# The Magnification Observation **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Created:** [November 1, 2021, 6:38pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/the-magnification-observation/924 "2021-11-01T18:38:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![profezzorn](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/profezzorn/32/8_2.png) [@profezzorn](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/profezzorn)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2021, 6:38pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/the-magnification-observation/924/1 "2021-11-01T18:38:30Z")
I’ve soldered for a long time, but I wasn’t always good at it. Better equipment, solder and practice has made me better of course, but good magnification is an _instant_ level up in your soldering skills. Finding good magnification can be a challenge though. Here are the things I’ve tried: # Small desk magnifier > **[Amazon.com: Carson DeskBrite200 2x LED Lighted Magnifier and Desk Lamp for...](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=DeskBrite200+Magnifier+Inspection+Newspapers+Needlepoint)** > > The DeskBrite200 (LM-20) from Carson is a 2x power magnifying desk lamp with a built-in 5x power spot lens. The DeskBrite200 contains a fully adjustable, flexible neck that allows users to position the lens where they need it most. This magnifier is... This thing did work, but just barely. The magnifying glass doesn’t provide enough magnification, the light is weak and the optical quality is not great. Not recommended. # Large desk magnifier > **[Brightech LightView PRO Magnifying Desk Lamp, 2.25x Light Magnifier, Adjustable...](https://www.amazon.com/Brightech-LightView-PRO-Magnifying-Magnification/dp/B016LTTS8S)** > > Brightech LightView PRO Magnifying Desk Lamp, 2.25x Light Magnifier, Adjustable Magnifying Glass with Light for Crafts, Reading, Close Work - Black - Amazon.com This worked better, and I still use this for some things, but not for soldering. For soldering you really want something that provides a good stereoscopic view, and looking with both eyes through a single magnifying glass tends to not work that well. # The first stereo microscope [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C75IVM](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C75IVM) This is a gigantic step up from the desk magnifiers above. It’s also a big step up in price unfortunately. Soldering with one of these lets you see exactly what you’re doing. The base is magnetic, so you can attach helping hands to it, and I used to velcro my brass soldering cleaning sponge to it. I highly recommend using something like this when soldering. # The second stereo microscope > **[Amazon.com: AmScope - 3.5X-180X Simul-Focal Trinocular Boom Stereo Microscope...](https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-3-5X-180X-Simul-Focal-Trinocular-Microscope/dp/B071F296MY)** > > The SM-4TP is a heavy-duty, highly-flexible microscope designed for biological and industrial applications. This model is especially popular in the QC, repair and engraving industries thanks to its ease-of-use and reliability. With its wide zoom... After my first run of proffieboards, I decided to upgrade some of my equipment, so I bought the best stereo microscope I could find. While it is definitely better than the one above, and having a camera on it is very handy at times, it is much more expensive than the microscope above. So I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have cash to burn. The difference while actually using this and the one above is just not enough to warrant the high cost. # Things I haven’t tried > **[Amazon.com: YOCTOSUN LED Head Magnifier, Rechargeable Hands Free Headband...](https://www.amazon.com/YOCTOSUN-Rechargeable-Magnifying-Professional-Interchangeable/dp/B07T4KPYN2)** > > Buy YOCTOSUN LED Head Magnifier, Rechargeable Hands Free Headband Magnifying Glasses with 2 Led, Professional Jeweler's Loupe Light Bracket and Headband are Interchangeable: Magnifiers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases Head-mounted magnification is cheap and seems to work well for a lot of people. There are a lot of versions of this, I just linked one that looks what I have seen recommended elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/driftrotor/32/379_2.png) [@Driftrotor](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/Driftrotor)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2021, 7:33pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/the-magnification-observation/924/2 "2021-11-01T19:33:21Z")
A good array of different equipment. I was wondering about these? > **[Headband Magnifier Led Light Head Lamp Magnifying Glass Jeweler Loupe with Led...](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Headband-Magnifier-Magnifying-Jeweler-Lights/dp/B08THRR7X1)** > > Great prices on your favourite Office brands plus free delivery and returns on eligible orders. Does anyone know if they are any good? ---
**Author:** ![profezzorn](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/profezzorn/32/8_2.png) [@profezzorn](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/profezzorn)\ **Post date:** [November 1, 2021, 8:25pm UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/the-magnification-observation/924/3 "2021-11-01T20:25:17Z")
I have no real information about those, but the Amazon reviews don’t look too good. ---
**Author:** ![NoSloppy](https://crucible.hubbe.net/user_avatar/crucible.hubbe.net/nosloppy/32/3865_2.png) [@NoSloppy](https://crucible.hubbe.net/u/NoSloppy)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2021, 12:47am UTC](https://crucible.hubbe.net/t/the-magnification-observation/924/4 "2021-11-02T00:47:54Z")
I have both of these, but still tend to just get really close with my naked eye and good light more comfortably. Checking my soldering job on a D61 is about the only time I’ve needed the microscope so far thankfully. > **[Amazon.com: YOCTOSUN LED Head Magnifier, Rechargeable Hands Free Headband...](https://www.amazon.com/YOCTOSUN-Rechargeable-Magnifying-Professional-Interchangeable/dp/B07T4KPYN2)** > > Buy YOCTOSUN LED Head Magnifier, Rechargeable Hands Free Headband Magnifying Glasses with 2 Led, Professional Jeweler's Loupe Light Bracket and Headband are Interchangeable: Magnifying Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases . > **[Amazon.com : Wireless Digital Microscope, Upgraded 50X to 1000X WiFi USB...](https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Microscope-Upgraded-Carrying-Compatible/dp/B08DTY77HB)** > > Amazon.com : Wireless Digital Microscope, Upgraded 50X to 1000X WiFi USB Microscope Camera 1080P FHD 2.0 MP 8 LED Light with Stand & Carrying Bag Compatible with iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Android, Mac, Windows : Electronics