I started out with a Chinese Trioc, with achromatic optics, and have now moved up to a higher spec instrument, with Plan optics, and Kohler illumination. Still Chinese though
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
I joined both this forum, and also the Amateur Microscopy Facebook group.
I feel that I sit far more comfortably here, where there is a good mix of experienced, and very knowledgeable microscopists, using high-end equipment, albeit mostly bought secondhand, and people like me using Chinese microscopes.
To me, the Amateur Microscopy group is not the place for beginners, or encouraging them.
For some 12 years, I ran an Astro Imaging Group, and for the past 5 years, an amateur photography group. In both cases, we sought, and currently seek, to encourage newcomers, and don't look upon them any differently, whether they are using budget, or high end equipment.
Microbe Hunter seems far more accepting of people of all levels, and that is how a good forum should be.