There is a wide range of careers and industries, where microscopes are a piece of basic laboratory equipment. They are used almost everywhere in laboratories, from scientific research to clinical laboratories, from food industries to pharmaceuticals.
Amscope Microscopes come with their special features. Choosing the right microscope for the purpose is essential for the right outcome. Special microscopic functions need specialized microscopes. Microscopes designed for educational purposes are simple and differ in features according to the intended age level.
It is essential to introduce children to microscopes at a young age. This develops curiosity and understanding of the tiny invisible world. We have compared and reviewed 10 AmScope microscopes to assist you in selecting the right one for your purpose.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table
| Model | Magnification | Illumination | Eye Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| M150C-MS | 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X | LED lights | WF 10x, WF 25x |
| DM130 | 20X – 1200X | 8 LED lights | Screen |
| M162-2L-C | 40X, 100X, 250X 400X, 1000X | 2 LED Lights | Single |
| SE100ZZ-LED | 20X, 50X | LED Light | 10X, 25X |
| M30-ABS-KT1 and KT2 | 120X, 240X, 300X, 480X, 600X, 1200X | LED light and reflecting mirror | Single |
| AmScope B490B Compound Binocular Microscope | Up to 2000X | LED | 10X, 20X |
| AmScope SE305-P-DK Binocular Stereo Microscope | Up to 40X | LED | 10X |
| AmScope SE306R-P-LED Forward Mounted Binocular Stereo Microscope | Up to 40X | LED | 10X |
| AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope | Up to 2500X | LED | 10X, 25X |
| AmScope SM-1BSX-64S Professional Binocular Stereo Zoom Microscope | Up to 45X | LED | 10X |
Best Amscope Microscopes
AmScope is a reliable online microscope store that provides premium quality at a very reasonable price. They design, manufacture, and distribute all kinds of microscopes from simple kids’ microscopes to research-oriented complex microscopes. AmScope provides personalized customer care services and a 5-year company warranty on all microscopes.
AmScope M150C-MS Compound Monocular Microscope
| Five magnification powers | LED illumination | 45 degree inclined monocular head |
| Objectives: 4x, 10x, 40x | Co-axial coarse | Eyepiece: WF 10x and WF 25x |
Designed for learning purposes, this microscope is ideal for students and hobbyists who want to explore the microscopic structures of various organisms or materials. It features full optical glass elements and a metal framework. With a 360 degree rotatable monocular head and a mechanical stage, it allows both coarse and fine focusing.
The microscope can be used with five magnifications ranging from 40x to 1000x. It comes with two eyepieces and three objective lenses. A mechanical stage attachment and caliper ensure accurate positioning of the slides.
It can be operated with batteries or can be connected to a wall socket. The microscope is an ideal choice for school and home learning for science students of age level elementary to high school. An optional digital eyepiece camera can be added if required for streaming images or videos.
• It is a sturdy unit with solid metal construction
• It can be plugged into a wall outlet or can be operated on battery power
• It is easy to set up and use
AmScope – DM130-16GB-18FOS-FSL-TW IQCREW
| 3.5” full color digital display screen | 8 LED lights | USB Cable can connect it to a PC, MAC, or monitor |
| 16 GB micro SD card | Adjustable brightness | Weight: 4.15 Pounds |
| 20X – 1200X magnification | Allows coarse and fine adjustments | Dimensions : 16.52 x 8.56 x 7 inches |
This latest microscope is designed by IQCrew, a team of AmScope staff dedicated to developing intellectual products. Keeping in mind the curious and exploring scientists, this state-of-the-art microscope will spark the love of historic sciences in the kids.
This portable small microscope comes with a digital LCD 3.5-inch screen, a collection of fossils, and a comprehensive book on fossils to enhance learning. It is convenient to use and does not require looking into the eyepiece. The specimen is displayed on the 3.5-inch color digital display screen.
The microscope has 8 built-in LED lights which can be adjusted to a convenient level of brightness. The image can be magnified up to 1200X digital magnification with zoom. Apart from fossils children can observe the structure of anything from within their surroundings.
The microscope comes with everything you need to connect it to a PC or Mac – a data cable, a 16GB micro SD card, and a chargeable lithium battery.
• It comes with 18 unique plant and animal fossil specimens to arouse children’s interest in their amazing patterns.
• It comes with an informative book on fossils that will be a great addition to your kid’s library
• It is very convenient and children can use it themselves.
