Author Topic: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?  (Read 26334 times)

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Offline Genaugmen

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #50 on: July 08, 2016, 12:36:36 am »
As some others have stated, you may want to look into a model with zoom. Also SIMUL-FOCAL if you want to use a camera and the eyepieces at the same time. I've personally been looking into this one...

SM-4TPZ-FRL-3M
 

Offline Genaugmen

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #51 on: July 08, 2016, 01:16:23 am »
That's the one i got, but i bought it through aliexpress (exactly same thing though)
Paid $582 inc DHL shipping
I really love it, works well and its so handy being able to just push it out of the way when its not needed.
In some thread, or youtube video, someone commented on the mild steel slidey bits and how the linear bearings are chewing them up. Have you noticed this issue?

I'd use some synthetic bearing Grease on the slide. You only need a thin film, but it helps tremendously with metal to metal contact and rubbing.
 

Offline jasonbrent

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #52 on: November 18, 2017, 04:56:49 am »
.. I realize this is an old thread; just commenting on Amscope quality. I just received an SM-4TPX-144 and apparently they still don't come with set screws for the eye pieces, the set screws for the drop post (unsure how else to describe it) where it holds on to the boom arm were stripped out, and the set screw that holds that boom into the 'slot' cut on the boom was also missing.

Based on one of the responses earlier in this thread, I just trashed an old ipod I had, but apparently it was too new to have the "large" M1.6 screws. =)

Purchased via Amazon.. I've reached out to Amscope, but just disappointed in the minor touches that have been missed.

*EDIT*: Eyeglasses appear to commonly have M1.6; the missing set screw on the drop post is an M4 fine thread, and I still don't know what the striped screws under the drop post are. They might be course threaded M3.

-j
« Last Edit: November 18, 2017, 05:15:33 am by jasonbrent »
 

Offline Psi

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #53 on: November 18, 2017, 09:54:05 am »
Amscope dont make them, they are just rebranded from a factory in china.
You can get them direct from aliexpress and save yourself some money.
(Luckyzoom on aliexpress is a trustworthy store)

And yes, they still don't have the set screws for the eye pieces  :-DD :-DD.
« Last Edit: November 18, 2017, 09:56:10 am by Psi »
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Offline uncle_bob

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #54 on: November 18, 2017, 02:43:41 pm »
Hi

Because the 'scopes come from a lot of factories, the "what you get" on one may not be the same as on another ....

Bob
 

Offline cstratton

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #55 on: December 10, 2017, 06:18:29 pm »
Adding a Barlow lens (0.5x) will halve your magnification , roughly double your working distance and double your width of field view. All gains, no drawbacks.

Actually, there is a drawback. The 0.5x barlow lens increases the working distance to the point where the eyepieces can be ever so slightly too high for comfort when the scope is placed on a typical height bench.  I actually have my own (compact unit with integral base instead of an arm) sitting on a cabinet that's lower than bench height for this reason.

I recently saw someone recommending a 0.7x or 0.75x instead, which seems like it might be a better compromise - but haven't had a chance to try it.  That said, I do like having low magnification available - with my soldering tools setup there, and the good lighting I find myself habitually doing all soldering at and often through the scope, even when not really necessary.

Recently helped a client get something for their office and we settled on a an SM-3NTPX as the cheapest solution Unlike my own binocular amscope with the zoom knob at the back, the simul focus trinocular head with the zoom knob at the front is made with lots of plastic.  Still, it seems to work just as well, and without actually having them side by side I can't tell any performance difference.  Bench space in their current office is at a premium, so for the moment we packed away the boom arm and instead just mounted the head to the vertical pillar of the very heavy base until they accomplish a planned move to larger quarters.

Unlike mine, that one does have eyepiece retaining screws.
« Last Edit: December 10, 2017, 06:20:29 pm by cstratton »
 

Offline Howardlong

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #56 on: December 10, 2017, 07:17:16 pm »
The way I dealt with the 0.5x Barlow was to adjust the height of my chair, which is simple enough, assuming you have a height adjstable chair of course!
 

Offline cstratton

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #57 on: December 10, 2017, 09:14:31 pm »
The way I dealt with the 0.5x Barlow was to adjust the height of my chair, which is simple enough, assuming you have a height adjstable chair of course!

