🔬 Comparing two microscopes: Stellar 1 vs SW380T | Amateur Microscopy

The Swift SW380T and Stellar1 are two microscopes that share some similarities and differences. In this video I compare these two microscopes.
Review of the Stellar 1: • 🔬 Microscope Review: T...
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Review of the SW380T: • 🔬 Pretty good microsco...
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[@theunseen010]

I've got the 380T and I couldn't be more happy with it. High quality all around

[@user-kw2xg7pp4c]

Since your (excellent) review, Swift has improved their models : I recently buyed a 380B and the head moves very smoothly, no wobble at all and the micrometres ares now printed in the good side. Yes, I had to adjust the condenser a little bit, but it's easy and takes only a few minutes, Just unscrew the 3 hex screws holding the dispenser and readjust it while viewing through a low magnification, diaphragm closed. Re screw everithing and it's ok ! It's a excellent microscope and I recommed it . Upgrade the eye pieces for 23mm wide field and it shall be almost perfect ! But yes, the most important is the quality of your slide !! Thank you Oliver for your ability of sharing your passion !!

[@garthwunsch]

Your service to us neophytes is so appreciated. Danke. Merci. Thank you.

[@JamesWong-tj6vt]

Excellent comparison. I bought Stellar, and deeply like the color coding on lens, light intensity and condenser, and also parfocal level which gives my students a good feeling and sense on the first lesson on how to use microscope.

[@AlbertoM-qe6wi]

Great video, by the way could you possibly make a lockdown/ at home microscopy part 2?

[@mud3455]

I have realized with the SW80T, when you rotate the top trinocular head, you can tighten that screw all the way down , just make sure the top head is fully centered and pushed down onto the body of the scope before you tighten that little screw down. once tight you are still able to swivel the head, without loosening the screw and making the top all wobbly like. took me a bit to figure this out but it works very well and smooth when the screw is snugged down. thank you for the time you take to make these videos.

[@mmt3791]

Professional comparison I like your clear information

[@mattinthemountains]

I have been reading about several options and models of microscopes, also reviewing video comparisons, etc... Then I remembered I am buying it for my 6 year old son, lol. I don't think all these things matter so much, but it would be great for the quality to be good so he can really enjoy it and he can continue using it for years to come. Thank you for the information. Based o. Several of your videos I decided on the 380t. Excited to get started with him.

[@mosfear]

I found this to be a very useful video. In fact I was already planning to buy a SW380T, but this video gave me cause to reconsider, not that I saw much in it, since my budget wouldn't stretch to the Pro version. Then it was down to the waiting game as the Stellar1 wasn't yet available on Amazon UK. So what did I end up with? Well, since Swift were obviously going to phase out the SW380T in favour of the Stellar1, Amazon dropped the price for the SW380T by a massive 30%, so I immediately bought one for less than £230 before stocks ran out. A real bargain at that price and no regrets.

[@JosepBoada]

Hi Oliver. First of all thank you for your videos that are an inspiration to me. I am thinking of buying one of these two models that you present but I wanted to know how to replace the 100x with a 20x in both models. On the Swift website it seems that they don't have them and I wanted to buy ones that were of good quality. Thank you

[@tracyblack1509]

Do you have a video on the C-mount cameras for these models.? I’m leaning towards the Stellar after this video. I very much appreciate your videos sir. Thank you.

[@xtrofilm]

Thank You.

[@Plenityd]

Great review, do you know what lens mount i need to fit a Sony e-mount adapter to the camera tube to be able to use a sony a7s ii on the stellar 1?

[@fred9za]

I really wish they would add quintuple turrets and Koehler Illumination add on to these beginner microscopes, as this would allow for more of a upgrade path for amateurs like myself while allowing me break into the hobby at a lower price point.

[@thombaz]

Isn't amscope have Köehler ?

[@fred9za]

@@thombaz yes but on the much. More expensive scopes

[@happyday.mjohnson]

Thank you very much for your channel. I am new to microscopy. I just bought a 380T. My goal is to observe microbes in soil samples. I am very challenged at 400x to get a good contrast. I am printing out different dark field patch stops. But while the 100x looks amazing, I can't get the 400x to look anything but washed out. Any advice appreciated. Thank you.

[@lord_haven1114]

Did you get it working?

[@ilovefreeski]

Located in Canada here, I have been having a hard time figuring out what would be the next step up from the readily available SWIFT SW380T and where I could find other options?

