OMAX 40X-2000X Digital Binocular Biological Compound Microscope with Built-in 3.0MP USB Camera and Double Layer Mechanical Stage

- A MicroscopeMaster Review -

The OMAX 40X-2000X Digital Binocular Biological Compound Microscope with Built-in 3.0MP USB Camera and Double Layer Mechanical Stage is listed elsewhere for over $1000.00.  Now with LED Illumination. 

MicroscopeMaster is first of all impressed with the price tag at Amazon with the bonus of a digital camera included. That is quite remarkable.   

Secondly, the construction and all round capabilities of this microscope surpass what you would normally expect for this price.   

This Omax microscope offers affordability, convenience and durability.  Images obtained are bright and clear, controls are firm and the stage and slide holder are easy to work with. 

Equipped with a 3.0M pixel built-in USB camera, you will enjoy not only photo capability but video as well which is especially beneficial where participation in a group setting is necessary.  Pictures can be brightened, cropped and saved easily. 

It is compatible with MS Windows 2000/XP/Vista as well as Windows 7 -32bit and 64bit 

Worth noting is Omax's excellent customer service and informative technical support. 


Features


 

  • 40x-80x-100x-200x-400x-800x-1000x-2000x levels of magnification 
  • 4 achromatic objectives - DIN 4x, 10x, 40x(S), 100x(S,Oil);  
  • 2 pairs of ocular lenses (eyepieces) - WF10X and P20X 
  • Built-in 3.0MP USB camera featuring advanced software (Windows compatible, Mac Users have experienced difficulty - see below) 
  • LED Illumination
  • Double layer mechanical stage with co-axial fine and coarse focus knobs 
  • NA1.25 Abbe Condenser with iris diaphragm and filters 
  • Metal construction 
  • Dust cover provided 
  • 5 Year Warranty14 Days Money Back Guarantee (from Amazon) 
  • Item Weight: 13.2 pounds


Pros


  • Focus Knob lock with knob on both sides, tight tolerances 

  • The two sets of eyepieces move left / right for different personal ocular widths, and move up and down for focus  
  • Built in camera is mounted inside so it doesn't get in the way of anything 
  • The stage has solid forward and backward movement 
  • The slide bed moves with micro adjustments left, right, up and down. Slide holder is sturdy. Micro control for slide movement (left to right) can be adjusted with your right hand and the focus micro control with your left  
  • Simple assembly 
  • User friendly 

This comes with optical oil and it is recommended you purchase professional grade lens paper for cleaning your lenses after use.   

See MicroscopeMaster's cleaning tips regarding oil immersion microscopy.



Negatives


1/  Regarding Functionality with Mac:  As with many digital microscopes there are reported issues of compatibility with Mac.  The images appear with decreased resolution in photobooth on Mac.

The camera does work, it is plug and play, but photobooth displays images at 640X480 so full 3 MP image/video capability is lacking.  

Most are satisfied as they are viewing images for entertainment or simple professional observation so 640x480 has proven fine. 

At present, Omax can give information about the software they provide with the microscope which is for PC only.  Omax are apparently attempting to acquire licenses for a 3rd party software called "miXscope" priced at around $20 to provide added MAC user functionality.  

As a Mac user you can find and purchase this software as an addition to your microscope purchase.  

2/  A few customers have reported ocular lens image displaying crisper images than those on monitor. The issue here is that image clarity is dependent on your computer monitor quality, some have limitations.  

Tip:  Adjust focus for computer monitor and not for ocular image. 


3/ 2000X requires the WF20X ocular lens (not listed in product features as included) but is featured in product photos as being included. This is a point of contention and can be argued with Omax. 


4/ Manual is not included but download instructions are provided. If having difficulty, customer service provides a quick response by email. Their customer service has an excellent rating. 


Special Notes


As with many microscopes of this caliber it is very well suited for scientific research, personal or professional; in the lab or for education.   

In particular, biology majors on a budget are more than satisfied and veterinary students are able to transport the microscope into the field with ease of use and image clarity. 

Your college student will finally have a well calibrated microscope. As you may already know, college microscopes are so abused and poorly calibrated.  This is a new, properly calibrated and inexpensive substitute and so will surpass the old Olympus microscope or other top brand found in the college lab. 

Keep in mind, purchasing slides and cleaning supplies for the lenses in conjunction with your microscope purchase is a good idea.



The OMAX 40X-2000X Digital Binocular Biological Compound Microscope with Built-in 3.0MP USB Camera and Double Layer Mechanical Stage has a 5 star rating from customers and MicroscopeMaster agrees - an excellent purchase.   

**Now equipped with LED Illumination.


See Also:

Omax 40X-2000X Lab LED Binocular Compound Microscope Promotion Set.

Omax 40X-2000X Digital Lab LED Binocular Microscope with 1.3MP USB Camera and Double Layer Mechanical stage

Omax Trinocular LED Microscope with 5MP Digital Camera and Mechanical Stage

Omax 40X-2500X Full Size Lab Digital Trinocular Compound LED Microscope With 14MP USB Camera and 3D Mechanical Stage


Check out MicroscopeMaster’s online help:


Basics of a Compound Microscope

Diagram/Parts/Functions of a Compound Microscope

Beginner Microscope Experiments

Microscope Slides Preparations-Styles and Techniques

Prepared Microscope Slides - Benefits and Recommendations

Return to Omax Microscope Buyer's Guide Main Page 

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