It can indeed be dealt with.  Sometimes I simply sit up tall.  But the possibility that the 0.7x might be a better fit for typical needs than the 0.5x is an idea I find interesting.
 

Offline jasonbrent

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #58 on: January 15, 2018, 04:24:11 pm »
The issues I had with missing screws, amscope jumped on it and had the parts to me before the week was out. Impressed.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

Offline Andrusca

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #59 on: May 14, 2018, 01:55:21 pm »
Hello,
I am looking for a stereo simul-focal microscope on a double arm boom stand. I have found this model:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3-5X-90X-Double-Arm-Boom-Stand-Trinocular-Stereo-Zoom-Microscope-For-Mobile-Phone-Chip-CPU/32801276370.html

As you can see, it cost USD 423.4; more than USD 100 cheaper than this Lucky Zomm's similar model:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-Shipping-3-5X-90X-50-50-SPLIT-SIMUL-FOCAL-MICROSCOPE-DOUBLE-BOOM-STAND-TRINOCULAR-STEREO/32662991730.html?spm=2114.10010108.1000013.4.3fe799adhFDs4h&scm=1007.13339.99728.0&scm_id=1007.13339.99728.0&scm-url=1007.13339.99728.0&pvid=bdee9fac-e71f-4a0e-87f7-62f162da250f&_t=pvid:bdee9fac-e71f-4a0e-87f7-62f162da250f,scm-url:1007.13339.99728.0

and also includes:
* 144-led ring with power adaptor
* 0.5x SMZCTV 1/2 camera adaptor
* 0.7x Barlow lens
* 1x protective lens
* according to the picture, the eyepieces screws  :-+

I noted that it does not even have the hole for the switch lever (which I have seen closed whith a plastic cup in the Lucky Zoom's simul-focal model) to select between one eye and the camera port. I have confirmed this with the seller.
I still don't get where is the trick for such price difference. Perhaps you can help me to spot it on and go for the more expensive Lucky Zoom model.
 
 

Offline uncle_bob

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #60 on: May 14, 2018, 02:02:19 pm »
Hi

What you can easily see in a picture is the mechanical construction of a microscope. It is pretty much impossible to evaluate the quality of the optics. They can save a *lot* of money on optics ( or at least mess them up in a number of ways).  Unfortunately I have learned this over and over again on a variety of gizmos .... Buying this stuff is a bit like buying a stereo without frequency response or distortion specs. There's no way to figure out that this or that one is the 20% distortion / 300 Hz to 3 KHz model and that the other one is the 0.1% distortion / DC to 40 KHz design.

Bob
 

Offline Psi

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #61 on: May 15, 2018, 10:09:18 am »
One BIG thing of note between those two sellers.
One is shipping it EMS and the other DHL.

If you change the "Insein Li Fung" microscope from EMS to DHL it ends up more expensive than the luckzoom version via DHL.

For something filled with optics i would NOT want to use ems shipping.
Dont get me wrong, i love EMS shipping, but not for anything containing glass
Microscope + EMS shipping should scare you  :scared:

Don't let this be your microscope.




Luckyzoom have been around for a while and shipped many microscopes.
Me, my work and my friends have ordered 5 in total.


« Last Edit: May 19, 2018, 09:41:54 am by Psi »
Greek letter 'Psi' (not Pounds per Square Inch)
 

Offline Andrusca

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #62 on: May 15, 2018, 01:42:50 pm »
Thanks Psi and uncle-bob.
Yes, it is really scaring the package handling service of EMS! No way to choose it. :--
Anyway, I was already thinking about using an import agent intead DHL or Fedex because tariffs are quite expensive (and somehow unpredictable) when shipping this kind of heavy stuff to Argentina. Also, if customs find by chance you have a wall-mount power supply (for the led ring) included without an approved electrical certification they can even block all the shipment until you fix this issue. It is a painful process to get this kind of equipment here.  I pay a freight and a "bonus" to the import agent and somehow he manages to get thought all this problems. This also have the advantage that Chinese sellers often offer free shipping to a warehouse in China, so I have only to account for the costs required by my import agent. I have done this for some lighter equipment (power supply and IR camera), worked fine and cheaper that DHL or Fedex and most importantly I am sure I get the stuff and know in advance how much I am going to pay for shipping + taxes.

