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Narrowing down microscope choices

Embezelled
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Embezelled New Member

Embezelled

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Hi all, I'm about to take my first steps into watch repair as a hobby, and looking into buying a basic and inexpensive stereo optical microscope from AliExpress. My main purpose is simply something I can use in addition to eye and head loupes, or in place of them, during disassembly and reassembly work. So I assume that means something that has only modest magnification at the low end or uses a Barlow lens to bring it down. And perhaps with a tiltable head.

I really don't have an interest in combining it with camera work, I simply want it for viewing the movement at appropriate magnifications as I check things or use tools on the movement.

Without asking for specific model recommendations, can anyone point me to the kind of model shown on the Ali website that might suit my purpose? I've been reading two of the threads about microscopes, very informative, but it's a lot to digest for the uninitiated.

 

 

mikepilk Distinguished Member

mikepilk

Posted
Posted

I have an Amscope zoom with 0.5X Barlow, which gives about 10X - 20X mag, which I find perfect for general work. I would definitely go for zoom.

Working depth is about 160mm.   

It's worth considering a camera option - useful for taking pics when dismantling.

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