Microscope Question ...

[susannyny]

I've read the various postings about microscopes, but most of those discussions go way over my head. Hoping for a "yes" or "no" answer (although color commentary is certainly welcome!).

I'm still looking for my first Doubled Dies, and quickly realizing that it's going to be extremely difficult for me to pick this up without really good magnification. I know this because Jason sent me a few DD specimens, and I'm still having a hard time attributing them.

I really want a set-up where I can view the entire coin, and then zoom in. As such, I know I need a wide field, but not at all clear on what specs that actually entails.

Would this scope do the job for me? - http://store.amscope.com/se305r-px-p.html

It comes with or w/o the camera. I'd probably get the camera so that I can even get a better view on my computer screen.

Any and all input is welcome!

Thanks!!

Susan

[jcuve]

Check eBay: type in "amscope" and check the Include description box; there's like 1600 hits. I think you can get something similar for $150-200

[trails]

The scope that you want is called a zoom stereo microscope, which does not have fixed magnifications like the one that you are linked to. Take a look at this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/10X-40X-ZOOM-MICROSCOPE-BINOCULAR-STEREO-DUAL-HALOGEN-/400235604719

The low end of magnification should be around 7.5 X to 10 X and the high end about 40 X; anything more than that cost more and tends to get you in trouble (seeing obscure details that make no difference to the average or above average collector).

Now, if you get the scope try shooting pictures through one of the stereo lenses. I use a Cannon A720 IS (8 Mpix), which is a relatively cheap camera and I have raked up 10,0447 pictures using just this camera alone.

BJ Neff

[susannyny]

I've been looking on eBay. The prices are actually the same for the base units. The one I'm looking at on Amscope includes the camera set up. W/0 the camera the cost is $140.

[susannyny]

The scope that you want is called a zoom stereo microscope, which does not have fixed magnifications like the one that you are linked to. Take a look at this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/10X-40X-ZOOM-MICROSCOPE-BINOCULAR-STEREO-DUAL-HALOGEN-/400235604719

The low end of magnification should be around 7.5 X to 10 X and the high end about 40 X; anything more than that cost more and tends to get you in trouble (seeing obscure details that make no difference to the average or above average collector).

Now, if you get the scope try shooting pictures through one of the stereo lenses. I use a Cannon A720 IS (8 Mpix), which is a relatively cheap camera and I have raked up 10,0447 pictures using just this camera alone.

BJ Neff

Thanks Trails. Ok, that's definitely a different price point, but I'm glad I asked before I pulled the trigger and purchased something that wasn't going to work for me. Looks like this may end up on the holiday gift list

[Roller]

I've been hunting scopes since I started this hobby. I'm expecting the unit I just bought on Ebay today and presently use a B&L stereo zoom microscope with 7X-40X zoom magnification. Great scope for examining coins but I wqanted a trinocular so I don't have to use one of the ocular ports for the camera and (I thought) for better being able to focus the camera throug the binocular portion of the scope. (Although this theorty has been brought under doubt by Mike Diamond's report on his new microscope where he says that the focus on the camera does not track the focusing through the eyepieces.)
Long/short: The first thing that I question about your proposed purchase is that it appears not to be a zoom stereoscope, rather, it a ppears that there are three magnification settings. If this is so, you will not like that. You want a zoom scope. I also think that you need at least a 40X max. to home in on some anoms. Therefore, you would need the optional 20X eyepieces and, again, you would need to swithch back and forth between the 10X and 20X eyepieces to get the full range of magnification touted on this scope.
Finally, don't think that you will see the entire coin on your computer screen given the 0.5 reduction lens built into the camera. More than likely, the camera comes with a 1/3" or (if you are lucky) 1/2" CMOS chip. With the 0.5 reduction lens you may be able to view 1/4 of the coin on your computer screen. with the 1/2" CMOS chip.
There's more but that will do for now. Maddening; isn't it?

[jcuve]

The zoom is nice, but mine is static 20x-30x-40x-60x and I have not had problems switching between them. It would be nice to go in-between, but the price difference is rather large...I think the $150 models would suffice...

[susannyny]

Thanks for the input everyone! Regardless of which way I go, it's nice to know that I may be able to use my existing digital camera to take the photos (and not have to purchase a new one). I have a 12.1 megapixel Sony Cybershot that takes pretty good pics.

[susannyny]

I've been hunting scopes since I started this hobby. I'm expecting the unit I just bought on Ebay today and presently use a B&L stereo zoom microscope with 7X-40X zoom magnification. Great scope for examining coins but I wqanted a trinocular so I don't have to use one of the ocular ports for the camera and (I thought) for better being able to focus the camera throug the binocular portion of the scope. (Although this theorty has been brought under doubt by Mike Diamond's report on his new microscope where he says that the focus on the camera does not track the focusing through the eyepieces.)
Long/short: The first thing that I question about your proposed purchase is that it appears not to be a zoom stereoscope, rather, it a ppears that there are three magnification settings. If this is so, you will not like that. You want a zoom scope. I also think that you need at least a 40X max. to home in on some anoms. Therefore, you would need the optional 20X eyepieces and, again, you would need to swithch back and forth between the 10X and 20X eyepieces to get the full range of magnification touted on this scope.
Finally, don't think that you will see the entire coin on your computer screen given the 0.5 reduction lens built into the camera. More than likely, the camera comes with a 1/3" or (if you are lucky) 1/2" CMOS chip. With the 0.5 reduction lens you may be able to view 1/4 of the coin on your computer screen. with the 1/2" CMOS chip.
There's more but that will do for now. Maddening; isn't it?

Roller, just curious ... did you get your new scope? If so, what did you purchase and how are you liking it?!

Susan