As you and uncle-bob suggested I'd better go for a Lucky Zoom's microscope, mostly because I have no way to compare the optics and the mechanical quality just from pictures.  I had thought that maybe "Insein Li Fung" had the similar quality than "Lucky Zoom" judging from the pictures, but considering how easily Chinese companies copy each other, now I am really in doubt.
 

Offline NivagSwerdna

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #63 on: May 15, 2018, 01:55:59 pm »
I have been thinking of changing my microscope after watching...




 

Offline Andrusca

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #64 on: May 15, 2018, 02:45:51 pm »
Perhaps you can consider this from the same store:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/3-5X-90X-Double-Boom-Stereo-Zoom-Trinocular-Microscope-16MP-Camera-Objective-Lens-Microscopio-Free-Shipping/3210043_32875915511.html?spm=2114.12010612.0.0.1b01247evGFwHu

It seems to be the same microscope head model I had seen, I put the link in a previous post . You can distinguish it from the Lucky Zoom's  because it has not the hole (not even capped) for the switch lever on the left side of the head.
Well, we are not going to know their relative quality, but either Lucky Zoom is ripping you off or this microscope is way worse. 
 

Offline Andrusca

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #65 on: May 16, 2018, 02:10:44 pm »
Ok so I purchased Amscope stereo trinocular, and MA500 camera to go with it. All seems nice, but, there is a big problem: the FOV of the camera is considerably smaller than that of the eyepiece. I.e., with eyepiece the FOV is 30mm, and with camera only 9mm. I was kind of expecting to setup my view, switch to camera, and save the image.

Since I already use camera near or at lowest magnification level, I can't even zoom further out for a camera shot. SO8 chip takes pretty much entire frame of the camera! Definitely not what I wanted.

I spoke to Amscope and they are saying this is how it is designed to work. I don't understand this. How do you people use the microscope cameras?

Yeah, i found that with my scope/camera too when i used it in stock configuration.

Note that the info below may/may-not apply to your exact camera/microscope...

You probably need the trinocular adapter with a 0.5x lens inside.
Also, if you have a 30mm eyepiece FOV you probably want to get a 0.5x barlow lens as well.

If you open the trinocular port and hold a piece of paper above the opening with the room lights off but the microscope lights on you can bring the image into focus on the paper and see what the field of view actually is out of the port.

Using the adapter it's a lot better but still not 100% of eyepiece view.
Just did a check to see what i get.. 31mm on camera and ~50mm on eyepiece.

This is the trinocular and barlow 0.5 adapters that fit on my scope.

0.5x Trinocular adapter
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-C-MOUNT-LENS-ADAPTER-FOR-VIDEO-CAMERA-MICROSCOPES/565596888.html

0.5x barlow adaptor
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/0-5X-AUXILIARY-OBJECTIVE-LENS-FOR-STEREO-ZOOM-MICROSCOPE-MICROSCOPE-LENS/320845311.html

Hello Psi,
Apart from the 0.5x trinocular adapter, do you need other mounting adapter to attach the model of camera you have?
« Last Edit: May 16, 2018, 02:31:19 pm by Andrusca »
 

Offline Psi

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #66 on: May 19, 2018, 09:43:37 am »
The 0.5x adapter i got screwed directly onto my microscope and onto my camera.

I cant be sure about your microscope and camera though.
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Offline toli

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #67 on: July 07, 2018, 11:47:06 am »
I have been thinking of changing my microscope after watching...


I got one of these a few weeks ago, must say I'm very happy with it. I've used (and owned) better units, but despite this I think this one will fit my needs better.
It was about 380$ delivered (+ import tax on top of that obviously) which is a great price for what you get: the microscope head + simple base with height adjustment + FHD 30FPS HDMI output camera + 2 (10X) eye-pieces + CTV1/2 lens for the camera mount + X0.5 objective lens + LED light ring.
What I like most about it compared to my previous unit is that its much smaller and takes up less space on the bench. When I don't need I can easily pick it up and put it in the closet.
The X1/2 lens for the camera gives similar viewing angle to what you get in the eye-piece, but not exactly the same. For instance for the minimum zoom position I get ~40mm through the camera and >50mm through the eye-piece. Close enough if you ask me - especially considering what you see in the eye-piece depends on how exactly you place your head. When using the camera it is easy to note the center of the frame is focused while the edges aren't. It good enough for the price and definitely not a major issue in my opinion, but it is visible.
With the X0.5 objective lens the working distance is about 17cm, so very easy to work under. While the maximum zoom will suffice for everything I'll have need to solder/inspect.
For these of you who have a high working bench, keep in mind that with the X0.5 objective lens, the eye-pieces might end up being a bit too high for comfortable use. You could get a X0.7 lens which will reduce this height by ~4cm. This will still give ~13cm of working distance which is sufficient, but you won't have to stretch your back as much. Or you could just get a higher chair :)
My DIY blog (mostly electronics/stereo related):
http://tolisdiy.com/
 

