AmScope M102C-PB10 Biological Compound Microscope

AmScope M102C-PB10 Biological Compound Microscope — image 1
AmScope M102C-PB10 Biological Compound Microscope — image 2
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AmScope M102C-PB10 Biological Compound Microscope — image 4
AmScope M102C-PB10 Biological Compound Microscope — image 5
AmScope M102C-PB10 Biological Compound Microscope — image 6
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84%

Overview

The AmScope M102C-PB10 Biological Compound Microscope is an ideal tool for students and kids interested in exploring the world of microscopy. With its monocular design and impressive 40X-1000X magnification, it provides a broad range of viewing options suitable for educational use. The microscope is equipped with both prepared and blank slides, offering hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, its all-metal frame and optical glass lenses ensure durability and clarity, making it a reliable choice for those just starting out in biological studies.

Features & Benefits

This microscope boasts five magnification levels, ranging from 40X to 1000X, giving users flexibility for detailed examination. The LED illumination, powered by wall power, ensures consistent and bright lighting during use. Its single lens condenser with a disc diaphragm allows for precise focusing, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The sturdy all-metal construction is built to last, making this model a durable option for long-term use in both classroom and home settings. It's a versatile tool for anyone looking to explore biology in more detail.

Best For

The AmScope M102C-PB10 is best suited for beginner and intermediate users in schools or home labs. Its easy setup and simple operation make it an excellent choice for students and children looking to explore biology, especially in educational environments. It's also a great option for anyone needing an affordable yet reliable microscope for personal use or hobbyist activities. This model strikes a balance between performance and cost, making it accessible for those new to microscopy.

User Feedback

Many users appreciate the microscope’s ease of use and the clarity of the images it produces, especially at higher magnifications. The build quality stands out, with most users noting the microscope's sturdy design and durability, even after prolonged use. However, some users have pointed out the lack of an adjustable light intensity, which could make it challenging to fine-tune the lighting in certain environments. Despite this, the microscope’s overall performance remains highly regarded by those seeking an affordable entry-level microscope.

Pros

  • This microscope is ideal for beginners and educational use, making it a great choice for students exploring biology.
  • The 40X-1000X magnification range allows for versatile viewing, suitable for both detailed observations and general use.
  • Its all-metal frame and optical glass lenses provide durability and long-lasting performance in educational settings.
  • The inclusion of both prepared and blank slides supports hands-on learning and practical experimentation.
  • LED illumination ensures consistent, bright lighting for clear viewing, even in low-light environments.
  • Setup is straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy for first-time users or teachers to get started quickly.

Cons

  • Some users find the lack of adjustable light intensity limiting when fine-tuning lighting for specific specimens.
  • While durable, the microscope is not ideal for heavy-duty or professional use in more demanding environments.
  • The 40X-1000X magnification, while versatile, may not offer the finest detail needed for advanced scientific work.
  • A few users report that the microscope's focus can be a bit challenging at higher magnifications, leading to slight blurriness.
  • The fixed light source may not be bright enough for users who require more powerful illumination for larger or opaque samples.
  • Some feedback suggests that the microscope is heavier than expected, making it less portable for quick or mobile use.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple platforms and languages, we've summarized the global feedback for the AmScope M102C-PB10 Biological Compound Microscope. Our analysis filters out spam, bots, and incentivized content, ensuring the scores reflect genuine user experiences. The following categories showcase both the strengths and areas for improvement based on authentic feedback from diverse sources worldwide.

