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Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle

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  • Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Here I will test a cheap Chinese Mustool G700 microscope available to buy for less than $50. I'll compare it with other solutions I've featured before and consider what's best for soldering and what's best for board inspection.
    The topic will be rather unusual, as I got a microscope already used from a fellow forum member along with a bunch of other equipment. So to start with, we will check if it still works at all....

    Related topics:
    - topic about a USB microscope for £50:
    The cheapest USB 'microscope' for the hobbyist - review and gallery
    - A topic about using the iPhone as a 'microscope':
    Phone as "microscope" and TQFP soldering - step-by-step video presentation .
    As for the microscope itself, tested here, it is worth adding that there are many similar models available online with similar capabilities and prices. Even if you cannot buy the exact Mustool G700, you will probably find it repainted with a different logo or model.

    The equipment, of course, comes in parts:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    This version is largely plastic, but surprisingly still somehow holds up. This is all the more of a plus because, as I pointed out, I got the used version from a forum member.
    On the right side of the display we have the LED light level control and a microSD card slot:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    On the other side a microUSB for charging the cell:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    The cell itself is on the back:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    The RESET button is also hidden there.
    A two foot stand to hold the PCB:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Let's turn on the microscope. First a long distance view:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    It is time to zoom in a little. On the right and left we have knobs, one for blocking and the other for the first up and down movement:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Then we catch the focus here:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    We also adjust the brightness to suit us:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    You can zoom in even tighter. We slide the rear knob (release, slide, lock), even to the stop:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Effect:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    I take photos using the OK button, you can also enter the photo gallery:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    By the way, we also have digital zoom on the right-left buttons:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    The SD card can of course be removed, but I was a little surprised to find that it is inserted the opposite of what is on the graphic?
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .

    Here are two more photos at the highest magnification:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    You can also take pictures at an angle if you hold the plate you are photographing properly with your fingers:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Similarly, here are the solders of the component in the QFN housing as seen from an angle:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    It is even possible to look under the leg of the circuit in the SOIC:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    At high magnification you can see the individual pixels and their RGB components on the smartphone display:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Test as image delays on the display:


    .

    Summary .
    To look at the circuit board this microscope may be suitable, but you are unlikely to solder anything under it. In addition, it is not stable and pressing the button to take a photo also moves it - perhaps some kind of remote control to trigger the photo would be useful.
    Now the question arises - which is better? Any of the solutions I tested, or maybe something more expensive - if so, at what price?
    I have already presented an essentially similar microscope but without the screen and tripod:
    The cheapest USB "microscope" for the hobbyist - review and gallery .
    from an imaging angle it gave virtually the same thing, so here we only pay for this screen and tripod.
    I also tested the method with my phone:
    Phone as "microscope" and TQFP soldering - step-by-step video presentation .
    I liked the way with the phone a bit more, because you can even solder like that.... but it probably depends what you want to do, it's one thing to solder and another to inspect a PCB.
    The fact is, each of these methods allows you to see the solders and tracks on the PCB to a good degree.
    I will not give a final verdict here, instead I will ask you - what would you recommend for PCB inspection or soldering and at what price? Do any of the solutions I have tested make sense to start with, or is it better to pay more straight away, if so, for what?

    Cool? Ranking DIY
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
    About Author
    p.kaczmarek2
    Moderator Smart Home
    Offline 
    p.kaczmarek2 wrote 11922 posts with rating 9984, helped 572 times. Been with us since 2014 year.
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  • #2 21226445
    LA72
    Level 41  
    You must have overpaid for this marvel.
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .

    I gave about 100 PLN for such a "thing".
    It was only to be used for pcb inspection.
    It supposedly had a magnification of 1000x at FullHS and 2MPx on a 4.3" screen.

    I have now bought a more decent one.
  • #3 21226455
    p.kaczmarek2
    Moderator Smart Home
    I didn't pay it because I got a carton of used equipment for free (from the same set is this camera ), and I searched the price of $50 online to get some idea. From what I can see from the SD card dates, the equipment was bought a good few years ago, so maybe the prices have changed too.
    In any case, I based the quoted price on, among other things, the following:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    But if you bought a similar product for around £100 then all the better for a beginner, the only question now is whether the £100 'legacy' version is better: The cheapest USB 'microscope' for the hobbyist - review and gallery .

    And what higher-end products are you using now?
    Helpful post? Buy me a coffee.
  • #4 21226461
    LA72
    Level 41  
    p.kaczmarek2 wrote:
    I didn't pay it because I got a carton of used equipment for freeBut if you bought a similar product for around £100 then all the better for beginners, the only question now is whether the £100 "legacy" version is better: The cheapest USB "microscope" for the hobbyist - review and gallery .