Offline Discotech

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #68 on: July 07, 2018, 04:59:39 pm »
I've been looking at this one https://www.aliexpress.com/item/simul-focal-Continuous-Zoom-3-5-90X-Trinocular-Stereo-Microscope-HDMI-VGA-microscope-camera-56-LED/32851330647.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.7c4c2e0eNz5ySv

which seems perfect for my needs but the price just seems too good to be true for simul focal trinocular + a decent stand + the hdmi camera (granted the camera is crap managing only 1280*1024 but it's better than nothing)

It hasn't had many orders for that item but the seller seems to be decent looking at their overall feedback (over 15k sales) the only thing that puts me off is the $70 delivery fee, obviously if something goes wrong ali express would never refund the delivery fees
 

Offline toli

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #69 on: July 07, 2018, 06:53:31 pm »
Looks like the microscope itself is quite similar to the one I got. So I'd expect to get similar image. If you don't need the extra freedom of adjustment of position you could get the one I got for just a little more. It did come with a very nice camera actually.
Have a look at the youtube video I've quoted in my previous post. He has links there to the sale page, and you can see some sample shots through the microscope through his videos.
I'd shoot some videos myself, but turns out the cheap GDMI->USB converter I got from eBay is actually an HDMI->composite->USB converter, so the quality isn't very good. I'd like to get a nice one, but at the moment just don't see it as a useful way to spend money :)
My DIY blog (mostly electronics/stereo related):
http://tolisdiy.com/
 

Offline Discotech

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #70 on: July 07, 2018, 09:35:26 pm »
Looks like the microscope itself is quite similar to the one I got. So I'd expect to get similar image. If you don't need the extra freedom of adjustment of position you could get the one I got for just a little more. It did come with a very nice camera actually.
Have a look at the youtube video I've quoted in my previous post. He has links there to the sale page, and you can see some sample shots through the microscope through his videos.
I'd shoot some videos myself, but turns out the cheap GDMI->USB converter I got from eBay is actually an HDMI->composite->USB converter, so the quality isn't very good. I'd like to get a nice one, but at the moment just don't see it as a useful way to spend money :)

Yep I saw this a few weeks back when I watching some videos on Shenzhen and it's how I found the Eakins one as previously I'd had one of the Lucky Zooms on my wishlist as I'd seen them recommended on this forum, I wonder if they're all made in the same factory ?
 

Offline Psi

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Re: Stero trinocular microscope. Amscope, Which one?
« Reply #71 on: July 09, 2018, 08:56:56 am »
I wonder if they're all made in the same factory ?
They almost definitely are, but there will be 'quality grades'.
eg, the 'grade A' units are probably sold to professional microscope wholesalers to be re-branded and sold for massive markup.
There is probably B and maybe C grades too, and then there's all factory rejects that someone takes from the trash to sort through and try to get something working they can sell. (eg the lone aliexpress seller with a single microscope listed and under 5 previous sales.)

When you buy stuff on aliexpress you want to pick the seller carefully to avoid getting crap grades.
Seller feedback is a good indicator, if they are selling reject stuff they will have lots of complaints.
The bigger name aliexpress stores that have sold lots of them previously are pretty safe.
They will have an arrangement with the factory and avoid getting the shit ones. And they know how to ship them without getting damaged.

Luckyzoom on aliexpress are my go-to seller for microscopes, had only good experiences with them (5 microscope so far)
But there are probably other good sellers too.
« Last Edit: July 09, 2018, 09:07:43 am by Psi »
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