AmScope B120 Series Student & Professional LED Binocular Compound Microscope - 40X-2500X Magnification - Includes 1MP USB Camera & Siedentopf Head

I have yet to use this microscope but it appears to be a very solid built device. The reason for this review, even it I have not used the microscope, is to bring up the topic of documentation. There wasn't any. At least none for this unit. What I received was "Information & Instructions Model SME-F8BH Binocular Microscope" which is almost this unit but with the Chinese model number, almost. This appears to be for the 2000x model not the 2500x. Expecting the correct manual on the CD did not pan out either, it only contained the program and documentation for the computer connection. Going to the website AMSCOPE did not help either, because the Chinese model number did not prove valid and there was no actual model number on the unit! Eventually using a Google search, and I found others with the same problem, I eventually found out it is Model B120-E1 (its found labeled on the plain cardboard box but not mentioned in the invoice) and confirmed this was the actual US Model number. The website did not have a PDF for this model either.So why the 5 stars, with all of the effort required to just get documentation? When I called the company and talked to customer service they resolved all of my problem within 5 minutes (that is including the hold time!). The gentleman was extremely polite helpful and exact. He indicated that the manual for this unit was in the process of being written but he had a final draft that he would send me (which I received in less than a minute for model B120 series). He also told me that there is no fuse for the light, it is an LED, so ignore the one that came with unit.So assuming the optics are good I will leave it at 5 stars. But for anyone else having this documentation problem, I thought this would help. The manual was brief but covered the basics.25 March 2014 UpdateSo based on the documentation and use of the scope, I can now review this product .All mechanical aspects of the scope work smoothly and correctly. The light is sufficient for backlighting object or slices of object. The optics are clear and not blurred. Although I did have a little trouble with the 2500x configuration since it is an oil-immersion setup getting the focus correct. But with going back to the manual and a little internet help that issue was resolved. The computer interface has not been used very much and is a little cumbersome. I can see why a tri-optical arrangement would be very useful in a lab setting. less adjusting the focus when you switch from eyeball to computer. This is not a negative with regard to this unit as the intent was not to provide the tri feature, but the binocular. Never the less it is a nice touch to have it available for use.With the documentation and use of the scope my rating remains at 5 stars.

My son and I love this microscope. It seems well built and the stage is sturdy and easy to use. Thank you for making a quality product for us to explore the Micro world!

I purchased my AmScope B120C-E1 in 2013. I am very satisfied with this microscope. I originally purchased it for my daughter since she is working to become a physician. At the time I did not know that I too would be the one using it. I am working my way to be in the dental profession and at the time I am taking microbiology at my local college. Well, a week ago my light was out and I tested the components and the transformer went bad. I still have the 5 year warranty and I ended up contacting the company. I explained to them that I tested the equipment and I also send them my finding. Note: I am very familiar with electronics and I now how to test them. What I ended up sending them was a note with what was wrong and the tolerance.I asked them that if they could send me the parts and I can installed it myself and how much. There answer was $6 for the shipping because it was under warranty for 5 years; I received the parts withing 3 business days. They actually sent me and upgraded base with everything that I needed. The only thing that I did was: unscrew the 4 screws that hold the base together, removed the ground wire screw and the L.E.D connector. Put everything back together and done. It took me about 5 minutes tops. Tested it and it work like new. Thank you Aaron for the parts and great customer service.This is a good company with great customer service. I recommend them and their product.Note. I have read some reviews saying that the microscope is not good and that it doesn't come with instruction.There are plenty of videos online that can help you get there, and your incompetence should not be reflected on the product rating.The bottom line is.....this is a great product for the price... great for beginners and college students alike... have patience and have fun... it will be a rewarding experience.

I didn’t try oil lens but with conventional ones maximum magnification when objects are sharp is 400x (40x objective + 10x eyepiece). When I try to use x1000 it often runs into “empty magnification” effect when picture is bigger but no extra details are added. Please check first image attached (both parts are bright). It’s a blood smear specimen, left part is x1000 (40-25) and right one is x400 (40-10). Both photos were taken using Samsung S9 phone. Images were zoomed digitally to be more or less equal in size. As you can see there is no big difference.However x1000 is still useful because one can see live bacteria at this magnification. Image won't be crispy but still bacteria (1-3 um) are visible.Camera has a rather poor quality, please check the second image (with dark part). Left part was taken by Samsung S9 at x1000 (40-25), the right one using AmScope camera using 40x objective. Images were zoomed digitally to be more or less equal in size. I think the pictures speak for themselves.Framework is really sturdy and mechanics is good. It’s really easy to position the specimen, nothing is shaking/bending. Software is also good. If it weren't for a weak camera, this would be a great tool. Microscope doesn’t come with calibration slide so it’ll be necessary to buy one if you would like to measure objects.Overall this microscope is good for beginners because it’s really easy in use and gives decent magnification. I wouldn’t recommend to buy cheaper models because they may have framework not sturdy enough and poor position mechanics what can easily discourage people who make their first steps in microscopy.