar 569 for only $100 after reading your post but the Amscope Barlow lenses have a 48mm diameter and the StereoStar requires 1.875 inches (47.6mm) and I read that this causes a problem. It will be very helpful to me if you can check if the Amscope lenses fit. Of course, I don't know if my StereoStar and your StereoZoom are identical even though AO was bought by B&L but it will be a useful datapoint regardless.

Thank you,

Sanjay