AmScope M162C-2L-PB10-WM”Awarded 2018 Best Microscope Kit
| 45 degrees inclined monocular head | 3 AA battery operated | 5 magnifications |
| Stage Dimension: 3 ½ x 3 ½ inches | Weight: 4.65 Pounds | LED Illumination, 1W, top and bottom |
| Objectives: 4X, 10X, 40X (spring) | 14 x 8.9 x 6.8 inches | Condenser: 0.65 NA single lens and 6-hole disc diaphragm |
This microscope is designed to enhance students’ interest in learning sciences. It is constructed from optical glass elements and a full metal framework. It features a 360 degrees rotatable monocular head with two eyepieces for fine and coarse focusing. Five magnification settings i.e. 40X to 1000X provide optimum clarity on the given specimen.
The microscope features two LED lights – Incident lights to view the opaque objects from above and the transmitted light to view the translucent objects from below. The lights can be powered by either an outlet or 3 AA batteries.
The microscope is packaged with 10 piece slide kits, five of which are blank while five are prepared with biological specimens. To enhance the reading comprehension of students, the book “The World of the Microscope” is also included in the package.
• It comes with a five years factory warranty
• It is an ideal learning/ teaching tool for students/ teachers and equally useful for homeschooling/ hobby and fun activities
• It allows viewing opaque objects with clarity
SE100ZZ-LED Portable Stereo Microscope
| The LED bulb as a light source | Upright binocular head | Stage: white plate |
| Magnification: 20X and 50X | Eyepiece: WF10X and WF25X | Working distance: 70 mm |
| Material: Metal | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Dimensions: 10.5 x 6.5 x 5 inches |
This stereo microscope was designed by AmScope IQCrew for curious minds. They can use it to view anything they want including coins, jewelry, circuit board, dissection, fossils, insects, plants, fingerprints, etc. It is easy to use so that everyone can independently use it in their free time without getting bored. It is also one of the most selling microscopes for electrical repairs.
It features 20X and 50X magnification power. SE100ZZ Portable LED Stereo Microscope comes with two pairs of optical glass eyepieces for sharp 3D images with high resolution. The LED light illumination is powered by 2AA batteries. It is lightweight and compact which makes it highly portable.
• It comes with two sets of lenses: 20X and 50X
• It is easy to set up and use
• It does not drift once focused
AmScope M30-ABS-KT1 and KT2
| 6 Magnifications: 120X, 240X, 300X, 480X, 600X and 1200X. | Stage size: 70x65mm | Holder type single eyepiece |
| LED and reflecting mirror for illumination. | Dual spring clips for holding slides | 42 pc accessory set and case included |
The AmScope M30-ABS-KT1-WM and KT2 1200X Microscopes are excellent for students and young learners keenly interested in understanding the workings of microscopes. They are constructed from high-quality materials and the best optics. They are best used in homes and classrooms to provide a better understanding of compound microscopes.
They offer multiple magnifications of up to 1200x, which is excellent for observing bacteria, fungi, and other biological specimens. It is illuminated through an LED light source that provides the appropriate light to illuminate the object for examination. The specimen stage ensures firm holding of the slides by using stage clips and spring clips for easy observation.
You can interest the children in observing the slides and material that comes with the set. It allows them to understand the workings of microscopes and intrigues them to observe other objects around them.
AmScope KT1 vs. AmScope KT2
While both microscopes have a lot of similarities, there are a few differences between the two that are worth noting.
The AmScope KT1 comes with a metal arm, whereas the KT2 has a plastic body made for young learners.
AmScope KT1 is in black for a more aesthetic look, while KT2 comes in white to attract kids.
They have accessories like slides and coverslips in the box for observation. KT1 has 40-pieces, contrary to KT2, which contains 52-pieces.
AmScope KT2 microscope also comes with a “The World of Microscopes” book to introduce microscopes to scientists of the future. It gives great insight into the functioning of the microscope and experimentation to learn more details.
• 1200x magnification
• Multiple objective lenses
• Easy to carry with the case
AmScope B490B Compound Binocular Microscope
| Magnifications: Upto 2000X | Widefield eyepiece: WF10x and WF20x | Halogen Light Source |
| 1 Lithium-ion battery | Stage size: 140mmx140mm | Sturdy Metal Framework |
Amscope B490B magnification ranges of 40X,100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X. The maximum magnification is 2000X which means magnifying an image 2000 times that of its original size. Since these microscopes have to deal with metallic surfaces and their structures, a potential light source is needed to pass through the object and transilluminate it equally. For this purpose, Amscope Metallurgical microscopes are installed with a halogen light source to produce a continuous spectrum of light that can penetrate the metals, crystals, or other samples.
