AmScope SM-2BZ Professional Binocular Stereo Zoom Microscope, WH10x Eyepieces, 3.5X-90X Magnification, 0.7X-4.5X Zoom Objective, Upper and Lower Halogen Lighting, Pillar Stand, 110V-120V, Includes 0.5x and 2.0x Barlow Lenses

Been using it for a month and I like it. It works smoothly, and everything is very clear at all magnification levels, with or without the 0.5x and 2x objectives. Solidly built and seems like it will last a long time. Backlight works great. My two complaints are relatively minor. 1) This unit has no top light. There's not even a spot in the packaging for a top light. Something is mixed up in the product description, though otherwise it looks like the picture. You can easily improvise with other light sources, as I have, but be warned. 2) The eyepieces have no screws to hold them in, though there are holes for screws and the instruction manual details how to tighten the set screws with the included allen wrench. I emailed the company and they are sending screws but why not include them in the first place?

The microscope has good magnification and zoom but the incident light from above isn't positioned very well. It is too high above the lens and when you are zoomed in close it is shadowed by the lens. The lens on the microscope consists of a base objective lens with a 2.5x and a 0.5x extension that are both removeable. The 0.5x extension doesn't really do much because it is so long that it decreases the zoom and field of view to the point that you can't get as close a look at the specimen as you can without it.

I'm glad I got the model with dual light sources--I think it will be more useful than I expected. There's a switch on the side of the base so you can change from overhead to transmitted light and adjust intensity by feel. There is no separate transformer box as for fiber illumination, just a single power cord. A bit of assembly required, but it was fun and easy. Also in the box are spare bulbs and a cover.

I was very impressed with the clarity of the images and I have been thoroughly enjoying this new tool. It has opened up so much in enjoying all of God's creation.