[@alexjinks6172]

If I may offer a comment .'Professional' Microscopes may be considered towards specific use microscopes .I own a Leitz; Transmitted Light interference microscope . Not because I am qualified in any which way .It simply is that I have a thirst for knowledge ,even if I don't know what I am doing .I also have a CH Olympus and two other Leitz Microscopes . All of which I treasure .. Back the Interference Microscope the reference shown refers to 52--17 /17 Engl. R I weighs probably 20 kgs and is not 'potable except those with a level of strength .. I look forward to your New videos and admire your knowledge and enthusiasm to share information . Kind Regards Alex ( Diggers Rest Victoria Australia )

[@bendirval3612]

I wish you had shown comparison pictures taken with these scopes. In principle infinity and finite optics can be made of equal quality, but in practice my understanding is that they are generally not. For one thing these infinity optics will be plan, while finite objectives in the SW380 will not be. But I have heard that in many cases there are quality differences beyond that with the infinity optics being much better.

[@micro-reefsaquariums5169]

I owned and made videos with the SW380T, I used the swift 28mm phone adapter to do them. It did a nice job with DIN objectives, I was filming dinoflagellates and other live protozoas. But I wanted a bit more in a microscope I was already at $400 range with what I had gotten, so I then returned it to get the Stellar 1 Pro T, but just before it arrived, I sent it back becuase there are three types of objectives that I read, DIN, Semi-Plan and Plan. I opted for the Plan and more upgrades for me to choose from so I went up to the last scope in my budget Amscope T670Q-PL. When it arrives I will be able to compare it to the SW380T that I did enjoy for the dollar amount I spent. Stellar 1 Pro T with Semi Plan starts you at $609.

[@10101amit]

@@micro-reefsaquariums5169 i know a year late, how was it tho?

[@askger]

I need a microscope to measure mushroom spores. the SW380T fullfil all what i need, the only thing i don't know is how to install a "Okularmikrometerplatte" because i need to measure the size of the spores. Can you tell me what i need else beside of the SW380T to measure? Sadly i have very little experience with microscopes. I guess a Ocular-Micrometer and a Object-Micrometer. But can i simply put it into the Swift delivered Ocular or do i need to buy an extra Ocular or is it maybe better to buy a camera and meassure the image.

[@lefthandedphotographer]

Hi, I'm looking to purchase the steller 1 soon, I've already own a canon dslr, can you advise what I need to attach to the steller 1,is it port on the steller a standard size, I've seen adaptors online but unsure

[@Pustic2]

Hi Oliver, I have both of these and I like the Stellar 1 much better. My 380 doesn't seem to have very good resolution using the 40X and 100X objectives. Have you noticed that with your 380? Would replacing the two higher objectives fix the problem? Thank you.

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

Objective replacement only possible with objectives of the same series. You can also not put infinity objectives on the 380T.

[@masterandmargharita]

The turning of the head at 8minutes, the Swift has this. You tighten that screw up, and then you can still rotate the head, and it is not wobbly because the screw is still in.

[@lilarosa8357]

hello & thank you for your in-depth comparison, your videos have been very helpful to me. Some questions: a) can i do darkfield b) is it possible to Koehler the microscopes and c) can i do phase contrast? thank you!

[@FieryCoal]

You can put in filters that allow it to do dark field, color. and phase contrast, but they do not come prequipped

[@JetFromHell]

With the 380T whenever I tighten the knob that is supposed to lock the head in place it is still able to swivel left to right. Is this normal or is there an issue with the knob?

[@DavidVendettavendetta1811]

Thanks for all the info... I want to buy one of these models and I'm sure I will, get the Stellar 1... but here is my question cause i was trying to get info about something... I found the names Swift Stellar 1 and Swift Stellar 1 Pro obviously with the B and T versions... I got an idea... but i want to confirm if I'm wrong or not... What exactly is the difference between the Stellar 1 and the Stellar 1 PRO? is the infinite plan Obejectives ?

[@ellagreen1653]

Stellar 1 Pro is with infinity optical system and uses plan objectives while Stellar 1 is with finite optical system and uses achromatic objectives. I think Stellar 1 Pro is superior to Stellar 1 in image quality for its high-class objectives.

[@zzfoto4364]

Dear, I found another brand of microscope Motic , the model BA310E quite similar to Stellar 1 ,besides the more functions , the optical parts are similar to Stellar 1 ? Thanks in advance.

[@alexanderpankevicz3738]

Not related to the video, but how can I clean the microscope relay lens? I don't know the actual name, but it's located behind the eyepice, my microscope has some screws there but I'm not comfortable to get inside yet.

