Need review of a specific AMScope model

[johnny diaz]

So I'm thing about getting a stereo microscope and was thinking about the model below.  Does anyone have any experience with this particular model?  Also wondering about the quality of the camera?

http://store.amscope.com/sm-4tz-144-10mt.html

Thanks
Johnny

[robrenz]

THOUROGHLY read my thread about this scope.  I tried the 10Mp camera and IMO you definitely do not want it. I tell you why you want the MU500  5Mp camera instead in the thread. Also note only the right eyepiece is active when you have the camera active. My scope is identical except for the sliding boom and the higher led count light. I am very happy with the scope and the software.  If you plan to do a LOT of work while videoing I suggest you look at the simufocal scopes from amscope that have both eyepieces active when the camera is active.

Edit: added link to simufocal scopes

[roli_bark]

You've most probably meant "Simul-Focal" AmScope line (not "simufocal").

[microscopeman]

AMscope is very misleading....They advertise magnifications that are only possible by changing out the eyepieces. Yes they give you these eyepieces to change out however by increasing the magnification of the eyepieces you are getting "empty magnification". Putting 20x eyepieces in a scope instead of 10x will create a larger image however with poor resolution. When you jump to 30x eyepieces you get an image with even less resolution. The proper way to accomplish this is to use a microscope that actually has more of a zoom range or add a supplementary lens. I will say that they do give you a lot for your money but a lot of junk is still junk. Their products look okay but they are knock off’ s of many of the name brand scopes- Motic, Unitron, National, Accu-Scope, etc. The factories in China copy each other to look the same on the outside, however it is the optics and mechanics that are not good. One other comment is about their warranty repairs and parts availability. I have heard stories that they make people return the scope in the original box or they will not honor a warranty. Also parts are very hard to get once they decide to change the model slightly (which they often do). They carry so many microscopes they cannot stock parts that you WILL need in the future.
In my opinion you are much better purchasing an Accu-Scope microscope. Depending on who you purchase this from you will find yourself dealing with a knowledgeable microscopist who understands your applications and expectations. Depending on which model you choose the pricing is very close to AMscope. I purchased my scope from I. Miller Optical. The gentleman who helped me was able to answer all of my questions and provide me with a microscope that met all of my expectations and budget. What he said to me when I called is that their web site is not up to date because they do not believe in selling without having a conversation to make sure the microscope you are buying meets all of your requirements. I am very happy with my Accu-Scope microscope and would recommend this brand and company to anyone considering an economical purchase.

[robrenz]

AMscope is very misleading....They advertise magnifications that are only possible by changing out the eyepieces. Yes they give you these eyepieces to change out however by increasing the magnification of the eyepieces you are getting "empty magnification". Putting 20x eyepieces in a scope instead of 10x will create a larger image however with poor resolution. When you jump to 30x eyepieces you get an image with even less resolution. The proper way to accomplish this is to use a microscope that actually has more of a zoom range or add a supplementary lens.

I am not interested in starting a brand war but this statement is incorrect. I have 10X eye pieces and 2X objective lenses to get to 90X total.  I also have 0.5X when I need large working distance.  I also bought 20X eyepieces for when I need more working distance than a 2X objective will allow, I agree 20X eyepieces are not ideal but what good is it if you cant get your work under the lens?

Edit: I looked at the AccuScope site and there are no boom mount stereo microscopes shown. That is pretty much a must have for electronic work.

Never mind I found them .

[SLJ]

I used an Amscope for about a half hour before I decided to purchase one.   It's not here yet but I will post what I think of it for electronics use when I get it.  The Accu-Scope web site does not show many boom models and what they have looks to be almost twice as much with less features.  I would expect if you pay twice as much for one it should have better optics. The question is are the optics in the Amscope good enough for the intended use?  I will let you know and post some photos taken with the camera.

[SLJ]

Only had the Amscope for a day so far but the optics are fine and will work great for SMD work.  Plenty of work room beneath the lens for soldering.  Only thing I don't like is you do need to refocus when changing the zoom by a lot but it really shouldn't be a problem.  Camera works fine for photos.  Software works well also.  Laptop is Win 8 and the software installed with no problem.

