If you do consider getting a stereo microscope then I'd recommend something with prism lenses as this allows a more natural viewing angle. This does come at some expense of optical quality compared to the straight through stereo microscopes but it is worth it in my opinion. The quality of the prisms in the angled stereo microscopes is therefore very important and my Zeiss microscope is very impressive in this respect. I've not tried the Amcomm models but I've heard good reviews.
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Also be aware that the straight microscopes often have a very restricted effective viewing area.? This can be like looking down a very narrow pipe and this can be tiresome and frustrating and also it's easy to get neck strain after a while as you have to look down the eyepieces all the time.
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Also, just to clarify, the Mantis units at work are the Elite model and they have more than one magnifier fitted. This is another area where a stereo microscope can compete well. My Zeiss has a full (and very smooth) zoom control from low magnification to high magnification. It also has a wider viewing area than the Mantis.
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To focus the Mantis you have to move the whole Mantis up and down by hand. This is absolutely fine for inspection work as you can hold the PCB in your hand and rotate it and find focus by moving the PCB with your hands.
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Where the Mantis struggles in my opinion is when you want to do intricate soldering work on something that isn't flat. You have to set the item down on a bench and then fiddle with the height of the (very wobbly) Mantis in order to find focus. It's harder to control the focus, the work area is less and you have to re-find focus if you swap to a different magnifier. For all these reasons, a decent stereo microscope outclasses the Mantis in my opinion. That's why I recommend that you try before you buy. Don't just look down it and inspect something. Pretend to solder something and see if you are OK with the way it has to be moved up and down to focus itself.
