Buying Advice – Used Fluke 87 III vs Used Fluke 87 V

[philexile]

Hello,

I'm looking to upgrade to a Fluke multimeter. I was looking at the 87 series and wanted to see if there were any major differences between the more recent revisions – specifically the III, IV, and V.

On the eBay used 87 V multimeters seem to sell for around $200. I was also looking at the III and IV. From what I've read on this forum is that the IV deviated a bit from the 87 line and III is most similar to the V.

So my question is: could I get away with saving some money ($50 to $70) and picking up either the 87 III or IV - and if so, which of those models should I get? I'm leaning towards the III, but I wanted to get opinions before buying.

Thanks!

[EEVblog]

IIRC the III defaults to to DC current, but the V defaults to AC current which is really annoying.

[retiredcaps]

From what I've read on this forum is that the IV deviated a bit from the 87 line and III is most similar to the V.

Have you seen this thread?

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/i-need-to-know-the-history-of-fluke-87-(-1998-2010-)/

So my question is: could I get away with saving some money ($50 to $70) and picking up either the 87 III or IV - and if so, which of those models should I get? I'm leaning towards the III, but I wanted to get opinions before buying.

If I had to choose between the III, IV and V for home electronic use, I would choose the 87 IV/89 IV/187/189.  If I were an industrial electrician, I would pick the 87V for all the latest safety features.

Why the 87IV for electronic home use?

Pros

- 50,000 count
- dual display

Cons

- only 72 hours using 4 AA batteries (I use 4 Enenloops)

[retiredcaps]

IIRC the III defaults to to DC current, but the V defaults to AC current which is really annoying.

Dave is correct.

[Psi]

Yep V is default ac current and very annoying.
I'm so tempted to slap a attiny inside across the button to automatically put it into DC mode

[kosmonooit]

I just got a very good 'used' 83V off ebay for US$137, significant upgrade from my venerable 73.

Diffs with 87V is AC True RMS  and a ball hair of accuracy.

[mikeselectricstuff]

III is fine - the default current thing on the V would be really annoying.
One significant improvement over earlier ones is the white backlight.