AmScopeSM-4TZ-144A Professional Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope, WH10x Eyepieces, 3.5X-90X Magnification, 0.7X-4.5X Zoom Objective, Four-Zone LED Ring Light, Double-Arm Boom Stand, 110V-240V, Includes 0.5X and 2.0X Barlow Lens

This is the correct microscope for electronics assembly. Unlike mono electronic microscopes, a stereo microscope gives depth of field making assembly much easier. The 0.5 Barlow lens is the perfect compromise between view area and close zoom. You can zoom out to see an entire 100 TQFP package or zoom in to inspect solder joints. The light is excellent, the view is bright, clear, and stable. Please get a taller column so you could place a hot plate under the microscope but that's about all I would change. Note that you must refocus when zooming and using the camera port blocks vision to the left eye, but that's all you are giving up for significant savings.

I purchased this for my hobbies in geology and archaeology and it has been outstanding - with a couple of caveats.This microscope has no stage, and many of my specimens are too small to see without raising them to the lens, so I had to solve for a workable stage that I could set rocks and other hard sharp objects on. I ended up using a small laboratory jack (Sold on Amazon as well) for the stage allowing me to put a specimen on it and raise it to the approximate required level, and then using the microscope for the final adjustments. This has worked out perfectly.I read about the horizontal rails on a similar model becoming pitted due to being undersized for the bearings rolling against them. With this in mind, I always carefully apply upward force to the heavy end before rolling it and have seen no pitting. No sense taking any chances - I want this microscope to last.The lens are perfect for my hobbies, and the ability to zoom is especially useful. The light source is really useful as well - it is bright and you can adjust the direction of the light by turning off some of the LEDs.The unit is incredibly big and heavy - I didn't realize just how big and heavy until I assembled it and then decided to move it. It was too long to fit in the appointed spot in my lab, but luckily because it will turn every which way, I ended up sitting it up sideways instead of longways and it works fine. You will have no problem with the unit accidentally moving (unless of course the table its on collapses!) as it is very heavy.I purchased this unit with the idea of someday attaching a camera, but have not done so as yet so I can't speak to that function.Movements are all smooth and have a professional feel to them. Overall this has been a wonderful purchase with one small hitch...You must assemble the unit from several parts - and the manual that came with my unit did not apply to the microscope I purchased. Weird. Most of the assembly was straight forward and being a man (I hate to ask for help) I finally figured out the few odd attachments you must make. Overall it was a fun puzzle to solve, but most people would likely prefer to either receive the correct assembly instructions or look them up online. It took about 30 minutes to assemble (and most of that was scratching my head over 1 part).

The horizontal bar is high-quality and heavy. To ensure safety, you must drill holes in the support bar for the heavy bar.

I wanted to be able to solder with a live view on the monitor and inspire my kids to like science with looking at Geodes and other things. I bought the 4k Amscope camera on it and a 32 inch monitor and its amazing. The Geodes look great with the optics. I wish I would have gotten the 4K monitor but will have to give to the kids and buy it again. The camera with this scope really makes it fun. The problem I had was when I added the camera. The little screw that holds it from sliding down the post has a little rubber tip so it does not scratch the main post and hold it in place. It works when the camera is not attached but you either have to really tighten it or I bought a little pole vice and I put it in the pictures to this review. Its high qualify, great optics and worth the money. The monitor resolution is 1900 by 1080 and the image looks great but can only imagine with 4K monitor.

The microscope itself is a good value. The camera is nothing to write home about. In addition to providing mediocre images, it failed within a few months, luckily under warranty. However, the replacement camera has an issue that has not yet been resolved.

The scope works as good as some of the ones I used in the Entomology lab at University of Florida and better than most of the student scopes. The base is solid providing stability and the swing arm allows easy access while easily moving out of the way. The LED light ring I bought with it has been more than capable to adjust to multiple insect sizes. Its adjustability provides a wide range of bright to dimmer light for small translucent wings or hard dark beetle shells I need to count pits on for identification. I use it for insects ID in the 2 mm size and up. I will be ordering a wall mount swing arm in the near future for my new office, but this scope and stand are better than I expected for the price after years of use.