SE Mini Pocket Microscope 60x -100x

by SE

Product Features

• Microscope with magnification 60X to 100X power
• Has Zoom and Focus knobs
• Black Color, with LED Light and Pouch
• Needs 3 LR1130 Batteries (Batteries Are Included.)
• Made In China

Product Description

Microscope with magnification 60X to 100X power. Has Zoom and Focus knobs.Black Color, with LED Light and Pouch. Needs 3 LR1130 Batteries (Batteries Are Included.)

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000XVWZS6
• Item model number: MW10082
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (42 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable resolution and zoom power for the $, June 25, 2009

By 

Lara Chetkovich (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

The ability to own a microscope with a 60X-100X zoom for around $5 is really unbelievable. This inexpensive microscope--powered by a bright LED--has incredible resolution. A portable microscope allows you to look at any 3D object and do so anywhere--in the field and even in the dark, without using slides and having to create sections/smears (though I think you could use slides on a glass surface--you can definitely see cells at this magnification). On the down side, the LED light projects ON the specimen which minimizes its usefulness on reflective surfaces; it also must be stabilized to execute the zoom (60x-100x) and fine focus--it's a good instrument in the field, especially if you have a solid surface. It has more versatility than a loupe because it has the powerful internal light--loupes rely on external light source, are worthless in the shade, and you have to get out of your own shadow.

However, if your specimen is watery, light-colored or reflective (with the exception of metal--this would make an excellent jewelers or coin collector's microscope)--the LED light gives a lot of bounce-back which impedes resolution of low-relief structures--you won't see a lot of features on light or reflective surfaces, such as light crazing on ceramics. For example, 100x is the perfect resolution to see the small eggs of insects on leaves and otherwise invisible damage patterns, but you may want to cut a small specimen and examine it on a stable, black background if you are looking at low-relief structures on a light surface.

This great little microscope also comes with a nice-looking case and a watch battery. At just a little over 1"x"1"x3" and weighing 1.25 oz including the case, it's actually lighter than my Belomo loupe (1.5 oz). The disadvantage of a microscope vs. a loupe is that the lens system for microscopes reverses the image, which can be confusing--especially at high zoom, whereas a loupe gives you straight magnification without having to think about how the specimen is oriented.
WARNING: you may be totally freaked out by looking at things around your house and on your plants--so try to avoid this temptation--you might develop microphobia.

This incredibly cheap microscope would be handy for anyone who needs hi-resolution at work, who works in the field, for hobbyists who need to visualize small structures like electronics or anatomy, and for teachers. Amazing device. Every kid should have one of these--it definitely would spark their interest in science. Might make them wash their hands and clean their rooms more often, too, if they can actually see what's in a "dust mouse." An experiment that is not for the faint of heart!

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Cheap, high failure rate, August 19, 2009

By 

James P. McDowall (Scottsdale, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This item uses an LED light to illuminate the specimen you are viewing. When I received the microscope and turned it on for the first time the LED illuminated unfortunately that was the last time it did. I turned it off then about 5 minutes later tried to turn it on again, but it would not illuminate a second time. I double checked to make sure the batteries were seated properly even though I hadn't removed the battery cover in the interim but alas no dice. I then contacted the seller about a replacement which they graciously sent within 24 hours of my email however the second one arrived defective as well (the LED wouldn't illuminate at all). My advice is to spend a few extra dollars on a different brand/model with this fail rate out of the box they probably aren't made to last if you are lucky enough to get one that works.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It works, September 4, 2009

By 

Ryan Villeneuve (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: SE Mini Pocket Microscope 60x -100x (Toy)

The first one I received did not work right out of the box, but no worries this company sent me another one no questions asked. The second one works PERFECT! I can now tell when my crop is ready for harvest with no second guessing whatsoever. Thanks guys, this is a great price considering the 420scope is identicle and costs $49. Will order from this company again!