Perhaps if my selection criteria for an optical microscope is listed, that would help:
(1) AmScope
AmScope instruments give a good price/performance ratio. Obviously they are not in the same league as professional instruments, but you would be paying £2K UK upwards for those, unless you bought second hand. But even then, they will be expensive. The other thing about AmScope is that they offer a huge range of instruments which are widely used for home/semi pro projects.
(2) Camera
The decision needs to be made from scratch if a camera facility is/will be required. A camera can always be added later if the housing is there. With no housing this avenue is blocked. But it is possible to use a small camera to take shots through the normal eye-peice.
(3) Optics
(3.1) Quality
Obviously the quality of the optics is paramount. A microscope with poor optics, however cheap, will be a PITA and essentially useless. The optics are a given and cannot be modified.
(3.2) Magnification Range
x3 to x20 minimum. Unless the microscope will be used for other work, the maximum magnification required for electronics work is probably x40. Note that high magnification microscopes are difficult to use and a wide zoom range compromises the optics. Also as the magnification increases, so the field of view decreases.
(3.3) Working Distance
4" tolerable, 6" good, 8" desirable. Long focus distance microscopes use a Barlow lens to increase the focal length. This is a third lens that fits on the end of the optic tubes. A long focal length gives room for working on the unit under observation (UUO). A short focal distance is another PITA.
(3.4) Field of View
As wide as possible. A microscope with a narrow field of view is also a PITA to use
(4) Stand
Solid and adjustable. Boom is more convenient. It may be possible to modify a stand to improve it. For example the base plate could easily be made bigger/heavier and any plastic fittings could be replaced by metal versions. A bit of fettling here and there may also help.
(5) Lighting
LED ring is best without going to the expense of fibre optic illumination. A LED ring could always be added later to spread the cost. Also, you could roll your own lighting
spec