So many Amscope choices

[willy13]

Choice is good, but since I am new to microscopes it is making it more confusing for me.

For example, it looks like these 2 are the same scope but 1 of them comes with the camera. The confusing part is that the scope without the camera has a higher regular price and special price. Which makes me think that there is a difference that I am not understanding?

http://www.amscope.com/microscopes/3-5x-90x-zoom-stereo-microscope-w-dual-halogen-lights-1-3mp-camera.html

http://www.amscope.com/microscopes/3-5x-90x-trinocular-stereo-zoom-microscope-with-dual-halogen-lights.html

Is this an ideal scope for looking at die markers and taking close up pictures.
Thanks!

[Maineman750]

Personally I don't like the Amscope cameras. I do like the field of view and working distance of the one you've picked, but I think you can get away with spending much less on a scope. Do a search on "microscope" in our photography section for some good info :http://www.lincolncentforum.com/foru...in-Photography

[willy13]

Assuming they are the same scope, they are paying me $10 to take the camera. So I guess the quality of the camera is moot.

I could not find any significantly cheaper scopes, unless I went to a fixed variable zoom as opposed to the continuously variable zoom.

It seems to me the optics portion of the scope will last forever, so it is probably worth the investment. I am so tempted to take the plunge!

[jallengomez]

I would go with the tri, but keep in mind that unless you also plan on studying ebola, 90x is way more than you will ever need for coins. Pick up one that gives you about a 2-30X zoom. That will get you out far enough to take full coin shots, and get you close enough for even the most minor of varieties. It'll also save you a decent chunk of money over the 90x models.

[willy13]

The 2x to 45x from Amscope is more expensive than the 3.5x to 90x that I was looking at. Yes, the 3.5x to 45x is indeed cheaper, but its still $325, so I am tempted to go with the $439 3.5x to 90x, in the case I need the extra magnification to see die markers. What kind of magnification is needed for the hard to see die markers? Finding die markers has been a challenge for me. I am pretty good at seeing DD varieties through a loupe, but I really need a better setup to find the die markers.

[Maineman750]

45x will be more than enough to see any markers. The most I've ever used was 20x and my eyes are not that great.

[willy13]

My loupe must be way off. Because I have a hard time seeing certain markers and it is 30x. I sure wish there was a local store where I could try these out. Tis the day of the internet marketplace.

[Keith]

I have the SW-2T13X from amscope and absolutely love it. I usually look at everything through the 10X lens and when I need to get closer I just flip the lens to the 3X marker and it becomes 30X. I would recommend it. And it even looks like the price came down 50 bucks since I bought mine!!

http://www.amscope.com/5x-10x-15x-30x-trinocular-stereo-microscope-with-top-bottom-lights.html

[jallengomez]

My loupe must be way off. Because I have a hard time seeing certain markers and it is 30x. I sure wish there was a local store where I could try these out. Tis the day of the internet marketplace.

I too use a 20x loupe and with that I've never met a die marker or a split serif that I couldn't see. My guess is that it's not your loupe that is off, but rather your light source. You need a good, direct source of light. I personally use a desk lamp with a 100 watt incandescent bulb and I examine the coin directly underneath the lamp shade. A direct light source will give you the shadowing and contrast that you need to see see the markers and splits. Regardless of the magnification, if you are simply using ambient lighting, they can sometimes be tough to see unless they are dramatic.