Oh I forgot... a big magnifier glass (8x to 15x) with an LED light is way cheaper than a microscope and very helpful for small parts soldering (SMD) :-)

I have a microscope, but once you get used to using hot air, you don't need it for soldering, just inspection.

A cheap clip-on macro lens for a phone camera is also good for inspecting things, without the cost+space of a proper microscope.

True but you can do actual work under a stereoscopic microscope. It has a vaunted place on my workbench.

Disclosure: Old person. ;-)

I've got one as well, and I'll say it's extremely nice for removing splinters. I do a bit of woodworking, so it ends up being unexpectedly dual-purpose.

Indeed, I'm the designated family surgeon. I've removed more splinters from people than I can count.

I have a $40 head-mounted thing with integrated light and it's awesome for modern boards.