Amscope has always been the top microscope brand that gets the highest number of requests for review among our readers.
And it is not hard to imagine why.
Given the sheer numbers of choices (over 500 models) to choose from, most buyers like you suffer from choice-fatigue before making a purchase decision.
When it comes to choosing microscopes, people have different budgets and requirements while others may appreciate certain features and specifications.
There is really no one sizes fits all model when it comes to getting a microscope that truly suits the needs of every buyers.
In view of that, our team scoured the web and reviewed 9 of the best selling Amscope microscopes, without you having to sieve through hundreds of models from Amscope.
We have rated them according to their features, specifications and applications. We have also listed the pros and cons of each model that we recommend.
It is not our call to determine which model is the best of all since everyone has different needs and requirements, not to mention budget.
So without much delay, let’s get to it.
Check out our comparison table below if you cannot wait to see which are the best 9 models we have shortlisted. 🙂
Comparison Table of 9 Best Amscope Microscopes
Best 9 Models | Model Name | Applications | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|
 | AmScope B120C Microscope | for studying fixed or live cells, bacteria, plants and soil, or water samples | [su_button url=”#B120C” background=”#ff5a25″]Read Review[/su_button] |
 | AmScope B120C Microscope | Perfect for clinics, vets, doctors and medical school students | [su_button url=”#B490B” background=”#ec680e”]Read Review[/su_button] |
 | AmScope SM-3T-54S-5M Microscope | An ideal instrument for researchers, gemologists, engravers, collectors and anyone in semiconductor and electronics industries | [su_button url=”#SM-3T-54S-5M” background=”#ec680e”]Read Review[/su_button] |
 | Amscope M100C-LED Compound Microscope | for young scientists and scientific enthusiastic age eight and up | [su_button url=”#M100C-LED” background=”#ec680e”]Read Review[/su_button] |
 | AmScope SM-4BZ-FRL-B Stereo Microscope | Great for Paleontology, Biological research, Entomology, Quality control, Pathology, Watchmaking and more | [su_button url=”#SM-4BZ-FRL-B” background=”#ec680e”]Read Review[/su_button] |
 | AmScope SM-4TZ-144A Microscope | Most ideal for SMD board work, Electrical Repair Work, | [su_button url=”#SM-4TZ-144A” background=”#ec680e”]Read Review[/su_button] |
 | AmScope SM-3BZ-80S Microscope | A must-have for researchers, gemologists, engravers, collectors and anyone in semiconductor and electronics industries | [su_button url=”#SM-3BZ-80S” background=”#ec680e”]Read Review[/su_button] |
 | AmScope M148C-E Microscope | home school or for students from elementary to high school. It is also an excellent instrument for hobbyists and more | [su_button url=”#M148C-E” background=”#ec680e”]Read Review[/su_button] |
 | AmScope T490B Microscope | handy for teaching demonstrations, clinical examinations and laboratory applications | [su_button url=”#T490B” background=”#ec680e”]Read Review[/su_button] |
[1] AmScope B120C Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope
[su_divider]Best for Teaching demonstrations, Clinical examinations and Laboratory applications
AmScope B120C should definitely get a place in your shopping list if you are looking to buy a compound microscope that is both lightweight and comes packed with decent features and quality. While the specifications and features cannot be compared to that of high-end microscopes, B120C possesses functions and features that will put many microscopes of similar price range to shame. What is to like about this binocular microscope is that it help reduce typical eye and neck strains to a minimum by providing a 30-degree vertical inclination, it’s 360-degree swiveling head allows view sharing with the person sitting opposite you. B120C’s objective turret allows you to quickly switch between 4 levels of magnifications – from 40x to 1000x and the maximum 2500x magnification can be reached with the 25x eyepieces which is included. With such level of magnifications, you will be able to perform a close-up study of objects like hair follicles, cells and bacteria through its high quality lenses which are achromatically corrected to level up color accuracy and resolution. Get this compound microscope if your daily activities revolve around teaching demonstrations, clinical examinations – especially ideal for medical and biology teachers and students. [su_table responsive=”yes” fixed=”Yes”]AmScope B120C | Specification Table |
