AmScope SM-3B-80S Binocular Stereo Zoom Microscope

I purchased this scope for surface mount electronics work. For the money, you really can't beat it. I am used to working with microscopes at work that cost $10,000 to $20,000. In comparison, I would say this scope is like a Toyota Corolla vs. a Porsche. Both will get you to work and back in the same amount of time, but one is 1/10th the price. Also, for those of you who are wondering, the 3.5x minimum zoom is not necessary for surface mount electronics work. 7x is fine with plenty FOV. First, the scope is very well packed in the box. Everything is encased in a custom block of styrofoam. Second, the image quality is surprisingly good, and the 80 LED light is plenty bright, even at maximum zoom. I find the field of view plenty for electronics work. There is some refocusing required during zoom, but its fairly minor and to be expected at this price. Only at maximum zoom do you begin to notice chromatic aberrations and image distortion, but it is still low and perfectly usable. The stand/boom is also surprisingly stable, although you do get some shaking at maximum zoom. It even comes with a nice vinyl dust cover for the entire unit. The one fault I find is that the interpupillary distance adjustment is a little funny. I'd prefer to adjust the distance a little wider, to leave a little space for my nose, but then the image goes away. So I end up having to put the eye pieces very close together. Although I have a slightly smaller IPD than average, the issue seems more pronounced with this scope.

Ok, first off the cost of the scope for what you get is pretty good. Optics aren't bad for this price range with good functionality. Realistically you can't really can't expect better for the money. Now for the not so good part. The unit came without a manual of any kind that was sad to say the least. I basically had to figure it out myself how to put it together. The eye adjustment is very limited so if your eyes are set wide apart you are screwed. Adjusting hight is a pain in the ass, as you have to hold the head then unscrew a cheap knob, if you don't hold the head you'll never release the friction the head puts on the assembly. Screws are cheap and feel so, but it's ok, don't expect to be handing this one to the grandkids. For me I'm happy for the 400.00 When i get fed up with it, I'll donate it to the HS and buy a real scope. Would I recommend it, yes of course it is fine for the cost. If your expectations are set accordingly this is a good scope for the price point.

This is my very first microscope (which I bought on sale for under $300.00 from the Amazon warehouse) fully meets my expectations. I took a chance on a damaged box item for the sales deal and was a winner! It was just missing a couple of thumb screws which I picked up at a local hardware store for several bucks. Now I have a heavy, professional unit for my home use in studying and identifying rocks and minerals. I went with this boom-version so that I could use it for looking at larger samples, and for examining printed circuit boards and other larger items. The 80 LED light provides all the light I need, and I like that it is dimmable too. As a geologist, I have found that the 7.5X to 45X magnification range is perfectly sufficient for studying minerals and grains within rocks for sample identification. Sure, one could live with a 10x hand lens, but this 'scope provides a nice field of view without distortion while providing good illumination.There are other cheaper units with fixed magnification where you need to swap out the lenses, but trust me, the variable magnification is really the way to go! It is made of appropriate construction materials that will have it lasting for many years; I expect to hand it to my grandchildren. It is solid and heavy indeed... I have no fear of it tipping. It is large, and a boom mount unit might not be appropriate for all users, especially if your space is limited. If you feel you need different magnification beyond the 7.5X to 45X range, other lenses are available for this microscope.

I got this for a home rework lab. It is super convenient and works well. The build quality is very good for the price, and while not the same as higher end lab-grade stuff, it is plenty good for hobbyist use. The only gripe I have is about the short focal distance. When used without the LED ring attachment, it is easy enough to get to the workpiece, but the LED attachment really eats up a lot of space and the working room for irons and tweezers is too limited. The light ring really puts out a good amount of light, so working without it is a hassle, but I do need to remove it sometimes when I am dealing with complicated assemblies where I need a lot of freedom to move my hands and tools under the scope. I am probably going to build a new light rung myself that site higher up and out of the way.

Works well. Nice optics. Sturdy construction. Does need to be slightly re-focused when you are zooming, but not a big deal. Great value for this price range.