Ease of Use
89%
Many users appreciate how simple and intuitive this microscope is to use, especially for beginners and educational purposes. Its straightforward design and easy setup make it ideal for schools and home labs where quick, hassle-free operation is important.
A few users have mentioned that the focusing mechanism can be a bit tricky, especially for younger children. Some also found that the lack of adjustable light intensity made it difficult to get the perfect image in certain lighting conditions.
Build Quality
92%
This device stands out for its sturdy all-metal frame and optical glass lenses, which provide a durable and long-lasting product. The solid build is often highlighted as a key factor that adds to its reliability, making it suitable for both classroom and home use.
While most users are satisfied with the construction, a few pointed out that the weight of the microscope can be cumbersome for some users, particularly when moving it between classrooms or storing it in tight spaces.
Value for Money
85%
For its price point, this microscope offers a great balance between affordability and performance. Buyers highlight its versatility with multiple magnification levels, making it an excellent choice for educational purposes without breaking the budget.
Some users feel that while it's affordable, there are a few areas where quality could be improved, such as the consistency of the lighting or the overall finish of the base, which detracts from the overall value.
Optical Clarity
88%
The clarity of the lens is one of the strong points mentioned by many users, who appreciate the sharpness and detail it provides at higher magnifications. It allows for an engaging experience, especially for students exploring biology or other subjects.
A small number of users mentioned that the clarity decreases slightly at higher magnifications, with some noting minor blurriness when focusing at the highest levels. However, these issues were relatively rare and didn't affect most users' experiences.
Light Consistency
76%
24%
The LED light provides a consistent source of illumination, which works well in most environments. It's especially beneficial for classroom settings where uniform lighting is needed across different experiments and viewing conditions.
Several buyers noted that the LED light is not adjustable, which limits its flexibility. In some situations, the lighting could be either too bright or not bright enough, affecting the visibility of certain slides, especially under different ambient lighting conditions.
Assembly & Setup
90%
Setting up this microscope is quick and easy, with many users commenting on how straightforward the assembly is. The clear instructions and minimal parts required make it a good choice for those who need to start using it right away.
A few users reported minor difficulties with aligning the focus mechanism during setup, although these issues were resolved with a little patience. This is an isolated complaint and doesn't affect most users.
Magnification Range
91%
The 40X-1000X magnification range provides a broad spectrum of viewing options, which users appreciate for different types of experiments. It's particularly praised for versatility, allowing users to view a variety of samples with sufficient detail at each level.
A few users felt that the highest magnification (1000X) could be clearer, especially when using lower-quality slides. While most users are satisfied, some expected sharper images at the top magnification levels.
Slide Quality
80%
20%
The microscope comes with both prepared and blank slides, which users find useful for hands-on learning and experimenting. The quality of the prepared slides is generally good, providing an engaging educational experience.
Some users expressed concerns about the quality of the blank slides, with a few feeling they were not as durable or well-crafted as the prepared ones. A couple of buyers reported minor defects, like bubbles or scratches, but these were uncommon.
Sturdiness
93%
The all-metal frame is a standout feature, providing excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. Many users have commented on the solid construction, which ensures that this microscope can withstand regular use in classrooms and home labs.
While the robust construction is praised, the weight of the microscope can be a downside for some, particularly when handling or transporting it. However, the sturdiness of the frame generally outweighs this minor inconvenience.
Lighting Adjustment
67%
33%
The LED light provides consistent brightness, making it easy to see specimens clearly in most environments. Users generally find it suitable for most applications, especially in well-lit rooms.
The main drawback is the lack of adjustable light intensity, which some users find limiting. The fixed lighting can be too bright in some situations or not bright enough in others, particularly when using certain types of samples or viewing under different ambient light conditions.
Size & Portability
84%
The microscope is compact enough for most users to store or move easily, making it a good option for small classrooms or home labs. Its size makes it convenient for transporting to different locations when needed.
While the size is generally appreciated, a few users mentioned that it might be a bit too large for very tight spaces. This issue primarily affects those with limited storage options or who need to transport the microscope frequently.
Customer Support
75%
25%
AmScope’s customer service team is responsive and helpful, with many users reporting positive experiences when needing assistance. The support team is noted for being prompt and addressing issues efficiently.
Some customers, however, reported delays in receiving responses to inquiries or parts replacements. A few users mentioned that the resolution process could have been quicker, which affected their overall satisfaction with the service.

Suitable for:

The AmScope M102C-PB10 Biological Compound Microscope is ideal for beginners and educational use. Students, particularly those in middle or high school, will find it a practical tool for exploring biology and learning microscopy basics. Its ease of use and versatility with magnifications ranging from 40X to 1000X make it an excellent choice for those new to science or microscopy. Additionally, the sturdy all-metal frame and optical glass lenses ensure durability, making it suitable for both home labs and classrooms. It also offers great value for money, which is appealing to families or schools working with a limited budget for educational tools.