| Dimensions: | 20.3 x 12.6 x 9.4 inches |
| Net Weight: | 3.25 pounds (1.47 kg) |
| Microscope Type: | Compound |
| Head Type: | Binocular |
| Magnification Range: | 40X to 2500X |
| Eyepiece Power: | 10X, 25X |
| Eyepiece Size: | 23mm |
| Objective Power: | 4X, 10X, 40X, 100X |
| Objective Size: | 20mm |
| Ocular Diameter: | 23mm |
| Interpupillary Distance: | 2-1/8″ – 3-1/8″ (53mm – 77mm) |
| Field View: | Widefield |
| Light Type: | LED |
| Light Power: | 1W |
| Stage Dimensions: | 118mm x 127mm |
| Warranty | 5 Years Factory Warranty |
What’s Included? |
| One binocular head |
| One microscope body |
| Four objective lenses: 4X, 10X, 40X, 100X |
| One pair 10X eyepieces |
| One pair 25X eyepieces |
| One dust cover |
| One sample bottle of immersion oil |
| One blue color filter |
- Adjustable ocular diopter
- Siedentopf binocular head
- Six magnification settings, 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X & 2500X
- Four Achromatic objectives, DIN 4X, 10X, 40X(S), 100X(S,Oil)
- Variable intensity illumination
- 3D double-layer Mechanical Stage with caliper, X-Y-Z movement
- Abbe condenser and iris diaphragm & filter
- Two pairs of widefield eyepieces: WF10X and WF25X
- NA1.25 Abbe Condenser with iris diaphragm & filters
- Rack and pinion adjustment condenser
- 5 years warranty
- Entry-level research and educational purposes; look for other models if you are looking for lab-grade microscope
- User manual has to be downloaded from Amscope’s Manual Download Center
[2] AmScope B490B Compound Binocular Microscope
[su_divider]Best for Medical Students, Veterinarians, Breeders, and Clinics
If there is one thing that helps microscopes optimize their capabilities, it’s the illumination. AmScope B490B comes with halogen lighting that reduces eye-strain over prolonged usage. It’s built-in halogen lighting system comes with adjustable brightness intensity, give you the right amount of lighting across various applications. In addition to having eight levels of magnifications [40x-80x-100x-200x-400x-800x-1000x-2000x], B490B also comes with adjustable interpupillary distance and diopters on both oculars. What I like most about this compound microscope is that when it comes to examining specimen slides, it offers smooth and precise movement, thanks to the dual layer mechanical stage – its low position controls are strategically placed in close proximity to the coaxial knobs for optimized work efficiency. Even if you are a beginner, you will find examining specimen slides a smooth and intuitive experience. I find the deck a tad challenging to move up and down, might be a pain in the neck for some people but this is definitely not the deal-breaker for me. All-in-all, Amscope B490B does come with most features that most people need in a microscope and yet it is also one of the more affordable ones we have reviewed across the similar price ranges.With its excellent 5 years warranty, it is definitely worth taking this model for a test drive.
[su_table responsive=”yes” fixed=”Yes”]AmScope B490B | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 20 x 17 x 10.5 inches |
| Net Weight | 17.2 pounds (7.8 kg) |
| Microscope Type: | Compound |
| Head Type: | Binocular |
| Magnification Range: | 40X to 2000X |
| Eyepiece Power: | 10X, 20X |
| Eyepiece Size: | 23mm |
| Objective Power: | 4X, 10X, 40X, 100X |
| Objective Size: | 20mm |
| Ocular Diameter: | 23mm |
| Interpupillary Adjustment: | Siedentopf compensation-free gemel |
| Field View: | Widefield |
| Light Type: | Halogen |
| Light Power: | 20W |
| Stage Dimensions: | 140mm x 140mm |
| Warranty | 5 Years Factory Warranty |
What’s Included? |
| One binocular head |
| One microscope body |
| Four objective lenses: 4X, 10X, 40X, 100X |
| One pair 10X eyepieces |
| One pair 20X eyepieces |
| One power cord (US and Canada standard) |
| One dust cover |
| Three color filters (blue, green, yellow) |
| One spare halogen bulb |
| One spare fuse |
| One sample bottle of immersion oil |
- Eight settings of magnification: 40x-80x-100x-200x-400x-800x-1000x-2000x
- Upward stage stopper to protect slides and objectives
- Abbe condenser with iris diaphragm filters
- Rack and pinion adjustment for condenser
- Focusing control knobs on both sides.
