Amscope T340 DK LED Initial Review

[@bradnelson3595]

Thanks to your review (and a bit of research on the side), I bought the B340B-LED version of this scope. It's binocular and does not have the separate dark field condenser (I have some dark field filters on the way). I bought it direct from Amscope on eBay. They seem to be having a pretty good sale. Let me know if I you accept one-time contributions via Patreon because I feel bad from not buying via your affiliate link. I can back up everything you've said about it in your review, so it's not worth repeating it other than noting some differences. I found both the vertical and horizontal motions of the mechanical stage to be buttery smooth. And as I understand it, build quality can vary and sometimes you just get what you get. That might be why yours was a little different. Focusing is butter-smooth as well. And, surprisingly, the lenses look very sharp, even edge to edge (although I haven't yet tested the 100x with oil). It is worth taking my views with a grain of salt because this is my first microscope and I don't have another to directly compare it to. But I'm a long time photographer (including macro photography) so I'm not a complete novice when it comes to optics. I might eventually get the 60x PLAN lens to replace the 100x oil. But I'm not decided on that yet. I purchased a small set of commercial slides just to have something to initially look at. They look amazingly sharp. I also purchased an iPhone adapter. These things are a bit finicky but I stuck a dollar bill under the scope and grabbed a couple frames. Here's a link. photos.app.goo.gl/9d1TUAj2TfSTM2U96 This is using the 10x objective (and with the phone deciding on its own the color balance...yikes.) No editing has been done to it. You can get to 100% pixel view by clicking on the image that comes up, then on the magnifying glass in the upper right, then slide that little magnification bar all the way to the right. The bill wasn't under a glass slide so it wasn't being held very flat, thus much of it is not on the same plane and not in focus. I think some bugs or moss will be next. The scope seems a decent platform to learn and experiment on, especially considering how relatively little I paid for it. I got an open-box unit for $211.00...but everything was still shrink-wrapped inside so I have no idea the history of it but there is zero sign of any prior use. More advanced users (and those who want to spend more to get fancier lighting technology...DIC, phase-contrast, etc.) can always purchase up. But for those looking for something that is at least of intermediate quality, I think this scope will do very well.

[@zoominmicroscopy]

Fantastic! I’ve been doing comparisons between my scopes, and I’m the 340 has been great. I’ll be doing a video on the comparison soon, but the main message will be that the 340 is the best bargain. You’re absolutely right that it’s a great scope to learn on- especially as you can insert a darkfield patch in the filter holder (I haven’t tried this yet) or buy the darkfield condenser. Additionally Amscope sells a set of plan objectives that should work with n the scope- I just ordered them today - and will review them. I expect that with the plan objectives, the Amscope 340 will compete well with its big brother, the 670. Thank you so much for letting me know your exciting news, and I’d be thrilled if you were to share additional photos in the future!

[@satpal2nd696]

Plz make continue Videos

[@zoominmicroscopy]

Will do! Thank you!!

[@bradnelson3595]

I'm seriously considering this scope because of your review. I understand you're doing a follow-up video. Or, if you have enough time under you belt with the scope, let me know if you think it's a good value. It would be my first microscope (but I've done all kinds of digital photography so I'm not a complete newbie).

[@zoominmicroscopy]

I’m going to see if I can get some organisms from my local pond, so I can check out the illumination, darkfield, and tracking moving creatures. Thank you so much for watching, asking questions, and commenting! I really appreciate it!!

[@michonn2]

Hi I am currently trying to buy one of the 4 microscopes: AmScope T340B-DK-LED-3PL for 509 euro it has 3W bright LED light and dry darkfield condenser AmScope T490B-DK-3PL for 532 euro OMAX M837ZL-A191-3PL for 509 euro it has replaceable 3W LED transmitted light with adjustable intensity, dry darkfield NA 0.7-0.9 and brightfield Abbe NA1.25 condensers included. SWIFT Stellar 1 Pro-B for 430 euro its not trinocular but it has good quality objectives Semi plan objectives, mechanical table and Ultra Precise Focusing The Stellar 1 Pro B is cheaper from both and contain better objectives but not sure about the LED light in comparison to AmScopes do you think should I jump into Stellar pro just for the better optics ?

[@tofazzalh]

Hello, please review a stereo microscope for entomology use, mostly small insects.

[@zoominmicroscopy]

Thank you so much for the suggestion. I have less experience with dissecting scopes, but I’ve been thinking of getting one, and we’ll see if I can make an informative video. Thank you!!

[@justindutcher89]

I'm looking to attach my canon mirrorless camera to a microscope for both video and photos. Could you recommend a microscope that would produce high quality images? Thank you!

[@zoominmicroscopy]

While I haven't used the Motic BA310 Elite, I've seen very impressive video from that scope. See Microcosmos videos from a few years ago as well as Tardibabe on KZbin and Instagram. That's the scope I plan to get to be my main workhorse. It runs about $1750. new.marshallscientific.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=1100100402641&gclid=Cj0KCQiAx6ugBhCcARIsAGNmMbgoroBI8BoOnMw4oLUsoKJr4NjM_1OHnenhbA6UzdKE_9yFt8yqpF0aAjBeEALw_wcB If you're on a tight budget, a great option is to buy the Amscope T340. It is very good for the cost. There is an open box currently available on Amscope.com for $304. amscope.com/products/cl-t340b-led You can also update to plan objectives, but they are currently out of stock. amscope.com/products/pax

[@justindutcher89]

@@zoominmicroscopy Thanks so much for the quick reply and recommendations. Tardibabe’s videos are what really got me interested in the first place!

[@zoominmicroscopy]

@@justindutcher89 You're very welcome!!