Yet another microscope thread: Amscope & Eakins

[Electro Fan]

If both are configured for the same optical specs such as 7X-45X with a 0.5 Barlow, would the image quality be comparable, or is one going to be notably superior?

How do the optics on this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000052074925.html?gps-id=pcStoreJustForYou&scm=1007.23125.137358.0&scm_id=1007.23125.137358.0&scm-url=1007.23125.137358.0&pvid=0d3ca068-1a16-4e4e-84d9-241a62aeb458&spm=a2g0o.store_home.smartJustForYou_512523718.3

Compare to this:
https://www.amscope.com/7x-45x-trinocular-stereo-zoom-microscope-on-single-arm-boom.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2PGF2Kib7AIVhovICh0qPgeqEAAYASAAEgI1lvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

If they are comparable in optics, then are we just down to the preference on the stand?  It seems that the Eakins is less expensive and includes a camera.  Plus if the Eakins stand is stable and allows enough room underneath for a PCB it would seem to potentially take offer a better use of bench space.

[jfiresto]

You know the old joke: What's the difference between marketing and advertising? Well, in this case, you know both advertisers are lying or at least straining the truth to its breaking point. (Eakins more so.) The critical question is will what they actually delivery still satisfy your needs? I would not have high expectations of the Eakins camera: its description is absurdly overblown.

[Electro Fan]

You know the old joke: What's the difference between marketing and advertising? Well, in this case, you know both advertisers are lying or at least straining the truth to its breaking point. (Eakins more so.) The critical question is will what they actually delivery still satisfy your needs? I would not have high expectations of the Eakins camera: its description is absurdly overblown.

I'm inclined to lean toward what you are saying.  Until yesterday I had never heard of Eakins.  In looking around I found this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VzrGNmIApw&feature=youtu.be

The Eakins scope shown in the link is not the Eakins product that has direct vision optics, it's just a camera - but the review is pretty interesting.  Even though the reviewer is a little non-conventional (he seems to multi-task with this daily operations) he is pretty to the point and he gives some good tutorial info on lighting - and his visual demos are pretty compelling.  So, this got me thinking that if their camera is reasonably good and they make what looks like a similarly spec'd optical head, and they packed the two with a stand for a good price, maybe they are onto something at Eakins.  I'm hoping there might be some Eakin's users of the product I linked above or something similar, or better yet some users who have the Eakins scope and a similarly spec'd Amscope.

I'd like a microscope with good optics, a decent work distance (~8 inches or more?), as wide a FOV as practical, and something that is reasonably flexible with respect to zooming  and panning, plus a footprint that is as compact as practical, along with the ability to add a camera later with a simulfocal port.  The head on the SM-4NTP is my reference point so far. 

https://www.amscope.com/7x-45x-simul-focal-stereo-lockable-zoom-microscope-on-dual-arm-boom-stand.html

One other feature that I'm trying to confirm is the shape of the barlow end of the scope.  It seems that earlier Amscope models had a bit of a diagonal or curved end; newer versions like the one in the link and others I've seen seem to have more of a cylindrical shape that apparently makes attaching a ring light more secure.

I'm not sure what boom stand makes sense but after watching Louis Rossmann I'm inclined to think that stability is slightly more important than the last degree of high maneuverability.

So, I'm looking for the cake and the ability to eat it too. 

[HobGoblyn]

I really love my Amscope SM-3NTP.

Mind you, the only other microscope I've used is the https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07HDXXKD7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

The Amscope is 1000+ times better.  I find it very comfortable to use.

I've got the single boom arm, I can't comment on whether the dual boom arm would be better as I've never used it, what I will say is the single boom is very sturdy,  it's not going to flex at all.

The only tiny problem I have is that it sometimes gradually slides down the vertical post (not very often, but occasionally).  I've attached a pic where the boom arm attaches to the vertical post.  I have the boom arm nut/lock/screw (green arrow in pic) permanently loose so I can swing my microscope under my monitor when I don't need it etc and I rely solely on the ring underneath (red arrow) to take all the weight.  It's using it like this where slowly over time the ring slides down a little.

When I say it gradually drops, when I first got it it would do this just looking at it, but when I cleaned the vertical bar/post with IPA, it stopped most of this.  I haven't had to raise it for a couple of months now, then again I haven't swung it left or right much either recently (even when I did, I'm talking about once a month if that, not an everyday occurrence).

I suspect it would be the same if I had the dual boom arm, possibly worse as I suspect there's more weight.   While the obvious answer is to also tighten the top one with the green arrow, this tends to happen as I'm moving it left and right, so the top one would have to be loose at this point anyway.

[jfiresto]

I'm inclined to lean toward what you are saying.  Until yesterday I had never heard of Eakins.  In looking around I found this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VzrGNmIApw&feature=youtu.be

The Eakins scope shown in the link is not the Eakins product that has direct vision optics, it's just a camera - but the review is pretty interesting.  Even though the reviewer is a little non-conventional (he seems to multi-task with this daily operations) he is pretty to the point and he gives some good tutorial info on lighting - and his visual demos are pretty compelling.  So, this got me thinking that if their camera is reasonably good and they make what looks like a similarly spec'd optical head, and they packed the two with a stand for a good price, maybe they are onto something at Eakins....