- Adjustable interpupillary distance
- Adjustable diopters on both oculars
- Full solid metal frame construction with stain resistant enamel finish
- Quadruple Nosepiece
- Mechanical tube length: 6-5/16 inch (160mm)
- Widefield eyepiece: WF10x and WF20x
- Full coated achromatic objective: 4x, 10x, 40x (spring), 100x (spring, oil)
- Stage dimension: 5-1/2 inch x 5-1/2 inch (140x140mm)
- Stage traveling range: 2-15/16 inch x 1-3/4 inch (75x45mm)
- Focusing range: 1-3/16 inch (30mm)
- 5 years warranty
- Do not expect the same focus precision from high-end microscopes
- Deck tends to be a bit rough going up and down
- Manual has to be downloaded online
[3] AmScope SM-3T-54S-5M Digital Trinocular Stereo Microscope
[su_divider]Best for Medical Students, Veterinarians, Breeders, and Clinics
Sturdy body that provides long working distance, ready to manipulate any large object you throw at it, powered by shadow-free illumination. That’s probably the best way to describe this trinocular stereo microscope from AmScope.
AmScope SM-3T-54S-5M comes with a dimmable 54-LED compact ring light that offers superior illumination should you need to take crystal clear images or video with its 5 megapixel digital camera.
On top of that, there is also a USB 2.0 output port for transferring all captured images and videos to a USB storage of your choice – typically a computer or laptop – and of course there are included software for image editing and measurement functions.
Equipped with 0.7x – 4.5x zoom objective, SM-3T-54S-5M is capable of providing a longer reaching focal length for checking out large specimens.
And just like most microscopes with single arm stand, this stereo microscope offers a 8′ vertical working distance and a 16″ boom arm which is adjustable to best fit the application you are working on.
The price for AmScope SM-3T-54S-5M may be on the steep side, but if you are line of work involves semiconductors, electronics or even engraving, this stereo microscope is a worthy investment.
Not to mention the 5 years worry-free warranty that comes with it.
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AmScope SM-3T-54S-5M | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 19.8 x 19 x 17.5 inches |
| Net Weight | 42.3 pounds (19.2 kg) |
| Microscope Type: | Stereo |
| Head Type: | Trinocular |
| Magnification Range: | 7X to 45X |
| Eyepiece Power: | 10X |
| Eyepiece Size: | 30mm |
| Objective Power: | 0.7-4.5X |
| Camera Sensor: | CMOS |
| Diopter Adjustment: | +/-5dp |
| Interpupillary Distance: | 2-3/16″ – 2-15/16″ (55-75mm) |
| Field View: | Super Widefield |
| Light Type: | LED |
| Number of Light Bulbs: | 54 |
| Stand Type | Boom Stand: single-arm |
| Warranty | 5 Years Factory Warranty |
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What’s Included? |
| One Trinocular Stereo Zoom Head |
| A pair of SUPER Wide-field 10X Eyepieces |
| One Single-Arm Boom Stand with Focus Rack |
| One Pair of Eye-Guards |
| Downloadable User’s Manual |
| One 54-LED Ring Light with Mounting Adapter |
| One 5MP USB2.0 Microscope Digital Camera with Reduction Lens |
| Two Mounting Adapters for the Camera |
| One USB Cable |
| One CD with Software, Driver and Step-by-Step User’s Instructions |
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[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]What We Like:[/su_highlight]
- 5MP Color Digital Camera Included
- 54-LED Bright, Even and Cool Lighting Illumination
- 45 Degree Inclined Trinocular Head with SUPER Widefield High-Eyepoint Eyepieces
- Erect Stereo Sharp Images over a SUPER Widefield of View
- Full Optical Glass Elements
- High Resolution with Great Flatness and Contrast
- Crystal Clear Original True Color Images
- 30mm SUPER Widefield WF10X/20 Eyepieces
- Both Ocular-Tubes with Adjustable Diopter
- Adjustable Interpupillary Distance