Not suitable for:

However, this microscope may not be the best choice for advanced users or those requiring high-end features. Professionals or researchers seeking high-precision optics may find its image clarity lacking at higher magnifications. Additionally, the fixed LED light intensity could be a drawback for users needing more control over lighting conditions, especially in darker environments. While it’s an affordable option, users who need a microscope for very specific or demanding applications might be better off with a higher-end model that offers more advanced features like adjustable lighting or more refined optics.

Specifications

  • Magnification: Offers 40X to 1000X magnification with five objective lenses for versatile viewing.
  • Type: Monocular compound microscope with a single eyepiece for clear, focused viewing.
  • Illumination: LED illumination powered by a wall adapter provides consistent lighting for specimen viewing.
  • Condenser: Equipped with a single lens condenser and disc diaphragm for optimal light control and precise focusing.
  • Lens Material: Features high-quality optical glass lenses for durability and clarity during use.
  • Frame Material: Sturdy all-metal frame ensures long-lasting durability and structural integrity.
  • Included Slides: Comes with 5 prepared slides and 5 blank slides for hands-on learning and experimentation.
  • Dimensions: Measures 7.68″L x 5.51″W x 15.16″H, offering a compact size suitable for educational environments.
  • Weight: Weighs 3.43 pounds, making it relatively lightweight for its class while maintaining stability.
  • Viewing Angle: Provides a 90-degree angle of view for comfortable observation and user-friendly operation.
  • Voltage: Operates at 220 volts for reliable performance in regions with compatible electrical standards.
  • Focus Mechanism: Includes both coarse and fine focusing controls for precise adjustments at different magnifications.
  • Objective Lenses: Features a set of objective lenses for varying levels of magnification, supporting 40X, 100X, 400X, and 1000X views.
  • Light Source: The microscope is equipped with an LED light source powered via wall connection for steady brightness.
  • Stage: The stage has clips for securing slides, allowing easy manipulation of specimens during observation.
  • Eyepiece: Comes with a 10X wide-field eyepiece for clear, wide viewing of samples.
  • Diaphragm: Features a disc diaphragm for controlling the amount of light passing through the sample.
  • Warranty: Backed by a limited warranty, offering assurance on the quality and reliability of the product.
  • Use Case: Ideal for beginners, students, and home laboratories to explore basic biology and microscopy.

FAQ

This microscope is designed specifically for students and beginners, offering magnification levels from 40X to 1000X. Its all-metal frame and optical glass lenses provide durability, while the inclusion of both prepared and blank slides supports hands-on learning. It’s an affordable, reliable option for home labs and classrooms.

Setting up this microscope is easy. First, assemble the stand and attach the objective lenses. Then, install the prepared slides on the stage and adjust the focus using the coarse and fine knobs. Make sure the LED light is plugged into a wall socket to ensure consistent illumination.

Unfortunately, this microscope does not offer adjustable light intensity. While the LED light is consistent and bright, some users find it less flexible for different viewing conditions, such as thicker or denser specimens that might need more control over lighting.

To keep the microscope in good condition, gently clean the lenses with a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratches. Also, ensure the stage is clear of debris and wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Regularly check that the LED light is functioning properly and that the focus knobs move smoothly.

While the microscope provides excellent value for students and beginners, it’s not designed for professional or high-end research use. The 1000X magnification is suitable for educational observations but may not provide the level of detail needed for advanced scientific studies.

This microscope is perfect for viewing biological specimens, including plant cells, bacteria, and small organisms. You can also use it to study prepared slides of various biological samples or create your own using blank slides.

Yes, this microscope is well-suited for children, particularly those in educational environments. It’s easy to use, with a simple focus mechanism and no complex settings, making it ideal for young learners to explore the world of biology.

Weighing 3.43 pounds, this microscope is fairly portable, but its all-metal construction and size make it less ideal for frequent travel. It’s better suited for use in home labs or schools where portability is less of a concern.

If the image becomes blurry at higher magnifications, ensure the slide is properly positioned and the condenser is adjusted correctly. Additionally, try fine-tuning the focus using the fine adjustment knob for sharper clarity.

The package includes the microscope itself, five prepared slides, and five blank slides for your own specimen preparations. You’ll also find the LED illumination system powered by a wall adapter, making it ready for immediate use.