Review on 🔬 AmScope SM-4TPZ Professional Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope: Simultaneous Focus Control, Wide Magnification Range, Ambient Lighting, Double-Arm Boom Stand, Barlow Lens Included by Cornelius Mosley

I only bought this as a hobby to help troubleshoot various SMDs and other electronics. For only $700, it was this or the last cell phone. Amscope won this microscope. The shipping carton is heavy and very well protected. That in itself was a good sign compared to other great deals I've bought on eBay over the past year (more on that below). It took a good hour to assemble as the instructions that came with it were just a guide. I ended up checking the YouTube websites to make sure everything was put together correctly. There are several components including a fairly solid base, pivoting arms, handles, and other attachments. The microscope itself was pre-assembled, only the eyepieces had to be attached. Once assembled, I put the ESP8266 board under a microscope to check for traces. Here's the first problem: without a separate light source, all I could see was a wire reflecting some sort of "ambient light". Okay, I expected that from experience and also bought an Amscope ring lamp. After installation, the components were visible. You absolutely need a separate light source with this scope, as with almost every scope I have ever used. Which brings me to the actual problem: Since the light is not integrated, the power cable for the second light tends to interfere with the coarse adjustment. and it just looks messy. I ended up using a couple of 3M cable ties to route the cable in a way that made it less obtrusive. I'll talk about the ring lighting separately, but the main improvement I'd welcome is the right-angle power cord. In terms of performance, this microscope lives up to all expectations. Even a fully extended base will not tip over (just make sure the base is oriented with the logo facing forward. There is an elliptical "safe zone" depending on how far the scope is extended and rotated relative to the base, but it's quite forgiving Since all axes are adjustable I was able to position it even in my cramped workspace If you're in a similar environment you might want to consider a desk mount Unfortunately they were out of my price range Field of view is good but needs some adjustment , to achieve perfection I have a wide face, so I tend to the extreme end of the interocular adjustment, but I still had some leeway. Sharpness, brightness and other image parameters were very good for each eyepiece. I tried to take pictures with a mobile phone , but they didn't do it justice.There was enough room to maneuver the soldering iron and reflow gun ren, which means a lot. I then connected an Amscope MU300 camera, which was sufficient for my purposes. sue, like the ring light, is an integration with this particular area. The USB cable always seems to get in the way and drag the microscope with it when I move the cable. Also, because the mount doesn't snap into place, you'll often find that the camera is rotated away from the eyepiece. Overall I am satisfied with this purchase. The price is reasonable, if not exorbitant. There are competitor scopes that have similar features and cost a little less. However, the premium seems to come down to fit, finish and packaging. I have issues with almost essential extras, but they will go into these reviews.