- Versatile Boom Stand Covering Large Working Area
- Heavy-Duty Cast Steel Stand Finished with Stain Resistant Enamel
- Rugged Solid Cast Steel Base
- Rubber Eye-guards Included
- Mounting Adapter for LED Ring Light Included
- Camera Adapters for Fitting All Other Microscopes Included
- 5 years warranty
[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]Not So Great:[/su_highlight]
- Manual only available online
- Quality of the 5MP camera could be better
[4] AmScope M100C-LED Compound Microscope
[su_divider]Best for Beginners, Basic Indoor and Outdoor Applications
If you are new to microscopes or is trying to get a basic one for your children to get early childhood exposure to microscopic objects, then AmScope M100C-LED is seriously worth considering.
This LED illuminated lightweight compound microscope is highly portable.
It is the most ideal family microscope where you can bring it along during weekend getaway in the wilderness.
Just bring along a few stack of AA batteries, and you are ready to explore the microscopic world with your kiddos during your outdoor trips.
Equipped with 5 levels of magnifications, it can easily doubled up as an educational biological microscope to encourage your school-going kids to explore and view things like cell tissues, bacteria and fungi.
Besides having dual focus control knobs, the compound microscope comes with a 45-degree inclined head and a 360 degree swiveling monocular which facilitates view sharing conveniently.
With so many good features built-in, this cost-effective microscope is now within reach to everyone who has a burning passion for the microscopic world.
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AmScope M100C-LED | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 13 x 6 x 9 inches; |
| Net Weight | 3.6 pounds (1.63 kg) |
| Microscope Type: | Compound |
| Head Type: | Monocular |
| Magnification Range: | 40X to 1000X |
| Eyepiece Power: | 10X, 25X |
| Eyepiece Size: | 23mm |
| Objective Power: | 4X, 10X, 40X |
| Optics: | Achromatic |
| Condenser: | Single lens with disc diaphragm |
| Condenser Type: | Brightfield |
| Field View: | Widefield |
| Light Type: | LED |
| Light Power: | 1W |
| Stage Dimensions: | 3-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ |
| Warranty | 5 Years Factory Warranty |
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What’s Included? |
| Monocular microscope body with LED illumination |
| Objectives: 4x, 10x and 40x |
| One pair 10X eyepieces |
| One pair 25X eyepieces |
| One dust cover |
| Clips (pair) |
| 110V/60Hz DC 5V adapter |
| Downloadable User’s Manual |
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[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]What We Like:[/su_highlight]
- Lightweight and Portable LED Microscope for field sites
- Powered by batteries or low voltage wall power for your children’s safety
- Plug transformer included
- User-friendly operation
- 45 degree inclined 360 degree swiveling monocular head with locked-in eyepiece
- Five Levels of Magnification: 40X-100X-250X-400X-1000X
- Built-in LED illumination system
- Single lens condenser and disc diaphragm
- Dual focusing control knobs
- Glass achromatic objectives minimizes aberration and last longer.
- Features five levels of magnification settings
- 5 years warranty
[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]Not So Great:[/su_highlight]
- Non-adjustable lighting
- Not for you if you prefer something more sturdy
- Lack of manual which is only available online
[5] AmScope SM-4BZ-FRL-B Binocular Stereo Microscope
AmScope SM-4BZ-FRL-B comes in at the top of my list for doing research and semiconductor related works. This binocular stereo microscope comes with a whopping 8″ (20cm) working distance, thanks to it 65mm super wide-field view and black double-arm boom stand.
