OMAX LED 40X-2000X Digital Binocular Biological Compound Microscope with Built-in 3.0MP USB Camera and Double Layer Mechanical Stage

• Total magnification: 40X-80X-100X-200X-400X-800X-1000X-2000X; Eyepieces: wide field WF10X/18 and WF20X; Objectives: achromatic DIN 4X, 10X, 40X(S), 100X(S, Oil); Viewing head: 45 degrees inclined 360 degrees swiveling digital binocular head; Interpupillary distance: sliding adjustable 2-3/16inch ~ 2-15/16inch (55mm ~ 75mm); Diopter: adjustable on both eyepiece tubes; Nosepiece: revolving quadruple
• Stage: mechanical stain-resistant double layer size 5-1/2inch x 5-1/2inch (140mm x 140mm), translation range: 3inch x 2inch (75mm x 50mm); Focus: coaxial coarse and fine focus knobs on both sides, rack and pinion adjustment, with tension control; Focusing knob can be locked for observation and transportation; Condenser and diaphragm: Abbe NA1.25 rack and pinion adjustment condenser with iris aperture diaphragm
• Black palm rest on the base; Illumination: transmitted (lower), replaceable 3W LED light, variable intensity; Metal framework; Power supply: AC 100V~240V 0.2/0.1A 50/60Hz worldwide range (US and Canada plug)
• Built-in digital camera: - Imaging device: 3.0 mega pixels, 1/2.5inch CMOS - Effective pixels: 2048x1536 - Maximum still image resolution: 2048x1536 pixels - Frame rate: 4 frames per second at 2048x1536, 10 frames per second at 1024x768 - Interface: USB2.0 ( 480MB/second) - SNR: >40dB - Software compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, and Mac OS
• 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects

This is a digital binocular compound LED microscope with the power range from 40X to 2000X. It comes with a built-in 3.0MP USB digital imaging system and a LED illumination with variable intensity. The USB digital imaging system captures still microscope images and live video on computer without the hassle of setting up the digital camera. The included software compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 can also be used to make measurements.

You can also view and capture the images on iMac or Macbook with Mac OS. It's easy to replace the LED lamp by your own. All lenses are made of high quality optical glass. The high resolution image in the field of view is crystal clear and will satisfy the demands of professionals. The digital microscope provides light from beneath the stage and are best for viewing biological specimen that allows light to pass through. This microscopy is good for teaching, demonstration, clinical examination and research purpose. It's also capable to add darkfield condenser or phase contrast condenser, e.g.

                               

By A. Rose

I have used many different scopes over the years at work and teach lab courses that require students to use compound microscopes, but I wanted one for home use and specifically to easily capture digital images for website and class use. This microscope works great for the purpose I bought it for, and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the scope and images for the low price I paid. It is easy to set up and use, especially if you're familiar with compound microscopes and e.g. already know what a condenser is and what it does. (The instructions tell you how to adjust it, but not why this is important.)

It plugs right into the computer via USB to capture images on screen. I found that once you have installed the software and set up the scope, you have to always plug it into the same USB port to make it work or the computer won't recognize it (I use Windows 7). The ScopeImage software manual reads a bit like "Chinese English" in terms of grammar - certainly not written by a native speaker - but it's not too difficult to understand and figure out how to use.

The maximum image resolution the camera can save is 2048 x 1526 pixels (jpg or bmp). I have successfully used photo stitching software to assemble several images into large, high resolution pictures of around 5,000 pixels across. I've also used focus stacking software on image Z stacks with great results. It even captures video (avi) if you are observing things that move. You can use a ruler or stage micrometer to calibrate the software to measure objects. Overall, it does a great deal of things and I have been very pleased with it. For print quality images, I prefer to use the higher resolution cameras on the more expensive scopes at the university, but for online image archiving and class use, this scope does a great job.

   

By Doc Wittmer

I have used many microscopes that cost 5 to 10 times more than this smaller version and I would recommend this to anyone who needs to do biological or metallurgical work at magnfications from about 40X to 2000X. I used a calibrated grid to calibrate all of the lenses with the computer that I am using, which is a Windows 7 Professional driven Compaq. It is very easy to set up and use but you need to go on-line to get the most recent manual. There is a paper in the box that lets you know exactly where to find this. It is important because the manual this is in the CD is not for this microsope. If you are going to use this as a metallurgical microscope (not using tranmitted light but using reflected light) there is no through lense lighting. You will need to have an outside light. I purchased the AMScope LED-8WD from Amazon to go with this microscope.

I had read a review that says you can not run the software on a Windows 8 machine. That is true if it is Windows 8RT but not a true Windows 8 machine. I installed the software on two of my Windows 8 computers and it works very well. You may have an issue with the drivers because windows installation may say that it is incompatible. Ignore this and make sure that you install the drivers for the camera before you plug in the USB cable. When installing the software leave the USB unplugged until you get a message saying that you need to plug in the camera. I would be happy to share more about this if you get into trouble.

As an additional note: I also purchased the AmScope 20x-40x-80x Digital Stereo Microscope with top and bottom illumination. Which is another great microscope with digital camera lense. You have to remove the lense from the body and it is held in there with a very small phillips screw. There is nothing in the instructions that tell you this. This could also be too much microscope for your needs as oftern you want to record digital images at even lower magnification. You can see my review on this by looking up this AmScope.

In the past, I ordered the AGPtek USB 800X digital microscope with 2 MP camera and believe it or not you can get some great pictures with it. I took some of some composite material that I was trying to analyze and I needed about 10X magnification. I will also review this separately. Make sure you buy a stand with this one such as the universal stand with x-y base.