Based on the video and Eakins's aliexpress storefront, I bet Eakins is a company that is happy to sell you something for however much you are willing to pay. I would not count on that quality of video out of the camera that comes with the stereo microscope package you linked to earlier. The video demonstrates a much more camera-compatible monocular "macroscope" and a camera that, alone, costs $40-90 more than the entire package.

I'd like a microscope with good optics, a decent work distance (~8 inches or more?), as wide a FOV as practical, and something that is reasonably flexible with respect to zooming  and panning, plus a footprint that is as compact as practical, along with the ability to add a camera later with a simulfocal port.  The head on the SM-4NTP is my reference point so far. 

https://www.amscope.com/7x-45x-simul-focal-stereo-lockable-zoom-microscope-on-dual-arm-boom-stand.html

Yes, I expect that would be a good setup to aim for. You will also probably want to add (if the microscope does not come with one), an 0.5X auxiliary objective ("barlow") lens to double the working distance and halve the magnification range to 3.5-22.5X, a more useful range for electronic work.

One other feature that I'm trying to confirm is the shape of the barlow end of the scope.  It seems that earlier Amscope models had a bit of a diagonal or curved end; newer versions like the one in the link and others I've seen seem to have more of a cylindrical shape that apparently makes attaching a ring light more secure.

IIRC, Amscope's 0.5X lens has 48x0.75mm male top and female bottom threads. You could screw on below the lens, a 48/52 step up thread adapter and a 52mm UV filter, to hold up a ring light and protect the lens.

I'm not sure what boom stand makes sense but after watching Louis Rossmann I'm inclined to think that stability is slightly more important than the last degree of high maneuverability.

Stability and stiffness become more important at higher magnifications or when using a camera.

So, I'm looking for the cake and the ability to eat it too. 

Some call that cake-ism.

[jfiresto]

The only tiny problem I have is that it sometimes gradually slides down the vertical post (not very often, but occasionally).  I've attached a pic where the boom arm attaches to the vertical post.  I have the boom arm nut/lock/screw (green arrow in pic) permanently loose so I can swing my microscope under my monitor when I don't need it etc and I rely solely on the ring underneath (red arrow) to take all the weight.  It's using it like this where slowly over time the ring slides down a little.

What is the diameter of the vertical post? I am addressing this issue on a stand with a 25mm post, if that is your diameter.

[Electro Fan]

I really love my Amscope SM-3NTP.

Thanks.  Your microscope looks snug as a bug on your bench.  That's one of the things I'm trying to solve for - how to get an efficient use of space while preserving the ability to reasonably comfortably use the scope (leave enough space for board inspection/soldering and be able to stay seated or standing while looking into the eye pieces).

I'm pretty sure both the SM-3NTP and SM-4NTP with a 0.5 Barlow will be great for soldering - so it's just down to whether I'd like to give up the extra space for the double boom so as to have some extra flexibility for maneuvering, or save save the bench space.  I'm guessing that if I go for the extra maneuverability I will find that I'll put it in one location and it will just stay there, and if I try to save the space I will find I needed the maneuverability. 

[HobGoblyn]

The only tiny problem I have is that it sometimes gradually slides down the vertical post (not very often, but occasionally).  I've attached a pic where the boom arm attaches to the vertical post.  I have the boom arm nut/lock/screw (green arrow in pic) permanently loose so I can swing my microscope under my monitor when I don't need it etc and I rely solely on the ring underneath (red arrow) to take all the weight.  It's using it like this where slowly over time the ring slides down a little.

What is the diameter of the vertical post? I am addressing this issue on a stand with a 25mm post, if that is your diameter.

Mines 32mm

[Electro Fan]

HobGoblyn, any chance you could look at the attachment and let me know how these guestimates compare to the actuals?

Thanks, EF

D is from the end of the boom to the center of the lens.

[jfiresto]

The only tiny problem I have is that it sometimes gradually slides down the vertical post (not very often, but occasionally)....

What is the diameter of the vertical post? I am addressing this issue on a stand with a 25mm post, if that is your diameter.

Mines 32mm

If the slipping is getting tedious, for ca. 17 euros, I can get a split, aluminum collar with a 45mm adjustable hand lever for quick release, adjustment and clamping. I need to ask about the lead time, but could add it to my order and ship it on.

[S. Petrukhin]

I use a microscope like this: https://aliexpress.ru/item/32827387014.html
And here is a tripod: https://aliexpress.ru/item/4000328478089.html
The microscope is very good, I am satisfied. Very light. The tripod was a little awkward. I removed the heavy base and screwed the axle to the table. The base tipped over at maximum take-out. The horizontal movement of the guides is poor (no bearings), but it is a very stable tripod.

[S. Petrukhin]

I highly recommend using these clamping handles: https://aliexpress.ru/item/32863371978.html in the twisted state, you can pull and turn the shank so that it does not interfere.