The head of this microscope can be positioned on all 3 axes (X, Y and Z) with its 20″ arms and 17″ pillar.
In addition to having a removable 8W fluorescent ring lighting that provides shadow-free illumination, this AmScope microscope also offers a pair of 0.5x and 2.0x Barlow lens.
These lens can be added on to the objective to further extend the zoom magnification.
If you are always working on large-scale items on a very frequent basis and need a sturdy and high quality stereo binocular microscope, this SM-4BZ-FRL-B model from AmScope might be your chosen one.
But do be prepared to pay a hefty price for this professional microscope though.
Other applications for this microscope includes dissecting, engraving, dental and industrial inspection.
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AmScope SM-4BZ-FRL-B | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 21.5 x 21.26 x 19.29 inches |
| Net Weight | 55.1 pounds (25 kg) |
| Microscope Type: | Stereo |
| Head Type: | Binocular |
| Magnification Range: | 3.5X to 90X |
| Eyepiece Power: | 10X |
| Eyepiece Size: | 30mm |
| Objective Power: | 0.7 to 4.5X |
| Auxiliary Objective: | 0.5X & 2.0X |
| Diopter Adjustment: | +/-5dp |
| Interpupillary Distance: | 2-3/16″ – 2-15/16″(55-75mm) |
| Field View: | Super Widefield |
| Light Type: | Fluorescent |
| Light Power: | 12W |
| Number of Light Bulbs: | 1 |
| Warranty | 5 Years Factory Warranty |
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What’s Included? |
| AmScope SM-4BZ-FRL-B stereo zoom microscope with black double-arm boom stand |
| WH10x20mm eyepieces, 30mm, one pair |
| 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective |
| 0.5x Barlow lens |
| 2.0x Barlow lens |
| Fluorescent ring light, 8W (FRL8) |
| Focus rack |
| A pair of Eye guards |
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[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]What We Like:[/su_highlight]
- A 3.5X-90X Extremely Large Zoom Power Microscopy System on Boom Arm
- Fluorescent Ring Light included
- Versatile Boom Stand Covering Large Working Area.
- Double-Arm Design for 3-Degree Freedom.
- Microscope Head Tilts for Flexible Positioning
- High Resolution with Great Flatness and Contrast.
- Erect, Sharp Stereo Images over a SUPER Wide Field of View.
- 45 Degree Inclined Binocular Head with SUPER Wide-field High Eyepoint Eyepieces.
- Both Ocular-Tubes with Adjustable Diopter.
- Adjustable Inter-pupillary Distance.
- Heavy-Duty Cast Steel Stand Finished with Stain Resistant Enamel.
- Rugged Solid Cast Steel Base.
- Rubber Eye-guards Included.
- 5 years warranty
[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]Not So Great:[/su_highlight]
- Fair warning: this microscope is heavy at 25kg
[6] AmScope SM-4TZ-144A Trinocular Stereo Microscope
[su_divider]Best for Biological and Industrial applications
Amscope SM-4TZ-144A is very similar to Amscope SM-4BZ-FRL-B reviewed above in terms of core features. This trinocular AmScope microscope also comes equipped with double-arm boom stand for large object manipulation and Barlow lens for extending magnification range.
The key differences between the two models are their lenses, camera-port, working distance and type of illumination.
SM-4TZ-144A comes with Greenough stereoscopic objective lenses and has a vertical trinocular port that provides a dedicated mounting point for attaching a microscope camera. Besides that, Amscope SM-4TZ-144A also has a shorter working distance of only 165mm compared to 200mm on Amscope SM-4BZ-FRL-B.
In terms of lighting, SM-4TZ-144A comes with a 144-bulb LED spanned across 4 different zones for light intensity control and manipulation. Amscope SM-4BZ-FRL-B, on the other hand, comes with a removable 8W fluorescent ring lighting.
