[redprince]

The microscope recommendations are a bit problematic, except for the mantis. When you can afford it, get yourself a binocular stereo microscope with sufficient viewing distance from the work piece. In contrast to USB microscopes, those will have no image delay, which can make hand-eye coordination difficult, allow for depth perception and have way superior image quality.

When buying a trinocular it should be a simul-focal one where the stereo microscope and the camera are focused and available all at the same time (no switching of the light path to the camera). Example for such a trinocular microscope: AmScope SM-4NTP. A bincular microscope with matching specs will be slightly cheaper.

Louis Rossmann explaining in more detail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_eQrbop-J4

[analog31]

A stereo microscope is a prominent fixture on my bench. It's on an arm so I can swing it into place. Can't recommend a brand, since mine was a dumpster dive.

I also like having a magnifying visor, so I don't have to move something to the scope. McMaster-Carr has a selection.

[wrongbaud]

That is definitely the segment that I have the least hand-on experience with. I've always used the mantis in my shop and not used much else for soldering. Feel free to toss on a PR with some reccomendations/updates!

[cushychicken]

I have a stereo Amscope that I really love.