AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope, 40X-2500X Magnification    

** 40X-2500X Magnification, LED Illumination, Abbe Condenser, Two-Layer Mechanical Stage, 1.3MP Camera and Software Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 **


The AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope is one of the best research instruments with features that have been designed for various applications. As such, it can be used for teaching demonstrations, clinical examinations as well as for laboratory purposes.

AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope, 40X-2500X Magnification, LED Illumination, Abbe Condenser, Two-Layer Mechanical Stage, 1.3MP Camera and Software Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10


Binocular Head


The AmScope B120C-E1 has a professional Siedentopf binocular head, which allows the interpupillary distance to be adjusted (53 to 77mm) for the convenience of the user. In addition, it has a dioptric adjustment that allows the microscope to accommodate individual eye-strength differences.

With these features, it can be used by virtually anyone to view the specimen. The 10x and 25x widefield eyepieces on the Siedentopf binocular head are interchangeable, which means that the user can interchange them depending on the specimen under observation.

The 360- degree rotation capability of the binocular head as well as a fixed 30 degree vertical inclination allows the user a more comprehensive view and allows sharing in addition to reducing eye and neck strain.


Digital Camera


The 1.3 digital camera that comes with this set is an impressive component that captures still images, streams live videos on to the PC and is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8, Mac OS X, and Linux. Therefore, it can be used with just about any computer. The user friendly processing and editing software also offers other advanced features, which include video recording, measurement functions as well as stitching.

It allows the user to simultaneously set live video and image capture in different resolutions in addition to processing and editing image captures in a similar manner to Photoshop.


Body of Microscope



Objectives and Light 

The nosepiece of the B120C-E1 has the 4x, 10x, 40xS, and 100xS (oil) DIN achromatic objectives in place, which combine with the eyepieces to provide color correction of the magnified images at five magnifications (40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X & 2500X).

While the 40xS objective has spring loaded to protect both the slide and lens from damage during observation, the 100xS spring-loaded oil objective allows for increased resolution over the standard objective. In addition to the spring-loaded objectives, the microscope also has a stage upward moving lock, which is used to protect the objectives and lenses.

In the AmScope B120C, lower diascopic brightfield illumination transmits light up through the specimen for enhanced visibility of both translucent and transparent objects. The brightfield (BF) illumination allows for the specimen to absorb light, which results in a dark image on the light background.

Here, the LED light illumination that is used provides a bright, but cool light that is ideal with temperature- sensitive or live specimens.On the other hand, the 1.25 NA Abbe condenser can be used to adjust and control the distance of light from the stage. It also has an iris diaphragm, which allows for the optimization of the amount of light illuminating the specimen.


Stage 

The AmScope B120C-E1 microscope uses a double layered mechanical stage with 1mm stage divisions. It locks the slide in to place, allowing for precise slide manipulation along the X-Y axis. This is an important feature of the microscope that allows for coordinates to be recorded, and enables the user to return to the specific location of the slide they are interested in.

 

The microscope also comes with;

  • A cover dust
  • Sample immersion oil
  • User’s microscope manual
  • USB cable
  • CD with software
  • Driver and User's instructions
  • Blue color filter


Strengths and weaknesses

Pros

This microscope is easy to set-up, and provides great performance. It offers a higher magnification of 2500x as compared to other similar microscopes, giving it a slight advantage. The mechanisms are smooth and easy to use, which allows a great experience. On the other hand, it offers an overall optical quality that will meet the needs of the majority of users.

Cons

At the time of this writing, the camera does not work with the USB 3.0. This means that it cannot be used with the new Macs on the market. Perhaps a fix for this is in the works though. 


Conclusion


Overall, the AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf microscope is a good quality microscope that will meet the needs of the user. It can be very easily assembled without a manual, while the lenses are very clear for use.

While it is a decent microscope for younger students who are looking to become familiar with the device, it will also serve well for biological, bacterial and pharmaceutical research. It is therefore an ideal microscope for both students and professionals. 


Take a look MicroscopeMaster's other Amscope reviews:

Amscope Student Widefield Compound Microscope

Amscope LED Cordless Student Compound Microscope

AmScope M500B-MS-LED Monocular Compound Microscope

AmScope 40X-2500X LED Digital Binocular Compound Microscope plus 3D Stage and 5Mp USB Camera

Great for Homeschool and the classroom!


Return to Amscope Microscopes Main Page

Return from AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope to MicroscopeMaster Home






Find out how to advertise on MicroscopeMaster!