So I am to compare apple to apple, Amscope SM-4TZ-144A is definitely comes with better quality features although it offers a shorter working distance. You may want to read our full review of Amscope SM-4TZ-144A.
I would not recommended Amscope SM-4TZ-144A unless you really have extra cash to spare and is in consistent need of ultra bright lighting to work on items like circuit boards or large appliances.
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AmScope SM-4TZ-144A | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 21.5 x 21.26 x 19.29 inches |
| Net Weight | 65 pounds (29.48 kg) |
| Microscope Type: | Stereo |
| Head Type: | Trinocular |
| Magnification Range: | 3.5X to 90X |
| Eyepiece Power: | 10X |
| Eyepiece Size: | 30mm |
| Objective Power: | 0.7 to 4.5X |
| Dioptric Adjustment: | Both oculars, ±5dp |
| Ocular-port Diameter: | 30mm |
| Interpupillary Adjustment: | Compensation-free gemel, 54-76mm |
| Field View: | Super Widefield |
| Light Type: | LED |
| Number of Light Bulbs: | 144 |
| Native Working Distance: | 100mm |
| Warranty | 5 Years Factory Warranty |
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[su_table]
What’s Included? |
| One trinocular stereo microscope head |
| One photo port attachment |
| One pair 10X eyepieces |
| One 0.5X Barlow lens |
| One 2X Barlow lens |
| One pair eye-guards |
| One double-arm boom-stand with focusing rack |
| One LED ring-light |
| One power controller |
| One power cable |
| One ring-light mounting adapter |
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[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]What We Like:[/su_highlight]
- Magnification range from 7X to 45X
- 100mm Native Working Distance
- Greenough stereoscopic Optical System
- A trinocular photo-port provides a dedicated mount for adding a camera.
- 144-LED ring-light with quadrant-control for bright and cool illumination
- With 0.7X-4.5X zoom objectives, moving through the magnification range is as easy as turning a knob
- The multi-pivoting, double-arm stand provides a stable, flexible support system, ideal for hands-on work
- Removable rheostat-controlled 144-bulb LED has four separate zones to independently control light intensity and direction
- Double-arm boom stand has 20″ arms and 17″ pillar to enable users to position the microscope head on three axes (X, Y, and Z)
- 5 years warranty
[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]Not So Great:[/su_highlight]
- The camera mount can be a tad flimsy depending on the application
- Quality of the 5MP camera works great but do not expect impressive quality
- The LED ring light may feels cheap but it does the job
- Manuals are only available online
[7] AmScope SM-3BZ-80S Binocular Stereo Microscope
[su_divider]Best for Biological laboratory applications
There is one common fault I often have to pick when reviewing microscopes – the illumination. No professional microscope is complete without bright and dimmable lighting as it would be challenging to perform microscopic work of any sort.
Lighting is definitely not a fault I can pick with AmScope SM-3BZ-80S. It offers a 80-bulb ring-style LED illumination and it comes equipped with built-in dimmer which is a plus in my book.
Besides loving the LED ring lighting, I would be lying if I say I am not at all impressed with the 8″ working distance that this AmScope microscope offers.
With such large working distance and up to 28.6mm native field of view, working on large scale specimens will be a walk in the park.
Another often neglected feature of microscope is the base. I am a sucker for heavy base and AmScope SM-3BZ-80S definitely checks the box for me.
Its heavy steel base provides maximum stability for the microscope, even when it is under attachment loads.
This is a worthy microscope to consider as it is a popular choice for doing QC, repair or engraving works.