B490B microscope can work at high temperatures and provide maximum efficacy. The lamp position and intensity can be adjusted accordingly for different samples. This model is widely used in education, lab research, biology, metallurgy, engineering, chemistry, manufacturing, and in the medical, forensic science, and veterinary industries.
An achromatic lens is used, achromatic lens is a combination of a convex and concave lens. It can neutralize the effects of chromatic and spherical aberration. The entire body is made up of metal and coated with sheets of plastic fibers.
An Abbe condenser is mounted under the stage microscope to gather light waves from the light source and illuminate the specimen by distributing it equally over the entire field of view. The benefit of using an oil-immersion condenser is to concentrate the wavelengths of light equally on the specimen.
A double-layered mechanical, stainless steel microscope stage is installed which can be adjusted by sliding it up and down accordingly.
It has a coarse (fixed) focus knob as well as an adjustable fine focus knob so the handler can focus the specimen according to needs.
Electricity fluctuations or low voltage can not only compromise the microscopic image quality but is also hazardous to the instrument’s digital well-being. It works fine at 240V, however lower or high voltage can be problematic.
This microscope not only has a multitude of specifications but it has a user-friendly design, ergonomic metal built, and is easy to use. A stainless steel microscopy stage adds more value to its lifetime.
Unfortunately, they are binoculars and don’t have an additional camera port to capture live pictures. Amazingly this great model weighs only 20 lbs.
• Halogen Illumination
• Solid and big stage
• Great scope for families with budding scientists
• Little Pricy
• Complex for newbies
AmScope SE305-P-DK Binocular Stereo Microscope
| 40x magnification | 10W halogen bulb | Metal body |
| Darkfield condenser | LED | Stain-resistant |
The AmScope SE305-P-DK Binocular Stereo Microscope is one of the best stereo microscopes with high precision and excellent image quality. It is the right choice for classrooms and homes to teach children about stereo microscopes and enable them to examine objects like jewelry, rocks, biological specimens, stamps, etc. This microscope has dual illumination with a 10W halogen bulb on the upper side and a darkfield condenser to reflect light off the specimen giving a light image.
It comes with a set of 10x widefield eyepieces and 1x and 3x objectives. While the magnification is not very high, it provides a longer focal length to make it easy to observe larger specimens. The AmScope SE305-P-DK Binocular Stereo Microscope offers an adjustable interpupillary distance and a 45-degree real view for convenient usage for young learners. The microscope has a frosted plate that enables light to pass through the transparent specimen. In contrast, the black and white stage plates allow contrast with dark and light-colored specimens for simplified viewing with accurate observation.
The microscope’s body is made of metal, and the light source is a halogen illuminator. It is stain-resistant and lasts a long time. The optical glass lenses of the microscope create sharp images while dioptric adjustment and eye guards help in comfortable examining the specimen. You can use the brightfield, and the darkfield can be used according to the need. Brightfield allows you to create dark images on a light background. On the other hand, darkfield lets you create light images on a dark background. However, you may not get a white image as halogen bulbs produce yellow light resulting in pale images.
• Dioptric adjustment (Brightfield and darkfield)
• Sharp images
• Long-lasting
• Pale images through halogen light
AmScope SE306R-P-LED Forward-Mounted Binocular Stereo Microscope
| Optical glass construction | 45 Degrees real angle view | Adjustable interpupillary distance |
| LED light | The black and white stage plate | Ideal for rocks and gems |
Stereo microscopes are excellent for classrooms and homes to teach students about observing details on large objects that cannot be examined on a compound microscope. They can observe jewelry, rocks, stamps, and biological specimens that require a large area for handling. Stereo microscopes like the AmScope SE306R-P-LED Forward-Mounted Binocular Stereo Microscope do not have high magnification as they are not used to study cells and tissues.
This microscope is made of optical glass and has a forward-mounted binocular head and adjustable interpupillary distance. It comes with a pair of 10x widefield eyepieces and interchangeable 2x and 4x objective lenses. The combined maximum magnification of the microscope is 40x, which allows you to study most of the common objects studied in a stereo microscope like jewels, gems, and rocks. It has a 45-degree inclination that helps observers look at the specimen for a long time conveniently without straining the neck.
