Stereo Microscope Barlow Lenses: Eakins vs others? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Stiletto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2018, 10:31:52 pm
content: Hi all,I'm planning to purchase an Amscope SM-4NTP in the near future, and was looking at 0.5x and 0.7x barlow lenses on Aliexpress. I know the big players are Lucky Zoom and FYScope, but I couldn't help notice the Eakins barlow lenses (from Eakins Micscope Store) are considerably less money. I can get a 0.5x and a 0.7x Eakins for the price of a Lucky Zoom 0.5x alone. Makes me wonder if the Eakins lenses are not quite as good?I've read some good reviews on other Eakins products, and was wondering if anyone had any information regarding these Eakins lenses, or has tried them. Are they equivalent in quality to those sold by Lucky Zoom & FYScope? Are the Amscope barlow lenses sold in the U.S. really a better grade of Chinese lens, and superior to anything on Aliexpress? Thanks!

author: Bud
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2018, 10:58:01 pm
content: My Amscope came with a 0.5 barlow lens. The black ring that you see in the ad photo of your microscope model may be the one. Guess you may need to ask them to confirm.

author: Stiletto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 16, 2018, 11:48:49 pm
content: Thanks, I appreciate the reply.What I'm curious about is whether anyone has tried the Eakins brand barlow lenses sold on Aliexpress by Eakins Micscope Store, and whether they are a quality product, or junk. They certainly are a lot cheaper than the Amscope branded ones, or the ones sold by other well-known Aliexpress vendors. I'm trying to judge whether the difference represents mark-up, or quality. I'll spend the money on better quality, but OTOH I love saving $ where it makes sense.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2018, 08:24:43 pm
content: I just ordered a similarly priced LeeTun 0.5X 48x0.75mm auxiliary ("barlow") lens, as well as a used Olympus 110AL0.5X to compare it against. Both are coming from China. With a little luck they will come before the year is over. If you like, I can let you know how they work out.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2018, 12:49:59 pm
content: @jfirestoI'd like to "listen" in on your experiences too.I'm on the lookout for a 0.5 Barlow for my Olympus SZ-40/Bingo

author: Stiletto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2018, 01:54:24 pm
content: Thanks jfiresto, I would definitely be interested in hearing what you find.I'm getting ready to pick up a new scope from Amscope (probably an SM-4NTP), so I went ahead and pulled the trigger on a 0.5x barlow, a 1x protective lens, some rubber eyeguards and ametalring light adapter from LuckyZoom. I keep hearing how folks have had good experiences both with LuckyZoom and their feedback on Aliexpress looks stellar. Also picked up a 144 LED 4-zone light ring from FYScope (because LuckyZoom did not have the style I wanted).We'll see how it all works out soon. I'm kinda new to Aliexpress purchasing direct from China and a little skittish, but warming up to it, gradually. Nice to save a little on the accessories if I can.

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2018, 07:48:09 pm
content: I will let you guys know how the two, auxiliary lens work out. At the moment, one lens may have just left China; the other is probably a couple movements behind.I will actually test the two on a Wild M7S stereo microscope, which should be compatible enough. I will compare the two against against each other and against the standard, Wild 0.5X auxiliary: both, looking through the center of each lens, and off the left and right sides, as I expect you guys will use them.I probably have a similar, 144-LED four-zone ring light which is pretty handy. The LEDs on mine are around 40mm off axis, which is not so great for illuminating small holes. I have ambitions to make some custom LED illuminators for peering into vias.Out of curiosity, is the SM-4NTP a Greenough design or does it have a Common Main Objective (CMO)? [EDIT:This SM-4TX reviewsuggests it will be Greenough.]

author: Stiletto
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 28, 2018, 12:46:25 am
content: Look forward to seeing your results.I'm hoping the LED split zone feature is useful and worth the extra cost over just the dimmable 144 LED ring light.And yes, I can confirm the Amscope SM-4 microscope head is a Greenough design.