Update:


No problems with the scope or the camera. It is dependent on the amount of light and the speed of the computer.
Got the new ESD station for it done tonight.  Plenty of room to work underneath it.  I am going to get a clear filter to cover the lens directly over the work area.
Used a computer desk and converted it. Had trouble finding a computer desk deep enough for the scope but the Mayline I got was 23 inches and under $100 with free shipping. It's very sturdy with a good laminated surface. I added shelves for the monitor and the tools.

[arekm]

Trying to figure out which amscope model will be best for me in ~400$ price range (there is some 52% discount on amscope page).

Requirements:
- best for tiny desk space available
- trinocular (I hope non amscope cameras are possible to mount, so doesn't have to come with camera in standard)
- ~400$ price range
- additional items in that price range (and what additional items needed if any? like lenses etc)

http://amscope.com/lowpower-stereo-boomstand.html

Any clues?

[SLJ]

First, there's always a 52% discount, or at least there has been for the past year.

I recommend getting the double arm stand if you can but the standard boom will work also.  The double arm has a larger adjustable focusing range and it's only about $10 more.   The 3.5x-45x zoom with the 10X eye pieces is all you should need for soldering. To get the 6"-8" working distance you will use the .5X barlow lens that comes with the 3.5x-45x.  That should get you to 22X and to 45X without it.  I typically use it between 6X and 10X.

You can always add a camera later if you get one with a trinocular head.  I purchased a simul-focal trinocular head but that might put you above your price range.

Boom Stand $430:  http://amscope.com/sm-3tx.html
Double arm stand $440:   http://amscope.com/sm-4tx.html

You will want a light ring also.  Get an LED light ring, the brightest you can afford if you are going to be taking photos eventually.   The cheap fluorescent rings aren't very good for taking photos.

You will need at least 22" deep for the work surface with another 8" 9.5" behind it for the boom to stick out the back. About 30" from front to back total.  I used a computer desk and when I use a circuit board holder I put it on the keyboard tray.

[arekm]

Thanks for hints.

Max price range for me is ~850$ including all costs (delivery, custom fee etc). Unfortunately EU delivey of simul-focal versions is ~1500$ (where the microscope costs ~600$), so that's big joke on amscope side. Especially that UPS package from EU to US up to 70kg is only ~150$ here, so no idea why US->EU is 10 times that.

Non simul focal versions somehow fit into Ebay Global Shipping Program rules thus EU delivery is only 30-40$. So have to stay with non simul focal version. Photos would be taken rarely with it anyway.

From your description and prices it looks like SM-4TZ-56S is good choice and has everything needed. Please verify if I'm not doing any stupid choice - http://tnij.org/8j1m (644$ with delivery and custom fees).

Now the potential problem. I have a desk next to shelf (photo http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/9239/8g2w.png ) and would set stand on the shelf (removing power supply from there) with arm going over the desk. The problem is that shelf height is only 40cm. Not sure if it will fit there and still be operational. Description on amscope web site says "17" high pillar", so 42cm -won't fit :-/ Could you verify that?

My desk space is really small :-(

[SLJ]

Center post is 43.3 centimeters high.  You will need that height for the full focus range.
It is 76.2 centimeters front to back and that's without sliding the boom toward you.
The boom has another 23.5 centimeters of travel so if you are going to allow it to adjust toward you you would need about 100 centimeters front to back but the minimum you need is 76.2 cm.

Saying that, the head does swing sideways in either direction so you could use it 90 degrees sideways or on an angle but that will limit the room you have underneath the head as the base will be closer to the work area.

[arekm]

Won't fit easiliy then (even if I move shelf up a bit).

There is better alternative - articulating arm (like http://amscope.com/sm-6tx.html ) but too expensive.

So I think I'll go with cheaper base boom stand, http://tnij.org/8pba (SM-3TX), even with led ligth (http://www.amscope.com/sm-3tx-54s.html ). Base boom stand looks smaller, easier to move and should fit my tiny desk space better.

[digsys]

As others have suggested, the double boom is a LOT more stable. I have both. As far as reach, I removed the base plate
and made up an extended bench mount, pretty simple. I looked at that articulated one, but I believe it would be terribly
unstable. These things are heavy. Whatever you chose, these things are awesome :-)

[Circuitous]

I have been using a binocular AmScope for a couple of years, mounted on their articulating arm.  It's very stable.  The articulating arm made the microscope much easier to use and maneuver.