    And what higher-end products are you using now?


    For a very beginner, the one with the LCD is better.
    The other ones are a total crock.

    A friend wanted one then got one.
    I have an old Russian Naturalist toy.
    You can definitely see more on it.
    Unfortunately it is not suitable for PCB.
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .

    If someone wants to assemble a kit for solder observation etc more cheaply then Techrebal has some interesting suggestions. (they don't pay me for advertising).
    I bought a C-mount camera from them.

    Cool that you brought up this topic.
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  • #5 21226571
    skywalker2
    Level 15  
    I've been using a purely optical microscope from Delta Optical for several years now, without any electronics. And it is probably one of the better choices for professional use when it comes to working with BGA. And maybe not only that. Often those water features with the camera and various monitors are a bit over the top. They have too many reflections and other afflictions compared to normal "analogue " optics. ;-) .
    And not to put too fine a point on it, electronic ones I've tried too.
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  • #6 21226802
    henry57
    Level 12  
    >>21226571 .
    Skywalker2, can you provide the model of this microscope?
  • #8 21226943
    Simon79
    Level 21  
    I have a similar one with a "no name" LCD
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    for over 200£ and it is much better than this "Cheapest USB "microscope" for the hobbyist - review and gallery" in every respect. In my opinion it is suitable for soldering. For a beginner or amateur it is acceptable. Also bear in mind that even the same - same looking - microscope from one seller (Aliexpresss, Temu) can be in terms of workmanship, performance completely different from another seller at the same price.
    I recently bought a screwdriver for £15 that a friend liked and bought again after 2-3 weeks. I received a much better made one with a different name....
  • #9 21227612
    Urgon
    Level 38  
    AVE...

    I once bought a similar piece of equipment for myself, but the "quality" of the image and display made me get rid of it, having previously committed review .
    I then bought myself a slightly more expensive piece of equipment which I am very happy with - I solder everything I need under it without any problems. I reviewed it too followed . And I seriously think it's better to pay extra for a reasonably established brand than to agonise over the cheapest rubbish. I also have a USB "microscope" somewhere, where the shoddy stand broke on first use. Fortunately I didn't give too much for it, so the loss didn't hurt....
  • #10 21228168
    speedy9
    Helpful for users
    I have a similar microscope, only with a fully plastic stand. I bought it for about £85, in fact for half that amount, because the vertical 'post' on which the microscope moves up and down was bent and Aliexpress gave me back 50% of the price :) The post was of course straightened out after being slightly heated. My microscope even "talks" in Polish. The 4.3" screen is absolutely sufficient in my opinion. A larger one would probably even be more of a hindrance than a help. The image quality is very good for me. For around £40, there is absolutely nothing to complain about.
    One "operational" drawback I have noticed, but which I don't really use every day anyway, is the problem with taking screenshots. Due to the need to press a button on the screen, the whole thing shakes slightly and it's difficult to take an uncluttered screenshot. When connected to a computer you can take snapshots in the app and this solves the problem. The shallow depth of field overall doesn't get in the way too much.
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .


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  • #11 21228358
    popek9
    Level 13  
    For a quick look at electronics, such a camera with a screen still makes sense. However, it is no longer suitable for soldering. How to approach there at all with a soldering iron when the eye of the camera must be literally 1 cm from the board. A camera without suitable optics makes no sense even in 4K.

    In my opinion, the best solution is to buy a 2-3 arm mount like for a microphone, to this a camera with optics, a large screen in front and so you can work.
  • #12 21228379
    speedy9
    Helpful for users
    popek9 wrote:
    However, for soldering this is no longer suitable. How to approach there at all with a soldering iron when the eye of the camera has to be literally 1 cm from the board.
    .
    You are exaggerating. Here an example. About 6cm distance. Soldering iron for scale.
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
  • #13 21228480
    Staszek_Staszek
    Level 32  
    speedy9 wrote:
    About 6cm distance. Soldering iron for scale.
    .
    Well it can be done, but it is better to have more space.
    I once assembled myself a device to view what I was doing from a metre away.
    Formally it wasn't a microscope but a telescope but it doesn't matter.
    It's better to buy something that provides more space than to buy something that provides more space later anyway.
  • #14 21230446
    popek9
    Level 13  
    >>21228379 I would definitely touch this plastic cover with a soldering iron when soldering for the first time. 6 cm is really very little, even though it seems like a lot to some people


    This is a piece of equipment that I can personally recommend. On ali you can buy a 4k 60 fps camera with arm for less than £500, at that price you can't buy anything better.
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
  • #15 21236636
    LA72
    Level 41  
    And as we have already started unusual microscopes, here I present a folding microscope.