The specimen in the AmScope SE306R-P-LED Forward-Mounted Binocular Stereo Microscope is illuminated through LED light sources that provide brightness from top and bottom for clear viewing. It also comes with frosted glass and a black and white stage plate to produce high-resolution images on the contrasting surface. The stage clips keep the specimen in place while examination to provide a detailed view of the specimen. You can also view the specimen on a computer using a microscope camera.
• It provides dual illumination
• It comes with interchangeable 2x and 4x objective lenses
• Best for observing gems and rocks
AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope
| 2500x magnification | LED illumination | Multiple objective lenses |
| 30-degree view | 1.3 MP USB camera | 16.54 x 11.81 x 9.06 inches |
If you are looking for a compound microscope that allows detailed viewing of the specimen up to 2500x magnification and clear imaging, the AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope can be your go-to choice.
It is one of the most popular compound microscopes by AmScope and is found in many school labs and homes with keen learners. It offers a wide variety of magnifications, up to 2500x maximum magnification. You can opt for a magnification of 40x, 100x, 250x, 1000x, and 2500x depending on the intricacy of the study. It has a 30 degree inclined swiveling Siedentop 360-degree rotatable head for easy observation. The LED illumination offers precise image viewing with a dimmer that enables you to increase or decrease the brightness as per the need. It has a sturdy framework with a double layer mechanical stage and fine focusing to give the image quality you are looking for.
The AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope comes with a 1.3 MP USB camera for you to observe the specimen on a widescreen in schools for teaching. It captures images and videos that you can view or save on your computer. The software also allows you to experience advanced features like Extended Depth of Focus and stitching. You can observe the images on a larger screen or monitor with user-friendly software for Windows that is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, 8, and 9. The images and videos are editable like you edit in Photoshop.
It comes with a Siedentopf Binocular Microscope Head, four objective lenses, 2 eyepieces, immersion oil, samples, a user’s manual, a dust cover, a USB cable, and a digital camera.
• Multiple objective lenses
• 30-degree inclination
• 360-degree rotation
• 1.3 MP USB camera
• User-friendly software
AmScope SM-1BSX-64S Professional Binocular Stereo Zoom Microscope
| 45x magnification | 64-bulb LED illumination | Adjustable brightness |
| The 45-degree real angle of view | 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective lenses | Eye-guards |
The AmScope SM-1BSX-64S Professional Binocular Stereo Zoom Microscope is a professional stereo microscope that closely observes large objects. The long working distance enables professionals to manipulate or observe objects like dental appliances and circuit boards.
It has a 45x maximum magnification to study details on large objects. This magnification is achieved by 10x eyepieces, and 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective lenses provide a longer focal length. The 0.5x Barlow lens helps increase the working distance in the laboratory. It comes with a fixed 45-degree inclination and a 360-degree rotatable head to avoid neck and eye strain.
The table stand is pillar-like and has a white and black reversible stage plate to produce high-resolution, clear images on dark and bright surfaces as per need. You can control the brightness of the LED ring light through the rheostat to provide the right amount of light required to generate a particular image
It is made of metal to give sturdiness to the microscope in homes and labs. The microscope comes with eye guards to save your eyes from strain, especially for people who wear glasses. The box contains an LED ring light, zoom objective lenses, eyepieces, stage clips, eye guards, and dust cover. You can take pictures through your phone for later viewing. However, it does not have a USB port to connect a camera to the microscope.
• Zoom lenses
• 0.5x Barlow lens
• Metal body
• Adjustable LED with dimmer
Buyer’s Guide
The purpose of buying a microscope determines the kind of microscope you should buy. Every microscope is not used to view everything. There are many kinds of cheap and costly microscopes available in the market, which are designed for different purposes.
The type of samples you are working with and the type of image you require are the basic considerations for buying a microscope. Having the right type of microscope is crucial for optimum results for your project. A pocket microscope can not be a replacement for LCD ones and a microscope for biological labs isn’t best suited for teens.
Types of Microscope – Stereo and Compound
Compound microscopes are used where very high magnification is required. Along with very high magnification, they are designed for very high optical resolution. This means that they allow you to visualize extremely tiny features with the help of objective lenses. They are used for viewing the internal structures of cells of different living things. They come with transmitted illumination as they are designed to view transparent slides.