Here's a picture of it attached to the bench:
http://corgitronics.com/2013/03/10/amscope-microscope/

[arekm]

As others have suggested, the double boom is a LOT more stable.

Hm, could you elaborate more? I mean how easy is to make single boom roll over? Does it fall by itself when max reach is set or something? Surely double is more stable but it's hard to determine what "more/less" actually is when looking over pictures/reading forums :-)  Double looks much bigger, too :-) For reference, we are talking about such stand http://www.amscope.com/sm-3tx-54s.html

Found some descriptions where people were rather happy with single boom stands, so I wonder how "bad" is it:
http://www.electro-tech-online.com/blog-entries/first-impressions-of-the-amscope-sm-3tx-microscop.104/
http://www.amazon.com/review/RP5RNYBQ4JAZE
http://www.amazon.com/AmScope-3-5X-90X-Binocular-Stereo-Microscope/dp/B006QN5T5G/ref=aag_m_pw_dp?ie=UTF8&m=A35BV4NHHC5J5C

Amscope says:

The single arm is very stable. The double's only benefit is that it has a slightly longer reach and the head can pivot forward and backward a bit, but it's rather useless of a feature.

Edit: Doesn't look to be bad

[SLJ]

I have been using a binocular AmScope for a couple of years, mounted on their articulating arm.  It's very stable.  The articulating arm made the microscope much easier to use and maneuver.

Here's a picture of it attached to the bench:
http://corgitronics.com/2013/03/10/amscope-microscope/

Is that fume extractor line you are using the 2.5" Loc-Line?  Does it stay in place?  Where did you find black?  I've only seen dark blue in the 2.5".

[SLJ]

As others have suggested, the double boom is a LOT more stable.

Hm, could you elaborate more? I mean how easy is to make single boom roll over? Does it fall by itself when max reach is set or something? Surely double is more stable but it's hard to determine what "more/less" actually is when looking over pictures/reading forums :-)  Double looks much bigger, too :-) For reference, we are talking about such stand http://www.amscope.com/sm-3tx-54s.html

Amscope says:

The single arm is very stable. The double's only benefit is that it has a slightly longer reach and the head can pivot forward and backward a bit, but it's rather useless of a feature.

Edit: Doesn't look to be bad

I don't have the single arm so I can't tell you how much more stable it is but since digsys has both I would tend to go with what he says.  I can say that if you have to make a lot of adjustments to the boom I think the double would be better as you don't have to worry about tilt every time you loosen the screws, still as long as you keep a hold of it it should not be a problem as the head seems to be pretty balanced.   

The big advantage for me is the double arm does have a longer post for adjusting the focusing rack so you don't have to move the entire boom, rack, and head to adjust the head to a different height for a different focus distance as much and don't have to reach or stand up to adjust it like you do with the single arm.  I work with both boards flat on the work surface and boards on circuit board holders so the height makes somewhat of a difference.  Again, if you don't have room for the double boom then it's a moot point anyway and I'm sure it will work fine.  For those that have the room and $10 I would still recommend the double boom since it has more adjustment capability.

[digsys]

Hm, could you elaborate more? I mean how easy is to make single boom roll over? Does it fall by itself when max reach is set or something?
Found some descriptions where people were rather happy with single boom stands, so I wonder how "bad" is it:

SLJs comments are pretty well spot-on to what I'd have said.
My eyesight isn't what It used to be, so when I'm working with a lot of S/Mount parts, all different sizes / shapes and
constantly changing focus / distance / angles etc, the double boom wins hands down.
There is nothing "wrong" with the single boom AT ALL, and I do admit, I extrapolated that difference for the articulated boom,
with no real experience. I did nearly buy it as well, but the size and uncertainty of ease of adjustment won over.
One of the main differences I find is when constantly extending / retracting, which I do a lot. The double is MUCH easier, less stress on a
single "bearing" I assume. What I was trying to say I guess is - IF you have a choice, the double has advantages.

[arekm]

Today got final piece of the SM-3TZ-54S (http://www.ebay.pl/itm/200596382636) delivered (ebay US->Poland delivery of 20kg microscope only for 23$ worked!). Thanks for suggestions - so far I'm happy with both - stand and microscope.

Now to buy some nice, cheaper-than-amscope-branded, camera for it. Recommendations?