Looking at a microscope, is an Olympus SZH worth it? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: poodyp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2012, 08:29:13 am
content: I found an Olympus SZH being sold for $350. Here's Olympus'brochure. It's a .75x-6.4x stereo zoom, includes 10x eyepieces, a 1x objective, and a nice boom stand.Everyone says Olympus makes good glass, but I'm wondering if 7.5x is too much of a minimum for electronics work. There is a .5x objective available, theoretically, but I can only find it for way way more than I'll have paid for the scope, and they probably don't even have them in stock. Would 5x eyepieces be worth it?So is this a good deal? Or should I get an sz40 or an amscope with a more appropriate zoom ratio?Thanks.

author: Balaur
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 22, 2012, 09:45:59 am
content: I have a relatively inexpensive (~150 USD) stereo 10x-20x-30x-60x AmScope that I'm perfectly happy with. Even at this price I had some difficulty in justifying this (personal) acquisition, but your mileage may vary.The micro has 1X and 3X objectives. I'm mainly using the 1X since the 3X is not too luminous. I find the 10X magnification to be very comfortable for most SMD work and general usage and I occasionally use the 20X for some inspection work. I don't think that a minimum of 7.5X is too much.The 60X is very rarely used for some quick die sightseeing (but it's just a curiosity than useful work) and for my wife biology stuff (but not really adapted for that purpose). I have something better at work if needed.Cheers,Dan

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2012, 11:04:21 am
content: Disclaimer: I am a very satisfied Amscope customerIn either case you want to get a 0.5 objective lens. That will halve your magnification giving you a perfectly useable 3.75X to 32X range and double your working distance under the lens (very important).IMO if the Olympus does not have:1.Superwidefield eyepieces (diameter of eyepiece lensglassshould be aprox 25mm diameter) Super widefield eyepieces give much more leeway in how precisely your eyes have to be lined up with the eyepiece to see the full view. This translates into almost instant aquisition of a full image with both eyes and therefore much less fatigue.2. Adjustable boom stand.3. 0.5 objective lens.don't buy it.EDIT: If you buy an Amscope get the zoom, it is extremely nice to just dial the perfect magnification for the job at hand.

author: poodyp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2012, 07:23:55 pm
content: The Olympus actually has the nice lookingSTU2 stand from the SZ series, but yeah, your other two points still stand.It's sad because it was a $7k microscope new, and is marked at ~$4k on most used gear sellers, but it's a bad purchase because I can't find a more appropriate objective.Question about AmScope, is the "3D boom stand" worth it over the standard one? The SZH had one, so obviously someone felt it was worthwhile to have.Thanks for the advice.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2012, 08:09:57 pm
content: I dont know what the 3D stand is, I don't see it on the amscope site. I have the single arm which suits me fine as I move my work around under the scope instead of moving the scope. If you plan to move the scope instead of the work the double arm would be better. You have to manualy keep the scope upright when you move the boom in and out on the single arm so it is an accident waiting to happen if you forget that fact.

author: poodyp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2012, 10:54:45 pm
content: Weird, the dual arm stand is called a "3D boom stand" insome of the auctions on ebay. I'm assuming it's probably overkill for bench work.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 22, 2012, 10:56:03 pm
content: Yes, Olympus have some of the best glass in the industry.Just get a 0.5X barlow on ebay and that will make an awesome scope.Dave.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2012, 11:12:05 pm
content: If you get an Amscope make sure you either buy it on Ebay or ask for thier Ebay pricing and free shipping when you call your order in. There is a substantial savings that way.

author: poodyp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2012, 11:57:15 pm
content: I've been trying to find what the thread size on the SZH objective is, Ithinkthissays it's 54mm, but every barlow lens I find is 48mm. I read someone saying the SZH has a bigger objective for better light collection, so that would make sense, but it could just be because it's a CMO design.

