What do you think of the ultraZoom-1 microscope?

[baddogneverdie]

Hi, first post here! Looking into buying my first microscope. What do you think of the ultraZoom-1?

https://www.gtvision.co.uk/epages/es141397.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es141397/Products/%22UZ-1%20Series%22

Being currently located in Germany, Amscope is out of the question for me. I found gtvision while reading some threads here, but being my first microscope, I could use some help

[sn4k3]

Why Amscope is out for you? You can easy buy it on europe: https://www.eleshop.nl/catalog/product/view/id/1717/s/sm-4tp-szm7045nt-stl2-microscoop/category/423/

[RoGeorge]

If you are looking for a trinocular, choose one that is simulfocal, so you can film while working, or else you will need to manually switch between binocular view or camera view.

[SteveyG]

Hi, first post here! Looking into buying my first microscope. What do you think of the ultraZoom-1?

https://www.gtvision.co.uk/epages/es141397.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es141397/Products/%22UZ-1%20Series%22

Being currently located in Germany, Amscope is out of the question for me. I found gtvision while reading some threads here, but being my first microscope, I could use some help

From my experience, the Amscope microscopes are basically the same as any other SZM microscope on Aliexpress etc. I can recommend Eakins if you want a similar set up with the double boom stand.
I wouldn't go for the ultrazoom 1, the base will be incredibly annoying. I captured some of my thoughts here:

[baddogneverdie]

Thanks for all the replies, they have been useful. I am posting the outcome, in case it helps someone in the future. So after some more research I found out that:

1. Various threads here and elsewhere reporting that Amscope, Eakins, and others actually originate from one or two factories in China
2. AliExpress and Bangood shipping some of these microscopes from Europe

I ended up ordering this simulfocal stereo microscope with an articulating arm:

https://www.banggood.com/de/3_5X-90X-Articulating-Arm-Pillar-Clamp-Zoom-Simul-Focal-Trinocular-Stereo-Microscope-34MP-Video-Camera-For-Industrial-PCB-p-1526293.html?rmmds=search&cur_warehouse=CZ

It shipped form Chech Republic, so I didn't need to pay for customs, as I'm located in Germany. Shipping was very fast. The packaging was okay. Could had been better, but everything arrived intact.

The microscope came with a manual in Chinese, stating "SZM" on the cover. I assume this is the model. It only takes a couple of hours to set it up and get your head around how it works. The image through the diopters looks great. The camera is just okay, but for the price you wouldn't expect more. One thing I would prefer is rubber eye guards to cover the sides of the eyes, but you can get these for ~$5.

Overall, as a hobbyist, I have to say I am very happy with this purchase (at least so far).