Stereo microscopes are intended for viewing larger objects such as solder joints. They offer lower magnification settings but larger focusing distances. This enables the user to use hands and tools between lens and sample. Their large field of view allows for viewing a larger area of the sample. They come with reflected illumination because they are used to view opaque objects.
Special Purpose Microscopes
Some special purposes require highly specialized microscopes. An example of such complex work is viewing semi-opaque or semi-translucent objects.
Magnification
The magnification is determined by the objective lens and eyepiece. The product of eyepiece magnification strength and the objective lens is the total magnification of the microscope.
Stereo microscopes have low magnification which is can be fixed or zoom magnification. Compound microscopes have 3-5 objective lenses depending on the complexity of use.
Microscope Head
Compound microscopes come in three configurations:
- Monoculars: They are comfortable and convenient for children and students.
- Binoculars: They are suitable for adults and are used in laboratories for food and pharmaceutical companies.
- Trinocular: They are used when high-quality pictures or videos are required. A webcam or camera can be attached to them. They are often used for research and teaching purposes.
Most stereo microscopes are made with binocular heads, so are called binocular microscopes. However, you may find some trinocular microscopes that allow digital imaging or demonstration.
Light Source
There are different types of light bulbs used in microscopes.
- Tungsten/ Incandescent Light:
- Halogen Bulb
- Florescent
- LED
- Mirror
Most of the new microscopes feature LED lights for better light quality and durability.
Coarse and Fine Focus
The focus knob attached to the microscope is used to adjust the focus for the eyes. The main knob is for the coarse focus and the small one on it is used for fine focus. Fine focus is used to observe very minute details for example; structures of bacterial cells.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm controls the light that passes through slides before it hits the objective lens and eyepiece. Rotating the disk diaphragm under the microscope stage restricts the light passing through it. It can be adjusted through the given holes.
Iris’s diaphragm can be adjusted by a simple lever. It looks like a pupil of the eye and is used in specialized microscopes.
FAQs
Can I personally visit AmScope retail stores?
AmScope is an online company based in Irvine, California, U.S.A. They do not have retail stores or showrooms. Everything is manufactured, sealed, and dispatched from the factory. Their customer support staff is available by phone and email to assist customers with their queries and warranty claims.
How can I choose the best Amscope Microscope for home use?
The type of microscope you should buy depends on the purpose for which you have to use it. If you are interested in exploring every tiny microorganism from your pond or animal dissection, you should buy an amscope compound microscope with slides. If you are going to observe other common-use objects, like coins, stamps, hair, etc, then an amscope stereo microscope or microscope with LCDs are the better choices. We have also reviewed microscopes for coins here.
Which Amscope Microscope is used for viewing Cells?
Amscope Compound microscopes are designed for viewing animal, plant, and microbial cells. They provide very high magnification up to 1200X. You can use M150C or any amscope’s compound microscope to view the internal cell structures. There are various kinds of compound microscopes each designed for its specific purpose.
What is the difference between a Kids’ Microscope and a Students’ Microscope?
Kids’ microscopes are simple to use and inexpensive. They are similar to toys and can be used for homeschooling and hobby use. They can be presented as a gift to both girls and boys.
Students’ microscopes are intended for educational purposes. Student microscopes come with different features and categories for different age groups. The simpler ones are for elementary school students, then complex for graduate students, and specialized for research fellows.
What is the Best Microscope for a Child?
These are easy-to-use microscopes that children prefer to have. Because they can focus easily. Most of them come with guidebooks, prepared slides, fossils, etc to further enhance children’s interest.
Our Recommendation
Human minds are always looking for activities, and if they find none, they indulge themselves in screens and video games. Hundreds of discoveries around the world are made by using microscopes in laboratories, schools, and research centers. And if brains are handled properly towards productive outcomes – they turn a common person into a genius. Your mind is always ready to explore everything around and science is the best avenue to learn.
If you are searching for an amazing gift for your child, grandchild, nephew, or niece, microscopes are great options. Microscopes can keep children busy for hours and they start searching for samples everywhere. They learn about cells and microbes, or the structures of everything around them. They are curious to check the bugs from their garden or to check the cells of fungi from the pond.
Our best-recommended product is “The AmScope 120X-1200X Beginner Microscope. It is durable and comes with everything necessary for beginners. Plus the case makes it easy to carry around and keeps everything in place. Surprise your loved one with this best AmScope microscope and let you explore everything.
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