Re: Stereo scope help needed

A couple of comments about scopes for micromounting. First, I would go
with an older scope, if you can examine it and determine that the
optics are OK. Some scopes have misaligned prisms or other defects that
are not immediately obvious, but will cause headaches (literally) after
hours of viewing micromounts. I have a Nikon SMZ-10 trinocular scope
that I've had for years that is absolutely wonderful. It has very
bright optics and excellent resolution. Over the last two years I've
seen two of them sell on e-Bay for around $400. Even on e-Bay you can
still sometimes find a bargain.

Some of the newer Russian and Chinese scopes are OK. If you opt for one
of them, I suggest that you buy from someone who is willing to
guarantee them and take them back after you thoroughly check them out.

Last, let me point out that the quality of a scope for micromounting is
frequently improved by having a good light source. By good, I mean
bright, not necessarily expensive. Here in the Southeast we have been
using cheap 20W high intensity desk lamps that are retrofitted to take
spotlight type halogen bulbs. I get more intensity out of them than I
do my 150W fiber optic illuminator.

Henry Barwood

windspinner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
I'd like some advise on a stereo microscope for use with mineral
micromounts.

Requirements are 10x to 30x power at least. 40X would be nice. I can spend
in the neighborhood of $400, no more.

So far I've found some used AO scopes in that price range. The Lomo is also
available in that price range. The Lomo does come with illuminaters and more
than enough magnification options, and its new. I looked at Optical Planet.
Any feedback on that company?

Any other choices in that range? I am aware the "name" brands can be better
optically and I did buy a used Leitz biological scope rather than a new off
brand, but was wondering if the same help true for low power stereo scopes.

.

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