These days for hobbiest use I wouldn't over-invest in this area. I've had great luck with this Chinese station for both SMD and general-purpose soldering-- everything except for heavy terminations like speaker binding posts. For those heavy jobs a Weller SP80L with a massive tip does the trick.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMD-SMT-Soldering-Rework-Station-2in1-Hot-Air-Gun-Iron-Welder-Tip-ESD-PLCC-BGA-/310396114995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item48450cd833#ht_3826wt_1139
This Chinese digital station survived a fall from a countertop. It is better made than its price suggests. The hot air gun accessory is helpful.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SMD-SMT-Soldering-Rework-Station-2in1-Hot-Air-Gun-Iron-Welder-Tip-ESD-PLCC-BGA-/310396114995?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item48450cd833#ht_3826wt_1139
This Chinese digital station survived a fall from a countertop. It is better made than its price suggests. The hot air gun accessory is helpful.