In article ,
says...

I started SMD around 64 and am 67 now. With the microscope similar to
what every one uses, the SMD is really very easy to work with. Once the
trouble is found or a modification is desired, I would rather work with
that than the through hole or even the old tube circuits. I only do the
board work as a hobby. Takes about $ 300 to $ 400 to get the tools to
work with and the microscope is over half that.

Thanks. Are we talking an optical microscope, or something digital? Any recommendation?

I've tried binoculars since the surgery, and they work very well, much better than before.




This seems to be the best for the money. It is what I bought. It is
an optical stereo microscope. The bottom lense is about 8 to 10 inches
above the work.

https://www.amscope.com/10x-20x-led-...croscope-boom-
arm-with-gooseneck-light.html

Look around the internet for the best price. If you can stand his
mouth, look on Youtube for Louis Rossman and some of his talks about
this scope and other tools.

You can get an inexpensive hor air rework station for around $ 60. Has
a fine tip soldering iron and hot air waund. Not the best quality,but
for the pirce and hobby work it is acceptable. Good one are around $
300 and up. Learn how to use the hot air tool and you will be glad you
did. Good for many things besides the SMD. Say like a 10 pin daughter
board soldered to the motherboard.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/862D-2in1-S...ot-Air-Rework-
Station-Desoldering-Repair-110V/382665136314?epid=12025882815
&hash=item59189e98ba:g:PvgAAOSw64ha87EG

Forget all the inexpensive digital crap. I have not tried the high end
ones like a Mantis, so can not comment on those, but can not afford one
either.