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

Ideally not touching it and not using any solvent. Pressurized air (but not from a can, which is not air) would do it. The intermediate lens of infinity microscopes do not get in contact with oil (unlike the eyepieces), therefore there is no need to use alcohol (which can be used on eyepieces).

[@alexanderpankevicz3738]

@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy Ok, I think the dirty is located behind the lens. Therefore, it's not so simple I think. I don't know how it went there ... maybe some day I'll try to open it if it's possible. Thanks!

[@rahulkurmudharrylb1734]

I have a serious question. So i was wondering that are cover glasses really important or we can just look as the specimens without it.

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

They are really important for the higher magnification objectives for several reasons: the objective is calculated to use them 0.17mm thickness of cover glass is written on the objective and also because it presses the specimen flat. Otherwise difficult to focus and risk of touching the front lens of the objective with the medium.

[@rahulkurmudharrylb1734]

@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy thank you so much sir

[@majstor76]

Why do they use infinity optics in hobby microscopes? I think main reason for infinity optics is longer optics path so you can put all kinds of filters etc . Here its not that situation

[@naturfagstoff]

Both the scopes do have filter holders, if I remember correctly.

[@DP-qb1zw]

Yes, and they also charge more for infinity. It seems infinity optics should be cheaper, actually, since they all share a common rear lens, the telans lens, and finite all have a separate rear lens.

[@martinm.3952]

Hi Oliver, first of all, I want to say thank you for your channel, just found it a few days ago, and already profited a lot from it. I'm. currently looking for a Trino to buy in Q1/2022, I think infinite optics is the future, and the way to go if you start fresh and don't have already any vintage optics. So the Stellar looks good for me, and it would fit my budget, after saving a few months (I'm 40, already retired due to disabilities - so even if these are cheap microscopes, still a big investment for "only a luxury gadget" to me with my minimal pension). But what's really a huge turn off on the Stellar for me is the USB port for charging - these are prone to to fail. I resoldered and changed so many of them the last years for friends, in phones, bluetooth speakers, vaping devices - you name it. I personally use magnetic adapters to avoid wearout or breaking of USB ports on most of my own devices now. So, after playing around with a microscope last in my early teens, my plan is to tune in again next year. I'm very interested in botanics, and my main task for the beginning will be doing the "Pflanzenanatomisches Praktikum" at home. Just one question regarding the two devices: In the videos, the cross table and the revolver look like plastic to me. Are they really or does it only look that way and i get at least some (also cheap, but lasting way longer) zinc diecast or aluminium?

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

About the USB adapter: I agree and this is one thing that I also don't like. It is flimsy and who knows if cables are still available several years later (with the USB standard always changing). In both microscopes the stage is aluminum (but colored black) and the revolver is also metal.

[@jetjazz05]

I got a great deal on a $250 to $290 scope, trinocular design, a clone of an amscope for $200. I've purchased a 60x plan objective to replace the 100 that comes with it, the 4 and 10x work pretty great with a 4k c mount camera I got and connect to my tv with hdmi. Is it great? No... but I can see stuff down to about the size of diatoms ok(ish). If I were to improve I think it'd need a 3 watt led illuminator, probably better internal optics that split to the eyepiece and trinocular tube, nice plan objectives, and probably 30mm eyepieces... so... lol... basically another scope. BUT for $500 worth of stuff It's given me hours of enjoyment. I live in Florida where it's really hot, so sometimes going to the park is just out of the question, but I can check out stuff with the microscope any day in the comfort of my home. It's like birdwatching from the couch!

[@charlesbillings2818]

I can't find the SWIFT Stellar1 Pro-T 40X-2500X Infinity Microscope anywhere. Is it out of production? If not is there an estimate of a time it will be available in the U.S.?

[@ellagreen1653]

Yeah, it's sold out on amazon.

[@dimakowahl]

Приветствую! Я недавно купил через eBay . Он стоил 600 евро мне сделали скидку и я купил его за 550 евро!

[@dimakowahl]

@@ellagreen1653 но я купил через eBay за 550 евро. Новый, в упаковке! Буквально пару недель назад.

[@peteengard9966]

I have an Amscope monocular microscope. Would it be possible to swap the head for a trinocular head?

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

Only if A. the model allows for this and B if it is offered in the first place.

[@bendirval3612]

Probably cheaper and better to just buy a new scope.

[@peteengard9966]

@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy Thank you. I'm happy with the performance of the monocular, but would be nice to have a tri.

[@Mythreesons137.]

I bet the stellar has a little better contrast

[@paulmitchell5349]

The ergonomics of the Stellar are superior.