author: Circuitous
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 23, 2012, 12:13:50 am
content: I also have an AmScope, a SM-4tz, 3.5X-90X.http://store.amscope.com/sm-4tz.htmlIt came with a double boom arm, which I have since upgraded with an articulating arm. I really love having the articulating arm.http://store.amscope.com/asc.htmlI also have the dimmable 144 LED ring light, which seems to provide plenty of illumination for inspection/soldering work.http://store.amscope.com/led-144-yk.htmlThis has been a great setup, I use it all of the time. I specifically bought a trinocular (extra mount for a camera), and have added their MU1000 10 megapixel camera.I have had this for over a year, with no complaints. Amscope was easy to order from, and they ship quickly.

author: clonecrp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2012, 01:08:04 am
content: Hi Guys !I have an Amscope & visited them in the US (California ... I'm in Pennsylvania about 3K miles away).Chinese guys & it appears their products are excellent with some exceptions... Had problems with the coatings on the boom arm and base which were resolved with a PAINT MATCH ... The optics and associated mechanisms appear to be excellent however, I am NOT satisfied with the cameras ...http://amscope.com/... prices are right ... talk to Peter ... Quite a guy !Warmest regards,Doug

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2012, 02:06:32 am
content: I just bought a 5Mpixel USB camerahttp://store.amscope.com/mu500.htmlfrom them that fits in the eyepiece. They said the MU series was better than the MA or MT series, especially the software had more features than the others. I am sure it has to be better than my shots thru the eyepiece with the handheld video camera. I am anxious to see if it works in real time well enough to use while working in general.EDIT: I just noticed this on thier website about the MU series"the NEWEST generation microscope cameras, MU series, GUARANTEE your satisfaction!"Kind of implies they had people unhappy with the other series cameras and this series will make you happy. At least I hope so.

author: timcki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2012, 04:43:18 am
content: amscope....much cheaper and will do what you need....

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2012, 08:12:43 am
content: Hmm that 144 LED solution is indeed much cheaper (light output) than the ones on aliexpressThe 56LED models are going for 30 bucks ...And then i found this :http://www.aliexpress.com/product-fm/555538406-Microscope-light-microscope-ring-light-wholesalers.htmlBut ... i am open to opinions

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2012, 02:07:45 pm
content: Quote from: T4P on August 23, 2012, 08:12:43 amThe fluorescent solutions are always cheaper than the LED (I have the 56 LED version and its great) but the illumination is different. Regardless, ~$10 is a great find.I have the Amscope trinocular with the boom stand and couldn't be happier. Super wide viewing angle (which in itself is limited but compared to others I've tried, its tons better - no comparison though if you're juxtaposing to a Mantis).The only gripe I have is that I wish the cam that determines the scopes final tilt angle was cogged with a gear or some other clever solution. If you don't ratchet down the clamp lever, it sometimes slips a little on you - especially when you've been working under it for a few hours.Also, invest the extra $10 in the better eye-relief 'rubbers' (the longer ones). They help a lot in comfort and aligning sight.

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 23, 2012, 10:24:06 pm
content: I got a amscope to, very satisfied, value for money. "Turn" the optics like its done in this tread.. and You got top bargain tool..https://www.eevblog.com/forum/general-chat/incoming-stuff-stereo-microscope-10x-20x-30x-60x/

author: transmittedlight
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 10:02:00 pm
content: Ooooold thread, I know, but it comes up anytime I search google for the olympus SZH and bothers me every time.For the record, and the love of god, should anyone else be lucky enough to find an olympus SZH for sale at the same cost as an amscope, get the olympus. There is really nothing to think about here.Quick, you're shopping for multimeters and have a choice between a nice, used Fluke 87III and sparkfun's 117 knock off. They're both yellow! They both read volts! They're both the same price! What do?!?

author: KJDS
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2015, 10:24:20 pm
content: As someone who has owned over a hundred microscopes over the last few years, I've got to say that Olympus, Zeiss, Leica, even Kyowa or several others give far clearer images than the cheap ones.Having said that, if all you are doing is soldering down to 0402 then the cheap ones will be fine.