By David Dawkins

The following are my opinions based on my purchase and use of this microscope and 35 years of experience teaching science.

A. Easy to put together, and works well.
B. Looks like a professional model with heavy metal construction.
C. Stage has smooth action (x, y, and z dimensions) and spring loading clips for holding slides.
D. Two pairs (10x and 20x) of ocular lens
E. Calibrated transition of objective lens: 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x. (I did have to tighten a couple of lens on my scope before they
worked appropriately).

Notes!
Magnification Tip: Total magnification (in two dimensions or area) can be calculated by multiply objective by ocular lens, (e.g. total magnification would be (100x)(20x) or 2000x. The magnification in one dimension (length or width) would be the square root of the total magnification or about 45x for 2000x. Students /hobbyists typically use more magnification than is appropriate so only use the oil immersion lens when absolutely necessary.

ViewingTips and Adjusting Microscope
A. Typically raise brightness as magnification increases (but using too much light, is a very common error).
B. Incorrect adjustment such as lighting, focus (including vertical stage distance), iris control, and magnification can be very detrimental for appropriate viewing.

1. Students often (except animal histology and microbiology application) use a higher magnification than is appropriate. Avoid
using the oil immersion lens unless it is absolutely necessary. If it is used, make sure oil is applied and never use the
course focus or vertical stage adjustments. Because there are no safety brakes (typical with most compound microscopes)
using this magnification incorrectly might easily damage the objective lens and slides are very possible.
2. Usually, the objective lens are installed so once the focus is obtained, moving to the next higher lens should only require the
fine adjustment (typically about one complete turn in one direction or about two turns back in the opposite direction).
3. If your microscope does not comply with the previous tip, make sure your lens is screwed in tightly, If this does not work,
the "O" ring (gasket) might be missing,damaged, or the wrong size. (I have made temporary gaskets from several different
cardboard thicknesses to check the size needed. They will work fine unless you get them soaked with oil or water etc.).
C. Instruments (especially microscopes) are often blamed when the fault is due to inappropriate use. Manuals are sometimes poorly written when produced in some countries, but most compound microscopes work the same way and other manuals might be more applicable for you. As always, the more you use it, the greater your skills will become. (Some negative reviews are inappropriately given because the user has poor skills or familiarity with the product).

Seriously, this microscope is an excellent value that you will not regret purchasing (assuming you learn how to use it). Some negative comments appear to be from individuals who don't know how to use/adjust the microscope (software may be more problematic depending on what computer system you have...windows 8.0 worked great but I had problems with an older laptop. I was a college science instructor (including department head responsible for purchasing microscopes) for over 30 years and have never seen microscopes this nice for less than $1000 and these did not have the computer hook-up. If you need a microscope, this is a wonderful deal.

By Gail A.

I purchased this microscope with financial assistance from a local watershed group, for the main purpose of quickly identifying harmful algae blooms in a lake, and sharing results as quickly as possible. Everyone involved, including some renowned scientists are amazed at the quality of images I can capture and easily share by email or online albums, and the excellent price astonished everyone. The video capture capability is especially fun and helpful, because it also captures audio, which enables a narrative. I was able to quickly assemble and start using this equipment without ever downloading the manual. It's very intuitive. Everything is well protected in the packaging, including screw-top plastic canisters for the lenses. And the customer service is fantastic; I haven't needed help yet, but THEY contacted ME after delivery to make sure I was satisfied, and to provide contact information. I am having a blast with this microscope, beyond it's purpose of identifying harmful algae blooms! There is a whole fascinating world of creatures frolicking in a drop of lake water! This is a value almost too good to be true. (And I'm not easily pleased; I returned a different brand of microscope, after just an hour of use.)

By Tiram

This is a great microscope and I am impressed by the images I get through my computer. You only get full resolution using a PC and not a Mac, but parallels software (scope image that comes with the microscope) works fine. It has been a lot of fun checking out rotifers and moldy cheese so far!

By Tom W-

I ordered this scope and 2 days later it was at my door. It was easy to assemble and feels solid. The fine adjustment knob turns very smoothly and works great when you have the magnification up and want to get a sharp picture.

Initially I thought that the 20x eyepieces were not included in the package, but they were. The trick was, all the other hardware was inside the foam box in bags, but the 20x eyepieces were in white boxes, taped against the outside of the foam box. Once I was informed of the location of the 20x eyepieces, it was smooth sailing. Now I can see bacteria really well!

By JRH

I could finally read the fine print warning on a label - just joking. The optical quality is quite good. To my eye it is as good as instruments costing 5 times as much. The pc link is probably the best part of this microscope - better than a dual optical view. Several people can view the results, and you can store the images immediately for later reference of for use in publications. Setup was very easy. I would recommend a book to go along with the microscope if purchased for beginners - particularly a book describing slide preparation and basic staining.

By LuLu Bongo

I bought this microscope for vet school. We use it mainly in histology and pathology labs. It does the job. The high power does leave a little to be desired compared to the $1600 scopes my classmates rent for $200. But after we graduate I walk away with a microscope and they do not.
I have yet to use it with my computer. I will update this rating once I have.

Also be home when it gets delivered. Mine sat outside my apartment for an entire day. I'm glad it wasn't stolen.

By T. Moerk

This microscope, with the ability to connect to the computer is fantastic! Its so much better than what I needed for class. The ability to look at slides on the computer screen and capture images is so helpful. It also akes it easy for me to share cool pictures and concepts with my kids.

By Russell A. Vassell

This is a very good microscope for the price. I have used many microscopes in my job as a microbiologist that cost many times more than this microscope, so I was surprised that the quality of this microscope is very close to those I have used at work. It is definitely worth the money.