Link to decent soldering scopes? Looking for one since I need to solder/desolder ICs. Been using T15 or whatever tips, they are great because of how varied they are.
Practically all hobbyists and phone repairers use the same style of generic stereo zoom microscope, loosely based on the Meiji EMZ-5. AmScope will sell you one starting at around $400, or you can buy direct from China if you want to save a few bucks. Less expensive models with fixed magnification are available, but I can't recommend them.
With 10x eyepieces and a 0.5x auxiliary objective, these scopes provide a very useful range of 3.5x-22.5x magnification and a comfortable working distance. At the minimum 3.5x magnification, the standard widefield 10x eyepieces give a field of view of about 50mm.
They are available in various bundles with a wide variety of stands and accessories; the essential accessories are a ring light and a 0.5x Barlow lens. I would recommend the biggest, heaviest boom stand you can reasonably fit on your desk, because any instability in the stand will be greatly magnified in your vision.
The key to using these microscopes successfully is to adjust the parfocal, which will allow you to adjust the zoom without having to refocus.
The preferred industrial option is the Vision Engineering Mantis, which uses very clever projection technology to provide a stereoscopic image without eyepieces. The ergonomics are dramatically better than a conventional stereo microscope, but you'll be lucky to find a used model on eBay for less than $1000. A big investment for a hobbyist, but worth every penny if you've got back or neck problems.
I've had that same one for a long time, and am pretty happy with it. But I would recommend shopping around and watching some reviews. Things may have changed.
One thing to consider is the light. I was never happy with the light on this scope, and instead use a different flexible desk lamp. Most of the ones mounted to the scope have pretty short stems, and can't be positioned to shine from the front, or very low to the side.
I've got the SM-4 7-45x, with LED ring light, 0.7x Barlow, rubber eye cups, and double-arm boom stand. Basically this[1] with some extra accessories. Works excellently, the newer design allows mounting the ring light easily (there's a grove it sits in).
