Review on AmScope-KIDS M30-ABS-KT1 Beginner Microscope Kit with LED and Mirror Illumination, Multiple Magnifications from 120x to 1200x, Sturdy Metal Frame and Base, Includes 48-Piece Accessory Set and Case in Black by Aaron Lewis

When I first opened this gift for my nephew (to test the quality before giving it to him), saw me not. However, my partner, a doctor, helped me learn how to use it and now I can see everything perfectly. This product has a lot of potential, but in order to use it you need to practice a few "ticks". I have some tips for users and tips for AmScope. Tips for users (please read all tips before attempting to view them): 1) To view prepared slides, you must start at the *lowest* magnification, find the sample, focus the view, and then switch to the next maximum. Repeat the seek/focus process (but don't try this until you've read all the "tips"). If you start with higher values, you won't be able to find most of the samples. 2) Do not squeeze, hold, or touch the viewing column (the neck of the microscope you are looking into) while focusing or viewing the slide. If you do, the lens will bounce off what you're trying to see and you won't be able to hold focus. The only part of the microscope that you need to touch is the focus knob. This can be difficult for kids, but it's a good skill to learn. 3) If you can see part of the slide but want a better view, move the slide in the **opposite** direction than it should (i.e. if the slide looks like as if she should go down, move her up; same for left and right). The manual doesn't mention this, but it's a very important, elementary fact that will drive you nuts if you don't know it. 4) You will see what looks like light gray transparent dots and circles if you look into the lens and look at the slides. It is in order. All microscopes have these shortcomings to some degree. You can't get rid of her. However, this *** should NOT prevent you from looking at each slide *** and focusing so you can see its cells, vibrant colors and sharp details. When the microscope is properly focused, these gray spots do not block or interfere with the excellent view of the sample (you won't even notice them when properly focused). But when you can't concentrate, all you see are these gray patches. You **can** wipe the lenses with alcohol to remove external dust or dirt, but whatever **ever** kind of junk is (it's a microscope: it blasts everything, including traces of dust and water). So before assuming the problem is with the lens, make sure you're well focused (by following the steps below) and see if your view is actually blocked. It should not be. My husband works with industrial microscopes and he says they all have this effect to some extent. With great difficulty, my husband to see him, but even then he was hardly to be seen; So don't try that first (you'll think the microscope doesn't work). Try the darkest pattern, and once you get the hang of it, move on to the more transparent ones. They are all BEAUTIFUL if you can get good focus (except corn root). Tips for AmScope: 1) Discard the corn root sample and replace with something larger. It's almost impossible to see. 2) Improve your instruction manual by adding instructions on focusing starting at the lowest setting and informing people not to touch the viewing slit. 3) Include three pictures of what you should see without the sample (including gray patches) with your instruction manual, what a fuzzy sample might look like and what a sharp, focused image should look like. It might be greyscale and they will provide guidance. (PS: I'm a technical writer so let me know if you need someone to improve your manuals). So, here are my version of the written instructions for viewing the sample slide: 1. Place the slide under the viewing window.2. Do not touch any part of the microscope other than the focusing knob while viewing the sample.3. Start with the lowest magnification (300x). Adjust the slider until you can at least see the shadow of the pattern in the viewport, then slowly turn the focus knob to until you can see the pattern clearly (you should see some definition between the cells). If you see a sample in one part of your circle but want to see more, move the slide in the *opposite* direction than it looks (eg: if you think you should move it down, move them up). Once you have a clear image, you can increase the magnification up to 600 x 0.6. Note: Rotating the lens to the next setting will change your view of the sample (because the lens is oriented slightly differently). You can move the slide again, or get focus and then move the slide. Do not bump or lean on the view pillar as this will cause you to lose focus. Hope that helps. and then slowly turn the focus knob until you can see the pattern clearly (you should see some clarity between the cells). If you see a sample in one part of your circle but want to see more, move the slide in the *opposite* direction than it looks (eg: if you think you should move it down, move them up). Once you have a clear image, you can increase the magnification up to 600 x 0.6. Note: Rotating the lens to the next setting will change your view of the sample (because the lens is oriented slightly differently). You can move the slide again, or get focus and then move the slide. Do not bump or lean on the view pillar as this will cause you to lose focus. Hope that helps. and then slowly turn the focus knob until you can see the pattern clearly (you should see some clarity between the cells). If you see a sample in one part of your circle but want to see more, move the slide in the *opposite* direction than it looks (eg: if you think you should move it down, move them up). Once you have a clear image, you can increase the magnification up to 600 x 0.6. Note: Rotating the lens to the next setting will change your view of the sample (because the lens is oriented slightly differently). You can move the slide again, or get focus and then move the slide. Do not bump or lean on the viewing pillar as this will cause you to lose focus. Hope that helps.