[@72daystar]

Living in South Korea I'm worried about voltage compatibility issues.

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

The stellar 1 uses a USB connectors as a power supply. So you can get the local power adapter.

[@microscopicexplored8346]

I've bough SW380T and have to admit was disappointed. While the scope seems to be more or less nice, the build quality is very questionable, to say the least. It happens there is side play in fine focus knob. The shaft seems to be not straight. In addition, not working in a consistent manner - sometimes turns harder, sometimes easier. Sometimes will stick a little bit, making fine adjustments problematic. Eye pieces are positioned with low tilt angle which makes it not comfortable to work with for adults.

[@bendirval3612]

The stellar condenser can't be adjusted up and down? That can definitely be a disadvantage. I'm surprised to see you not care about that. Microscopes that are high end enough to have infinity optics should also have adjustable and replaceable condensers. This is a step backward, in my opinion. Compare to older competitors like the AmScope t490 that has a condenser that can be adjusted and replaced with a dry or oiled darkfield condenser or a phase contrast condenser. I think swift has made some bad decisions here.

[@micro-reefsaquariums5169]

I sent back the SW380T to get the Stellar Pro due to the upgrade in objectives, Semi Plan but felt that it didn't come package with a SWF or EWF eyepiece for having the Semi plan objectives it kept it at 18mm same as the SW380T. Also I noticed the condensor doesn't drop like the SW380T, Hunter says you always leave it in the highest setting but they should have left it also for the Stellar to have. I canceled the stellar order because the video on amazon showed it using the Dark Field slider only to call Swift and find that it was not possible to have it in this model, I was like incorrect advertising, so I went with the Amscope T670Q-PL which has all the bells and whistle for entry level microscope just at $919 dollars, you get 5 objectives and they are infinity Plan plus you have upgrades to phase contrast, darkfield etc.

[@ElanioBro]

Dang, I only just got my swfit 380T

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

the 380T is fine. The other one has just been released and is not yet available everywhere.

[@jamesmk2003]

I can not find Stellar 1.

[@AIJLarkin]

Same, have they stopped selling it in uk?

[@HatiKeseorangan]

I want buy microscope but idk what version i should buy 😩

[@micro-reefsaquariums5169]

The Stellar 1 Pro T does have the Semi-Plan objectives but the same viewing from 10X 18mm field as the SW380T that has the 160 DIN objectives but equal field of view 18mm.

[@HatiKeseorangan]

Yeah i now survey both stellar 1 and stellar Pro... cannot wait to have it

[@AndersJackson]

So then Raspberry Pi cameras can be connected to these, as I believe they have C screws.

[@mundomicroscopico-microsco4830]

Put subtitles on the videos please!!!

[@davidplitt]

But this is the stellar pro T

[@S.Farmer]

N1 microscope 380t

[@rexsterling7346]

The Amazon link you provided for both these microscopes go up to 2500X power. Are they so cheap that they need to market high power to sell? I would think to stay away from a brand that markets this way. You always recommend not going for more than 1000X since any more is poor quality and useless.

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

You only have a 100x objective? Very difficult to focus. you have to start with a lower magnification and then go upward.

[@rexsterling7346]

@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy That's not my point. In your videos, not in the exact words, you say it's gimmicky to sell microscopes that have any more than 1000X power because any more than that is useless because it will always be blurry. Also a waste of money.

[@lotharmayring6063]

as long as i see neither the light source nor the condensor can be centered........that means bullshit. Why do you not mention the tubuslense.......

[@lamyrvasconcelos6394]

OBRIGADO POR SUA EXELENTES EXPLANACOES. (portugues - Brasil)

[@nightstormoutdoors6080]

To be honest, I don't like either of these scopes. Both have got it all wrong in at least one area. Power supply is a let down on both scopes. Seriously, why have a scope that can be powered by a power bank and not just build in a renewable rechargeable power pack. It's led lighting for Pete's sake, one charge can last a long, long time and the batteries would almost last forever. For me, this power bank idea is an unnecessary change for the sake of it, and rather gimmicky. And decent power banks that actually work well are costly. As you said, it is the first you have seen this kind of power supply, so why? No good reason, really. I own a binocular sp35 by Brunel. This design has been well thought through before going on the market and doesn't need continual upgrading like Swift scopes. It's a delightful scope, and if I were to need a trinocular, which I don't, I would buy the Brunel sp50.

[@dreampacs8720]

I think the USB powered feature is more reasonable. Today, people can find an external power bank or any other USB power sources everywhere to power it. But if the power pack is built-in, you have not choice to afford the additional cost even do not need it.