    Eakins WD100 x500		276,29	Aliexpress
    soczewka Barlov'a x0.35, x0.5	101,25	Aliexpress
    kamera TechReball T250		399,99	Allegro
    Luowei LW-017 arm		254,19	Aliexpress
    50mm holder			122,92	Aliexpress
    oświetlacz 56LED Reball		79,00	Allegro
    
    .
    All in all approx. £1200.

    The microscope has mechanical magnifications:
    x0.7,
    x1,
    x1.25,
    x1.5,
    x2.1,
    x2.5,
    x4,
    x5.
    And in that order of magnification photos.

    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle

    I am currently still waiting for the illuminator from Reball.

    And I already have a set.
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .

    And sample CPU enlargements from the X360:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
  • #16 21240194
    popek9
    Level 13  
    >>21236636 interesting kit, but my suggestion seems cheaper and better. Only you can buy an Eakins WD100 x500 for it and for about £700-800 you can have a nice camera and optics.

    If you do a good job of looking for offers, you can probably get such a set even cheaper.
  • #17 21240284
    Staszek_Staszek
    Level 32  
    I have a respectable PZO microscope but it is in the Greenough system.
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    A venerable PZO in the CMO arrangement arrived today.
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    Now I can adjust the working field at will, limited only by the length of my hands.
    If I mount a camera this restriction will disappear.
    I will also be able to look at small contraptions for entertainment.
    A more budget solution than the Chinese.
    PZO socialist, not to be confused with contemporary.

    PS. and if I had to defend myself it would be enough to drop an attacker on my leg.
  • #18 21244090
    skywalker2
    Level 15  
    And a photo of this marvel, please ?
  • #19 21244153
    Staszek_Staszek
    Level 32  
    Added after 2 [minutes]:

    skywalker2 wrote:
    A photo of this marvel could you please ?

    MST-2 microscope (in Greenough layout)
    https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3976098.html#20567612
    What I can see through it here:
    https://imgbox.com/VozjmLMS
    Click the magnifying glass at the top right when the picture is loaded.
    The one I bought now for £400 with shipping is in a CMO arrangement.
    It needs cleaning.
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    The head is easily removable and I can transfer it to another tripod.
    E.g. this one:
    Which budget microscope for an electronics technician? What does the Mustool G700 offer? Image galle .
    I gave 300 gold for this tripod. It's Polish, doesn't need cleaning but I have to get it a cabinet on wheels because I don't want to lug it around.
    A few days ago I saw on Allegro or on OLX MST for 400 something.

    PS. on OLX a few days ago I saw the stereo head alone for 220, I think ЛOMO which means made in Leningrad.
    The monitor stand can be bought for a hundred.
    https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic3701122-270.html#21201597

    .
  • #20 21415374
    quiet
    Level 17  
    >>21230446 .
    And which model do you have? The top one in the picture or the bottom one?
  • #21 21435084
    popek9
    Level 13  
    >>21415374 .
    I haven't bought privately yet because I managed to buy for the company I work for. It came out more expensive and not as good as I wanted, but I have free access to the equipment for that.

    Soon I'll probably buy privately as well and I'll be ordering most of it on AliExpress because it works out cheapest there.


    This is what the kit I have at work looks like

    Digital microscope with a display showing electronic components on a desk in an office. .
    TechReal digital microscope positioned over a blue mat on a desk in an office.
  • #22 21435106
    quiet
    Level 17  
    What model is it?
    Write more about how it performs.
  • #23 21437713
    popek9
    Level 13  
    >>21435106 I do not now see a ready-made kit in the shop where the microscope was ordered, but you can buy the tripod with optics and camera separately.

    https://techrebal.pl/pl/p/Mikroskop-cyfrowy-10A-solo-Regulowane-oswietlenie-60XLED/1776
    https://techrebal.pl/pl/p/Kamera-do-mikroskopu-12MP-HDMI-Czarna-H1603/390


    You can certainly buy a better and cheaper camera on aliexpress. Price £300-500 depending on offers and coupons available.

Topic summary

The discussion revolves around the Mustool G700 microscope, a budget option for electronics technicians priced under $50. Users share their experiences comparing it to other models, emphasizing its suitability for PCB inspection and soldering tasks. Some participants express skepticism about the G700's quality, suggesting that higher-end models, such as those from Delta Optical and Techrebal, offer better performance. The conversation highlights the importance of optical quality and ergonomics in selecting a microscope for soldering, with recommendations for alternative setups that provide more working space and better optics. Users also discuss the variability in quality among similar models available online, particularly from platforms like AliExpress.
Summary generated by the language model.
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