SOPTOP SZ series microscope

[u666sa]

After much research here is genuine SOPTOP microscope from an authorized dealer - https://detail.1688.com/offer/575586941921.html
Ordering is possible through a dealer or directly through the seller.
I did not find genuine SOPTOP's neither on aliexpress nor on alibaba. They do exists there, but because none of the sellers are authorized to sell them on these platforms, chances of buying fakes are extremely high. Read my mini-article on microscopes, https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/microscope-choice-for-full-smd-training/msg6306564/#msg6306564

//bellow is outdated OP
Where can I buy a genuine SOPTOP SZ series? In particular I want SOPTOP 71 Max Pro.
https://www.sunnyoptical.com/en/009022006/p2567.html

I learned recently that SOPTOP does not sell on Alibaba, and very rarely sells on Aliexpress. All units on Aliexpress, eBay, Amazon, etc, are most likely fakes from Alibaba or other Chinese supply chains. They are still good microscopes, but mostly are factory A or B batches with inferior optics that usually cost around $200, but laser printed SOPTOP logos bring value to $500 - $800.

I want a genuine unit with properly coated optics. 


P.S. I do want to avoid U.S. suppliers which make the pricing similar to Leica. I'd like a reliable Chinese supplier that offers great value and has lots of long term build in trust and reputation.

[spostma]

thank you for your knowledgeable postings on the high-end Chinese SOPTOP microscopes, especially
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/microscope-choice-for-full-smd-training/msg6306564/#msg6306564

Via an aliexpress image search of an image of the SOPTOP 71 Max Pro shown in your posting,
I found two stores (Moliz Store and Tempered Store) that appear to sell the 100% genuine SOPTOP microscopes:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008634219036.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012328741578.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009535515332.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010236114172.html

[thm_w]

Looks the same as YCS 71 ultra.
No idea why you'd bother, "coated" optics don't really matter for electronics use. If you have the budget for quality imaging get a used nikon/etc. a wider zoom range, or something with proper ergonomic eyepieces.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/fHv_fRvpZl8

[u666sa]

Looks the same as YCS 71 ultra

NO. YCS is FACTORY C. It has 2 layers at most optics, with either fake or basic coatings. Someone actually done a review of YCS trash VS. fake SOPTOP.

[u666sa]

Via an aliexpress image search of an image of the SOPTOP 71 Max Pro shown in your posting,
I found two stores (Moliz Store and Tempered Store) that appear to sell the 100% genuine SOPTOP microscopes:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008634219036.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005012328741578.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009535515332.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010236114172.html

Nein. These are rebranded clones. None Sunny Optical optics, probably from Factory B or A.  Don't buy these.

Here is genuine SOPTOP - https://detail.1688.com/offer/575586941921.html
Seller even has certificates from SOPTOP.



You can buy from 1688 (Chinese Alibaba B2B equivalent) through a dealer or just contact Runxing directly. There are dealers that allow you to order from Chinese sites. Seller ships product to their warehouse, they inspect it, and then ship it to you. You can also contact the seller, contact details bellow and on their official website, and arrange payment and shipment.

[thm_w]

NO. YCS is FACTORY C. It has 2 layers at most optics, with either fake or basic coatings. Someone actually done a review of YCS trash VS. fake SOPTOP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGaXNpDF3-I

If you want quality look elsewhere.
If you want a microscope for electronics use, either will be fine. The video above definitely does not say its trash at all. He even says the internals are the same, its just the tint on the eyepieces.

[u666sa]

NO. YCS is FACTORY C. It has 2 layers at most optics, with either fake or basic coatings. Someone actually done a review of YCS trash VS. fake SOPTOP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGaXNpDF3-I

If you want quality look elsewhere.
If you want a microscope for electronics use, either will be fine. The video above definitely does not say its trash at all. He even says the internals are the same, its just the tint on the eyepieces.

SOPTOP SZ series > Leica M88

Leica M88 price = $3,250.00 to $3,750.00

@thm_w you are absolutely and utterly clueless about this subject and offer no value whatsoever in your advice.

[jfiresto]

... SOPTOP SZ series > Leica M88

Leica M88 price = $3,250.00 to $3,750.00 ...

Do you have a link to the Leica M88 microscope? I am having no luck finding it.

[u666sa]

... SOPTOP SZ series > Leica M88

Leica M88 price = $3,250.00 to $3,750.00 ...

Do you have a link to the Leica M88 microscope? I am having no luck finding it.

My bad, I keep referring to this Reichert Polylite 88. I meant Leica M80. https://microscopecentral.com/products/leica-m80-stereo-zoom-microscope-7-5x-60x
M80 is better than Leica S6E and SOPTO SZ is better than M80. Better optics.
Better optics = better glass. better polishing, better centering, better coating, better alignment, better blackening, better light transmission. Plus Leica is a $2000+ microscope, it is somewhat of an unobtanium. Whereas SOPTOP SZ is sub $1000. It's pretty much standard stable for a lot of repair shops. It's not just as good as something that costs twice its price, it is better.

[jfiresto]

M80 is better than Leica S6E and SOPTO SZ is better than M80. Better optics.
Better optics = better glass. better polishing, better centering, better coating, better alignment, better blackening, better light transmission....

Well, you have your use cases which I am sure makes some microscopes better for you than others.

Just to make sure I understand you correctly, is the SOPTO SZ the same as the SOPTOP 71 Max Pro you are considering?

The '71 looks to me like a Greenough design. Is it?

[thm_w]

SOPTOP SZ series > Leica M88

Leica M88 price = $3,250.00 to $3,750.00

@thm_w you are absolutely and utterly clueless about this subject and offer no value whatsoever in your advice.

Its the same internals, likely made in the same factory, most reviewers say the quality is the same. Only difference might be antireflection coating on the eyepieces.

It's pretty much standard stable for a lot of repair shops. It's not just as good as something that costs twice its price, it is better.

Again, for electronics use image quality is not really critical. I'm sure its fine for the $400 that it costs.

The '71 looks to me like a Greenough design. Is it?

Yes, you can see it taken apart in the youtube videos above.
edit: here are some photos https://www.facebook.com/christian.ke.14/posts/ycs-71-ultra-microscope-comparison-hd-images-authorized-by-soptop-for-comparison/3196465483857977/