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AmScope SM-3BZ-80S | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 19 x 17 x 16 inches |
| Net Weight | 36.8 pounds (16.7 kg) |
| Microscope Type: | Stereo |
| Head Type: | Binocular |
| Magnification Range: | 3.5X to 90X |
| Eyepiece Power: | 10X |
| Eyepiece Size: | 30mm |
| Objective Power: | 0.7 to 4.5X |
| Objective Lenses: | 0.7X-4.5X zoom |
| Ocular-port Diameter: | 30mm |
| Interpupillary Adjustment: | Compensation-free gemel, 54-76mm |
| Field View: | Super Widefield |
| Light Type: | LED |
| Number of Light Bulbs: | 80 |
| Native Working Distance: | 100mm |
| Warranty | 5 Years Factory Warranty |
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[su_table]
What’s Included? |
| One binocular stereo microscope head |
| One pair 10X eyepieces |
| One 0.5X Barlow lens |
| One 2X Barlow lens |
| One pair eye-guards |
| One single-arm boom-stand with focusing rack |
| One LED ring-light |
| One ring-light mounting adapter |
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[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]What We Like:[/su_highlight]
- The head can be turned 360°, and the focus-block can swing either direction
- Lateral arm can rotate and swing to position the head at virtually any angle
- The heavy, steel base (16.7kg) ensures the stability of the microscope, even when laden with attachments
- 80-LED ring-light for bright and cool illumination
- Greenough stereoscopic Optical System
- Dual diopters can be adjusted to maintain consistent focus throughout the magnification range, greatly improving productivity
- 5 years warranty
[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]Not So Great:[/su_highlight]
- Lack of a 1.0x pass-thru filter to protect the primary optics if the other lenses aren’t being used
- Under 2x zoom, focal distance can be a tad short resulting in shallow depth of field
- Zero documentation, only available online
[8] AmScope M148C-E Monocular Compound Microscope
[su_divider]Best for Students to learn science and Hobbyists
AmScope M148C-E is often mistaken as a microscope that is catered only for hobbyists and students. The application for this compound microscope is also popular among home-schoolers, young scientists exploring the microscopic world as well as an excellent teaching instrument.
While this AmScope microscope is not of professional grade by any means, it does offer some essential features of a compound microscope.
This digital microscope comes with 5 levels of magnification zoom as well as a 45 degree inclined head plus 360 degree swiveling monocular head.
AmScope M148C-E also has a LED lighting system, powered by either 3 x AA batteries or wall power.
This highly affordable microscope with USB 2.0 camera comes included with user-friendly software for video recording, measurement functions as well as advance features like stitching and EDF.
Unfortunately the user manual, like most AmScope microscopes, has to be downloaded from their website, which can be quite a hassle for most people.
Beyond that, the lack of focus knob may be something you should take note of before getting it.
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AmScope M148C-E | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 15 x 10 x 7 inches |
| Net Weight | 4.7 pounds (2.13 kg) |
| Microscope Type: | Compound |
| Head Type: | Monocular |
| Magnification Range: | 40X to 1000X |
| Eyepiece Power: | 10X, 25X |
| Eyepiece Size: | 23mm |
| Objective Power: | 4X, 10X, 40X |
| Objective Size: | 20mm |
| Camera Sensor: | CMOS |
| Condenser Type: | Brightfield |
| Field View: | Widefield |
| Light Type: | LED |
| Light Power: | 1W |
| Camera Pixel: | 0.3MP |
| Warranty | 5 Years Factory Warranty |
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[su_table]
What’s Included? |
| One Monocular Microscope |
| Three Objectives, 4X, 10X 40X |
| One Widefield 10X Eyepiece |
| One Widefield 25X Eyepiece |
| One 640×480 Pixel USB2.0 Digital Camera |
| One CD with Software and Step-by-Step Instructions |
| One Power Adapter |
| One Dust Cover |
| Two Clips |
| Downloadable User Manual |
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[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]What We Like:[/su_highlight]
- Affordable High Power Student Microscope with USB2.0 Camera for Learning Sciences
- View and/or Capture Snapshot Images or Video with Your Computer
- 45 degree Inclined 360 degree Swiveling Monocular Head with Locked-in Eyepiece
- Sturdy All-Metal Framework with Single Lens Condenser Disc Diaphragm
- LED Illumination by Wall-power and/or Three AA Batteries
- Plain Stage with Clips and Stain Resistant Finish
- High Resolution Offering Sharp Images
- Five Levels of Magnification: 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X and 1000X
- Focusing Control Knobs on Both Sides
- Full Optical Glass Elements
- Includes Wall-power Adapter for LED illumination system
- Manufactured under ISO 9001 Quality Control Standard
- 5 years warranty
[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]Not So Great:[/su_highlight]
- Lack of manual, only available online
- Lack of fine focus knob
- Lighting may not be strong enough for some applications
[9] AmScope T490B Compound Microscope
[su_divider]Best for studying specimens like hair follicles, cells, and bacteria
If you are into getting trinocular microscopic device with high resolution photo and video recording capability, AmScope T490B is an excellent mid-range compound microscope you should park under your shopping list.
