AmScope M500-MS Monocular Compound Microscope, WF10x Eyepiece, 40x-1000x Magnification, Anti-Mold Optics, Tungsten Illumination, Brightfield, Abbe Condenser, Coarse and Fine Focus, Plain Stage with Mechanical Specimen Holder, 110V

This microscope exceeds my expectations. It is rugged and well designed. After doing a lot of research, I used the online chat withe an Amscope support person to make my final choice. He answered all my questions accurately. He might have tried to sell me an expensive Amscope digital imager while trying to discourage my interest in the much cheaper Celestron Digital Microscope Imager. When I explained that my budget was limited and I was leaning towards spending the money on a higher end Amscope ( the M500 series), and that I thought that an adjustable slide holder was indispensable, and therefore I thought it wise to try the Celestron Digital imager, he told me it would fit and did not try to convince me to buy the much more expensive Amscope imager. Online support was also helpful in clarifying a couple of minor details about operation after the scope arrived. I have not used a microscope since the early sixties, so I watched online videos about proper operation and slide preparation. Ease of operation and image quality of the M500-MS at all magnifications are excellent. For a few dollars more one can get the model with an extra 15x ocular lens to compliment the standard 10x ocular. This would provide the same magnifications as the 15x Celestron digital imager, which works very well with the Amscope. One can also choose a LED lighting system. Since I have had no experience with this system, I chose the conventional condenser system. The lighting system even has a filter holder and is supplied with three color filters to improve images of some subjects (using these filters is an interesting study in itself.)The images are spectacular, and the adjustable slide holder works very well and is easy to install. I consider this device indispensable for all but large objects viewed at low magnifications. Coarse and fine adjustment feel just right to me. Custom adjustment of spring and other fine adjustments are possible. It comes with a spare bulb for the adjustable condenser and iris lighting system. This is a great instrument for anyone who knows the basics of microscopy or is willing to learn. I expect this instrument to continue to delight me as my experience and expertise grows.See my review of the surprisingly good Celestron Digital Imager used with the AmScope M500-MS

I bought this for my girlfriend. She is a bio major at FSU and is fascinated by things that aren't visible to the naked eye. She loves it. The magnification and clarity is fantastic. I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a microscope on a college budget, or any budget for that matter. Great product!!

I bought this microscope directly from Amscope to use with my 4 homeschooled children, and I highly recommend it. I was a microbiology major in college, and this microscope works just as well or better than anything I ever used in a student lab. Be aware that some assembly is required (attaching the objective lenses and mechanical stage), and the instructions that come in the box are not very detailed. No slides are included, so be sure to add some prepared slides and/or blank slides and cover slips to your order.