Help to make a purchasing decision: Swift SW350T vs OMAX M83ES vs AmScope T120

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deepsight
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Joined: Mon Apr 19, 2021 11:28 pm

Help to make a purchasing decision: Swift SW350T vs OMAX M83ES vs AmScope T120

#1 Post by deepsight » Mon Apr 19, 2021 11:31 pm

I'm interested in pursuing the hobby and I've decided to start off with a mid-range compound trinocular microscope. The Swift SW380T is highly recommended over here, but it's out of stock in Canada and is only available with resellers for double the price; it seems the difference between the SW380T and SW350T is just some minor aesthetics. These are the microscopes that I am considering that is available and within my budget:

OMAX M83ES ($294.00)

Swift SW350T ($420.00)

AmScope T120 ($416.00)

The OMAX is quite cheaper than both the Swift and the AmScope, and the only difference I find is that one of the eyepieces comes in 20x instead of 25x. Other than that, they all have similar features: achromatic objectives, 4 DIN objectives, LED light, Abbe condenser, coarse & fine knob, etc.

Can anyone share their experience on any of these microscopes and assist me in making a decision whether to spend $100+ more for a Swift or AmScope?

Amscope is selling open box AmScope T120 microscopes on eBay for a $40 discount, can anyone attest to the quality of the open box?

Also, what type of camera adapter should I purchase to use my Sony a6400 mirrorless camera?

Greg Howald
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Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2020 6:44 am

Re: Help to make a purchasing decision: Swift SW350T vs OMAX M83ES vs AmScope T120

#2 Post by Greg Howald » Tue Apr 20, 2021 12:53 am

Before you make a decision, suggest you check out Amscope t450. One of the models is on clearance for $ 265.00. Quality comparable to T120.
Greg

Greg Howald
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Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2020 6:44 am

Re: Help to make a purchasing decision: Swift SW350T vs OMAX M83ES vs AmScope T120

#3 Post by Greg Howald » Tue Apr 20, 2021 12:57 am

Open Box is the same quality as new. Its been returned by some one but has been checked out and found to be fine. Open Box should be on the Amscope Website and probly less than ebay.
Greg

PeteM
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Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2016 6:22 am
Location: N. California

Re: Help to make a purchasing decision: Swift SW350T vs OMAX M83ES vs AmScope T120

#4 Post by PeteM » Tue Apr 20, 2021 1:04 am

I'd consider either 20x or 25x microscope eyepieces to be near-worthless additions for marketing purposes -- and wouldn't consider either a decision factor.

Plan achromat versus regular achromat objectives would be a worthwhile addition for those interested in taking photos or making movies. They'll be cheaper to buy in a new scope, but rarely included in lower price listings.

A really good fine focus mechanism, likely missing in all of those choices, can be useful for "focus stacking."

A bright illumination system - comparable to at least a 20 to 30 watt halogen halogen lamp - will be useful for darkfield, oblique, phase contrast, etc. at higher magnifications. The typical 1 to 3 watt LED in lower-priced systems is a not-especially-bright compromise - you'd want more like 10 watts. Probably not an option new at $400, though, unless it's a used scope with halogen lighting.

Wider fields of view (say 22mm FN versus 18mm) can add a sort of more immersive viewing experience.

Having a five place rather than a three or four place turret is useful. A 2.5x or 4x for scanning the entire slide (and a condenser that supports that), a 10x, the often-missing but very useful 20x, a really good 40x, and a 100x oil-immersion objective for the really tiny stuff. 60x dry objectives seem to be the rage recently (along with 20x and 25x eyepieces), but the image quality simply doesn't compare with the slight additional time it takes to use oil immersion at 100x.

PeteM
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Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2016 6:22 am
Location: N. California

Re: Help to make a purchasing decision: Swift SW350T vs OMAX M83ES vs AmScope T120

#5 Post by PeteM » Tue Apr 20, 2021 1:13 am

To add on the AmScope T120 - it lists the lighting as LED 6 volts 20 watts. Could be the power supply draws or could supply 20 watts, but I seriously doubt the light emitting diode runs at 20 watts.

crb5
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Joined: Sat Sep 12, 2020 11:55 pm

Re: Help to make a purchasing decision: Swift SW350T vs OMAX M83ES vs AmScope T120

#6 Post by crb5 » Tue Apr 20, 2021 2:09 am

I have an Amscope 120B and Swift 350T. I bought the later for the trinoc headpiece which are interchangeable between these models and likely made in the same factory. I now use the Swift headpiece on the Amscope body, as I prefer the condenser on the Amscope. Optical quality seems similar, but the Amscope condenser is more easily removed and centered, and the height is adjusted by a rack and pinion which is easier to manipulate. The objective lenses appear identical but differ from those on the Swift 380T in outward appearance at least (silver versus black barrels). Overall these scopes are great basic scopes, excellent for observing pond and sea water samples.

lorez2
Posts: 113
Joined: Wed Apr 21, 2021 2:06 am

Re: Help to make a purchasing decision: Swift SW350T vs OMAX M83ES vs AmScope T120

#7 Post by lorez2 » Wed Apr 21, 2021 2:48 am

Would a suggestion to look at older, better quality instruments be out of place here ?

lorez2
Nikon 80i

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