AmScope - 10X-20X Compact Binocular Fixed-Lens Stereo Boom-Arm Microscope with Gooseneck LED Light - SE400-Z

I do not usually write rave reviews, but I will make an exception in this case. I love this microscope. I bought it for electronics work, re-entering the hobby after a 45-year absence. Since then components have got smaller and my eyesight has not improved!I first tried various magnifiers with mixed success; they get in the way of soldering and are not good enough for SMD work. I then considered getting a digital microscope, but the professional reviewers on YouTube always said things like “It’s great, but will never replace my stereoscopic microscope”. So, I looked at affordable stereo widefield microscopes with a boom arm.I just want it for soldering (10x magnification) and do not need to attach a camera. I do need a boom, but the simple one on this product suffices. The base is heavy, so it is very stable. The light on this model is limited, but I complement it with a cheap LED bendy-light from IKEA that I already had. The two lights together work fine. The whole unit fits well on my very small workbench (50 x 80 cm).Now I’m hooked, I use it for all my soldering, even THT on stripboard is much more reliable with this microscope. You can see the flux working and the joint ‘taking’. You know you have no dry joints, or stray solder causing shorts, or unintentionally broken strips because you can see them.It has an adjuster on the left eyepiece, so you don’t need perfectly matched eyes to use it with both eyes open! The 10x magnification is more than enough and I will probably never use the 20x. I would have preferred one with 5x second lenses but could not find one at this price. Maybe I will buy some separate 5x lenses when the piggy-bank is full again.The product is sturdily built and comes well packed. The enclosed instructions are no use, but one can download a better manual from the Amscope web site. One of the confusing instructions was the one to set the height you want first, then focus on the object. This is misleading. Height IS the focus on this product. There is no zoom facility. The focusing knobs on the side are just a fine adjustment to the coarser method of adjusting focus by sliding it up and down the pole. This suits me fine though. At 10x magnification, focus is achieved with the microscope boom near the top of the pole, so there is lots of space to work underneath it. With an adjustable chair, this gives me a comfortable working height for both viewing and soldering. The field of view is sufficient for soldering. It’s the first magnifier I have had that does not get in the way or require a third hand to hold it!OK, so it does not have the bells and whistles of a fancier microscope -- if you need a camera port, a boom arm that swings away, or a zoom facility, then you will have to pay more -- but this model is excellent value for money. I recommend it for hobbyists with a limited budget for closeup work on a bench of modest proportions.

This thing is fantastic! I’ve been mulling over which AmScope to buy for some time now, I was intending to purchase the more expensive version (over double the price) of this scope but decided to go for this one. Glad I did as this is extremely compact and portable, perfect for SMD electronics (reason I bought) but perfect for other hobbies too. Make no mistake, it’s simple in design, easy to maintain, easy to use but perfectly capable of being used in a professional environment. Build quality is better than expected, optical quality is superb for the price! Check out on YouTube, plenty of reviews on this particular scope.

Nicely made mechanical parts and super clear optics give an excellent image illuminated by the adjustable goose necked LED lamp, the switch for which is on the rear of the stand. The 20x eyepieces give the expected magnified view of the specimen, but the image area is halved. It doesn't come with a storage box, but the boom holding the actual microscope can be partially collapsed to reduce storage space. A protective hood is supplied to protect from dust.Delivery was stated as taking up to four weeks, but it was actually delivered in less than two.

A good microscope that I use for learning to repair laptop motherboards. The only problem I find is when I swing the boom over to the right or left the microscope base is not heavy enough and the scope falls over.Apart from that very clear and usable for an entry level electronics repair scope.If you have the budget spend more and get one with a zoom.

Bought this to work on smd electronics. This is brilliant value for money and has a quality feel. It works fantastically with crisp clear optic and long working distance. I was going to buy the more expensive microscope with the twin arms this was half the price and does all I need it for. I not the the kind of person that can normally be bothered to write reviews but this is one purchase I really value. Best regards Chris

Working with smd components as small as 0603 wearing 2 pairs of glasses and using a magnifying glass was difficult to say the least..!Now I have the AmScope 10x~20x Widefield Binocular Microscope it's easy..!Providing about 8 or 9 inches of height between the pcb and the scope gives plenty of room for a soldering iron.. tweezers.. and whatever else you might need to work with for soldering.. desoldering or reflowing smd devices with the hot air gun. The flexible l.e.d light source enables you to position the light to give the best image without glare. The 10x & 20x lenses are the correct choice for working and inspection and the weighted stand means the scope is not going to tip up. You can even use the scope to work on bigger circuit boards by doing what I did and turning the base through 180º and adding a heavy book or weight to re-balance the scope. Works great and enabled me to re-work a large Tektronix oscilloscope circuit board.I'm sure the AmScope will come in handy for all kinds of jobs in the future.....

Such an amazing experience purchasing this item. Stated that it would take 4 weeks to arrive but I received my order after just over a week. Easy to set up, strong and robust. Excellent device and a great investment towards my iPhone repair hobby.

The quality of this scope for the price is excellent. The scope gives excellent workspace and image clarity is very very good. Simple to set up and smooth to operate. The base is a good weight and does not tip during use.Woring on PCBs is done with ease due to the workspace available. Nothing gets in the way.I had considered a digital scope but decided to take the plunge and bought the Amscope instead. Best decision I ever made.