Borescopes / Endoscope 2025

[2ndGearRubber]

I think this market is a moving target, constantly evolving, so I want some input from people who may have newer models than I. The difference between the two products is something I cannot define well from looking at the market so I just included bore/endo scope together.

Around 3 years ago I got a Teslong Endoscope which is now unavailable. It's USB powered, and I used a Windows tablet or laptop to power it. This tool is generally what I've looking for, flexible, dual camera lens (straight on and ~90 degree). It was 23ft long, excessive, flexible but will hold position, and the lighting is adjustable. The tool is now having difficulty connecting via USB to the tablet, and it had this issue previously on another laptop. My assumption is the $40 tool is just worn out. It used an 8mm tip which I would like to continue with or downsize, and most of my viewing is within a few inches of the target. I saw some units listed a ~1/2" view range as the minimum on the 90 degree camera which seems perfect for inside a cylinder.


Most of the units I see now are listed android/iphone, but not Windows. Previously I wanted something Windows compatible to use the larger screen however the camera is scaled for ~6" wide screen max and enlarging the window just distorts the image. So using it on a nice laptop/tablet doesn't seem to give me much advantage. As a result I'm thinking about going back to an all in one design. It does appear some of the "all in one" designs are just them selling you a baby tablet to use with a USB endoscope. I do have a cheap android tablet at work I could use as a viewing device if that's the case. Below are two models I'm looking at, I'm not stuck on teslong just familiar with what they sell from a previous good experience so I'm using these as examples.

https://www.amazon.com/Teslong-Inspection-Automotive-Industrial-Waterproof/dp/B09N8HSSW1?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/Teslong-Inspection-Industrial-Waterproof-Automotive/dp/B09Y1F2MPB/?tag=atomicindus08-20

What are you using, and what features am I overlooking?

 

[cvairwerks]

I'm spoiled by having Olympus and GE scopes at work. Personally, I'd be looking very hard at the TD500 Pro 3.9 for how I use one. They have some TD450 refurbs for sale for about 100$

 

[Wrench97]

One of my techs bought the TD450 off Amazon last year for $115 It worked great picture quality was good and the ability to articulate the camera made a huge difference in cylinders, however he knocked it off the tool tray shelf and shattered the lens so far he got a price of $150 to fix it......https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJY5C9QX/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9ocXBfc2hhcmVk

 

[Wiz02]

I bought a super cheap bore/endo scope on an Amazon Warehouse Deal that's an all in one (integrated display) as I wasn't sure if I would even use it.

Well wouldn't you know, a short time later, I am finishing up a brake job and as I am tightening the master cylinder (m/c) cap, it goes flying out of my hands and disappears.

I go over the engine compartment with all kinds of lights and a fine tooth comb, but no sign of the cap. Finally, I notice that there is a piece of tin that is part of the inner wheel well that ends just under the m/c attachment to the firewall.

I snake the scope between the firewall and the inner wheel well and lo and behold, the m/c cap is laying at the bottom of the well. I pop out a couple of plastic rivets from the outer wheel well and the cap falls out onto the ground.

A replacement cap cost the same as the 'scope, so the cheap integrated display 'scope was a great investment. Resolution isn't great, but it sure saved the day for me.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

One of my techs bought the TD450 off Amazon last year for $115 It worked great picture quality was good and the ability to articulate the camera made a huge difference in cylinders, however he knocked it off the tool tray shelf and shattered the lens so far he got a price of $150 to fix it......https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJY5C9QX/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9ocXBfc2hhcmVk

Normally I use the 90 degree camera in cylinder, is the articulation a big advantage in that situation? Normally I'm trying to check the condition of carbon deposits on GDI engines. That typically gives me the visual I need for the valves, injector tip, wall/piston condition, etc.

 

[Superdavey]

I recently bought one with a 180 degree articulating head for a relatively decent price off amazon. They have 360 degree articulating one's too now but you're paying at least twice as much. I will say navigating the camera with the articulating head is much more pleasant and definitely a game changer for cylinder inspections . I wouldn't bother with the dual cameras , just get the articulating heads .. They appear to be much more durable too. I used to have a dual camera scope and it barely lasted through a dozen jobs before the head broke off

 

[cvairwerks]

Once you use an articulated scope, you'll never go back to a fixed head scope.

 

[Wrench97]

Normally I use the 90 degree camera in cylinder, is the articulation a big advantage in that situation? Normally I'm trying to check the condition of carbon deposits on GDI engines. That typically gives me the visual I need for the valves, injector tip, wall/piston condition, etc.

Itm took a few times to get used to using but once figured out I think the images were better.

 

[thool]

Can someone help me decide on a borescope? The primary uses will be for looking: inside wall cavities, between engine and firewall, inside/under appliances so I don't have to move or disassemble, inside cold air returns, inside small areas around vehicle. I don't think I need more than 6 feet of cable, and not sure about articulating but maybe articulating will help getting the view I want without wrestling with the cable.

This one looks decent: https://www.amazon.com/Articulating...nspect-5FT/dp/B0CJY5C9QX?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Wrench97]

I actually have one it's a decent image, but I thing 5' of cable my not get you far in a wall cavity.

 

[richfinn]

I just bought a Depstech DS630SL from Amazon for £150 (£50 off voucher)

I kinda got it on recommendation from Eric O at SMA as I know nothing about them and he likes his!!!

Articulating with 6.3mm camera tip and about 5ft flex length

It's an all in one unit with the screen built in (which suits me as it's less faffing around)

I'm pleasantly surprised how decent the build quality/simplicity of operation of it is, good case and IP67 rated too

 

[Outlier]

Can someone help me decide on a borescope? The primary uses will be for looking: inside wall cavities, between engine and firewall, inside/under appliances so I don't have to move or disassemble, inside cold air returns, inside small areas around vehicle. I don't think I need more than 6 feet of cable, and not sure about articulating but maybe articulating will help getting the view I want without wrestling with the cable.

This one looks decent: https://www.amazon.com/Articulating...nspect-5FT/dp/B0CJY5C9QX?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have the TD500 PRO that I use for internal combustion engine work. I'm pretty happy with it for the price I paid for it and with how I use it but I'm with @Wrench97. If I am using this for home inspection-type work, I would want a much longer cable.

 

[thool]

The articulated ones seem to top off around 5 feet. Good point about length, though, and going into a duct or wall I'm going to want length over being able to pivot.

 

[mike93lx]

Can someone help me decide on a borescope? The primary uses will be for looking: inside wall cavities, between engine and firewall, inside/under appliances so I don't have to move or disassemble, inside cold air returns, inside small areas around vehicle. I don't think I need more than 6 feet of cable, and not sure about articulating but maybe articulating will help getting the view I want without wrestling with the cable.

This one looks decent: https://www.amazon.com/Articulating...nspect-5FT/dp/B0CJY5C9QX?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have a Bosch one that is the same for factor and I find that having to hold the screen makes it a real pain in the *** to use. When I replace it it will be with one that is free standing