[HobGoblyn]

HobGoblyn, any chance you could look at the attachment and let me know how these guestimates compare to the actuals?

Thanks, EF

D is from the end of the boom to the center of the lens.

Sure, am in bed now, will do it tomorrow

[jfiresto]

I highly recommend using these clamping handles: https://aliexpress.ru/item/32863371978.html in the twisted state, you can pull and turn the shank so that it does not interfere.

Those adjustable handles are very nice and I was going to suggest more of them if you guys wanted to pimp your 'scopes. You would probably want ones with soft-tipped screws if they will press against the shafts, but I may be getting ahead of myself and will keep quiet.

[HobGoblyn]

HobGoblyn, any chance you could look at the attachment and let me know how these guestimates compare to the actuals?

Thanks, EF

D is from the end of the boom to the center of the lens.

A: 25”
B: 9 1/2”
C: 16”
D: 21 1/2”

E can’t do as cable ties all around C

[Electro Fan]

HobGoblyn, any chance you could look at the attachment and let me know how these guestimates compare to the actuals?

Thanks, EF

D is from the end of the boom to the center of the lens.

A: 25”
B: 9 1/2”
C: 16”
D: 21 1/2”

E can’t do as cable ties all around C

HobGoblyn, Thanks for making the measurements.  Looks like there is about 1.5” somewhere I hadn’t accounted for.  Might have another question or two for you later.... Hope you will keep us posted on your findings as you work with the scope and stand.

[Electro Fan]

HobGoblyn and other Amscope users, another question, please/thanks:

In looking at Amscope's various heads there is a SM-3NTP (and a similar/same? head on the SM-4NTP):
https://www.amscope.com/7x-45x-simul-focal-stereo-lockable-zoom-microscope-on-single-arm-boom-stand.html
In the photos it looks like the lens (facing down toward the object being viewed) is symmetrically cylindrical.

They have other similar products such as the SM-3B (and others in the 4 series):
https://www.amscope.com/7x-45x-stereo-zoom-microscope-with-single-arm-boom-stand.html
In the photos it looks like the lens (facing down toward the object being viewed) is not symmetrically cylindrical, rather it it is tapered.

It seems like the cylindrical housing would hold the ring light better than the tapered version - not sure if either the cylindrical or the tapered have any different optical performance.

Which version do you have?  Anyone know why there are/were two versions and which is the most current?

If you look closely you will see that the head housing is somewhat different with the controls either forward or rear facing.

Thanks

Edit:  maybe it doesn't matter for securing the ring light if you are using the cylindrically shaped 0.5 Barlow?  Still curious as to why they show two different shaped lens housings.... Thx

[jfiresto]

...  Still curious as to why they show two different shaped [objective] lens housings....

Amscope's supplier(s) probably copied different microscope designs: the sloped housing coming from Nikon and the stepped design from Meiji Techno. (If I were buying a new microscope as a lifelong tool, I would probably get a Meiji.)

[Electro Fan]

...  Still curious as to why they show two different shaped [objective] lens housings....

Amscope's supplier(s) probably copied different microscope designs: the sloped housing coming from Nikon and the stepped design from Meiji Techno. (If I were buying a new microscope as a lifelong tool, I would probably get a Meiji.)

Thanks, I'll take a look at Meiji but just in case I'm still trying to understand which is the current version of Amscope and why there was a change.

For anyone looking through the microscope threads and finding this post, here are a couple posts that I just found and found useful:



https://youtu.be/sZqCsk0kGm8

After watching this and other "reviews" I think Eakins is probably using the same basic microscope as Amscope - the general consensus (which is not officially confirmed as best I know but is likely correct) is that the Amscope and Eakins heads come from the same factory.

The second video gives a good demo showing how various lens configs result in various working distances including some useful measurements of the working distances.

There are also some good discussions in the videos and the comments related to cameras and how the extent to which the cameras can be installed so as to give a similar view as what is seen through eye pieces.

For completeness, another video that tripped my trigger was this one - particularly with respect to how various lights effect what you see through the microscope, and what the camera sees.  This fellow isn't quite as polished as the first but he's a good multi-tasker and the content on lighting is useful, I think.  YMMV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VzrGNmIApw&feature=youtu.be

One more as a bonus:

[HobGoblyn]

It seems like the cylindrical housing would hold the ring light better than the tapered version - not sure if either the cylindrical or the tapered have any different optical performance.

Which version do you have?  Anyone know why there are/were two versions and which is the most current?

Mines cylindrical, looks the same as your cylindrical photo and was bought from Amscope April this year.

[Electro Fan]

HobGoblyn, any chance you could look at the attachment and let me know how these guestimates compare to the actuals?

Thanks, EF

D is from the end of the boom to the center of the lens.

A: 25”
B: 9 1/2”
C: 16”
D: 21 1/2”

E can’t do as cable ties all around C

Hi HobGoblyn (or other Amscope SM scope users),

Any chance you could measure the vertical distance from the plane of the objective lens to a plane even with the top of the oculars?  I'm guessing it's on the order of 10 inches / 25 cm but that's just a guess.  Thanks