Apart from having 2 layer mechanical stage coupled with high-res optics, this 8kg AmScope microscope can be a serious contender if you are looking to reduce eye-stain due to prolong usage.
How so? AmScope T490B comes equipped with bright 20W halogen sub-stage lighting that minimize eye-stain and warm lighting is obviously more suited for prolonged use.
I especially like the Abbe light condenser which offers a high 1.25 aperture for oil-immersion, combined with an iris diaphragm for depth-of-field and contract optimization.
This AmScope microscopic device with quadruple objective turret provides a focus range of 30mm and its division of fine focus is only at 0.002mm.
If proven reliability and great optical quality is something you look for in trinocular AmScope microscopes, AmScope T490B should be an obvious choice for you.
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AmScope T490B | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 20 x 17 x 10.5 inches |
| Net Weight | 17.75 pounds (8.05 kg) |
| Microscope Type: | Compound |
| Head Type: | Trinocular |
| Magnification Range: | 40X to 2000X |
| Eyepiece Power: | 10X, 20X |
| Eyepiece Size: | 23mm |
| Objective Power: | 4X, 10X, 40X, 100X |
| Objective Size: | 20mm |
| Ocular Diameter: | 23mm |
| Interpupillary Adjustment: | Siedentopf compensation-free gemel |
| Field View: | Widefield |
| Light Type: | Halogen |
| Light Power: | 20W |
| Stage Dimensions: | 140mm x 140mm |
| Warranty | 5 Years Factory Warranty |
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What’s Included? |
| One trinocular head |
| One microscope body |
| One photo port |
| Four objective lenses: 4X, 10X, 40X, 100X |
| One pair 10X eyepieces |
| One pair 20X eyepieces |
| One power cord (US and Canada standard) |
| One dust cover |
| Three color filters (blue, green, yellow) |
| One spare halogen bulb |
| One spare fuse |
| One sample bottle of immersion oil |
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[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]What We Like:[/su_highlight]
- Adjustable simul-focal trinocular port
- Industry standard 23mm photo port and c-mount port
- 30-degree inclined, 360-degree swiveling trinocular Siedentopf head
- Large 3D double layer mechanical stage with stain resistant finish
- Low-position coaxial stage movement control knobs
- Coaxial coarse & fine focusing with ca knob tension control
- Eight magnification settings: 40x-80x-100x-200x-400x-800x-1000x-2000x
- Upward stage stopper to protect slides and objectives
- Abbe condenser with iris diaphragm & filters
- Rack and pinion adjustment for condenser
- Built-in halogen illumination system with variable intensity
- Dual focusing control knobs
- Full optical glass elements
- Precise ground glass lenses
- All metal mechanical components.
- Adjustable interpupillary distance
- Adjustable diopter on ocular
- Solid metal frame construction with stain resistant enamel finish
- CE and GS certified electrical system
- 5 years warranty
[su_highlight background=”#ff5a25″ color=”#ffffff”]Not So Great:[/su_highlight]
- Lack of manual
- Halogen light does tend to get very hot
- Lighting is not bright enough for certain applications
