RIGOL DS1052E

[Mechatrommer]

One "famous" user of the DS1052E is Louis Rossmann (equipment repair). 

he is a repair guy not design guy. another known guy is Nigel Stanford, but he is a music composer . latest dso from agilent iirc now come with 8 channels, see how important the more channel is? but ymmv.

[vinlove]

If you're in the UK look at this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RIGOL-DS1054Z-4-Channel-50MHz-100MHz-Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope-Upgraded/372698080289?epid=9014382414&hash=item56c6896421:g:GAoAAOSwFKBdFSybDS1054Z.
In your position I'd consider a bid.
FYI: I bought a new DS1054Z last month; they're extremely good value for money; I haven't touched half of its capabilities yet. However, my goto scope for everyday troubleshooting undemanding stuff is a 35ish year old 2ch analogue Philips. So easy to set up, no menus to speak of, just twist knobs and go. I learnt tons with it for circa £40.
Good luck in your search!

That looks a good deal if for the price. About 150 off from new. Thanks for the link. Will watch how it goes.
I also fear for the situation where I get the 1054z, and 50% or more of capabilities not used for long time, while the manufactures keep bringing out more powerful and cheaper DSOs.

I used to have old scopes like that a few year ago, and tinker about on weekends. But left electronics for a while selling them off, now trying to get back to the hobby.

[vinlove]

Yes, there seem many famous electronic youtubers using the 1052E, and their knowledge and work seem excellent.

And another thing I have noticed was that there seem tons of reviews and practical videos made with the 1052E on internet.

[WhichEnt2]

As I said in the OP, I was not sure if Hantek would be a good buy, but no one really seems mention about Hantek although their specs for the money are impressive.  Whether the Hantek are good buy or not still remains mystery to me.

They are largely discussed on russian forums and has more disadvantages, bugs and any other unwanted things than 1052E or 1054Z.
Check this out: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-oscilloscopes-any-opinions/msg2404695/#msg2404695

[vinlove]

They are largely discussed on russian forums and has more disadvantages, bugs and any other unwanted things than 1052E or 1054Z.
Check this out: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-oscilloscopes-any-opinions/msg2404695/#msg2404695

I am glad to know that. I almost was going for it.
But I had funny feeling that they might have inferior hardware and software bugs even with the high specs. not good value for money for long run.

I have placed an order for DS1052E, and it is on my way.

[Psi]

I'm still using my old DS1052E.

I've used the newer DS1054Z at my old work but i didn't like how laggy the traces are to move around with the knobs.
Ya have to move them slowly to give the trace time to move to the new position so you can see where you are going, otherwise you overshoot.
Trace on the older DS1052E moves more in real time to the knob rotation.

Having 4 channels on the DS1054Z is nice though.

[vinlove]

I'm still using my old DS1052E.

I've used the newer DS1054Z at my old work but i didn't like how laggy the traces are to move around with the knobs.
Ya have to move them slowly to give the trace time to move to the new position so you can see where you are going, otherwise you overshoot.
Trace on the older DS1052E moves more in real time to the knob rotation.

Having 4 channels on the DS1054Z is nice though.

My cunning plan that I get the 1052E the now, and in 1-2 years, will get a DS1054z for 4ch +2ch (1052E) = 6 ch. seem a good idea.

[tv84]

Or you can add a DS1052E each year and, let's say, by 2025 you'll have a farm! Plenty of channels...

Buy the DS1054Z. If you don't have the money wait some more months.

[vinlove]

Or you can add a DS1052E each year and, let's say, by 2025 you'll have a farm! Plenty of channels...

Buy the DS1054Z. If you don't have the money wait some more months.

That doesn't sound wise at all.
I don't need more than 2 DSOs at most no matter what circumstances, and I do have soft spot for DS1052E.

1052E is 120£ roughly 35% cheaper than 1054z, it has been for long enough to establish Rigol's reputation in the market, and many experienced high level users are still using it. It will do nicely for now.

I am glad the Hantek mystery has been now cleared.

[vinlove]

Plus if 1054z screen is laggy during trace, it doesn't sound perfect machine at all.

I am glad that I won't be paying 35% more for the capabilities of 1054z that I won't being using for the time being.

[tv84]

If you are already convinced then no need to waste your time evangelizing the forum. Enjoy it!

BTW, I sold mine 2 months ago for 180€.

[Old Printer]

Local Craigslist shows a nice 1054Z for $250 & a 1052 for $150 from same owner, and a nice old TEK 475A for $80. South Florida is scope city this week I have a nice 475, it would look good next to the A model for only 80 bucks...the TEA syndrome is strong this morning

[tv84]

...the TEA syndrome is strong this morning

Stay away from the light ! ! !   

[rsjsouza]

One "famous" user of the DS1052E is Louis Rossmann (equipment repair). 

he is a repair guy not design guy. another known guy is Nigel Stanford, but he is a music composer . latest dso from agilent iirc now come with 8 channels, see how important the more channel is? but ymmv.

Exactly this. YMMV. This was a direct response to OP's questions: "Anyone still using this scope? Is this still a good scope?"
Along with the rest of my posts, my answers are: yes and yes.

I have placed an order for DS1052E, and it is on my way.

Congratulations on your purchase! You will not be disappointed. You can always get another scope later when you get rich and famous.

[vinlove]

If you are already convinced then no need to waste your time evangelizing the forum. Enjoy it!

BTW, I sold mine 2 months ago for 180€.

What? Wasting time evangelizing the forum? Where did you get that? ;D
I was just replying to a post.

Communication - this is what any forum is about. Just because you feel something sour in the post, it doesn't mean the poster was evangelizing forum.