Bresser Microscope Biolux NV 20x-1280x with accessories

We bought this as an upgrade for an old plastic National Geographic item that was bought for my son a couple of years ago - and what a difference! The best things are: - really sturdy frame, so you get a very steady view - the slide adjuster screws make it really easy to move around the slide accurately - the box is sturdy and it comes with a ventilated plastic cover, so if you do want to leave it set up for regular use it won't get dusty / damp - the video / image capture is great - it also means that you can view together on a computer screen. The level of magnification seems quite good on it too. - you can rotate the eye piece 365 degrees to get the most comfortable viewing angle. The only issue we had is that this particular model's video/image capture does not play well with Apple Macs; the software provided does not work at all on Mac OS. You can get it to work with Macs own PhotoBooth (which is a bit clunky to use, but does the job), but only pre-Catalina OS versions at present. The highest level of magnification is probably more than we actually need, but it can be interesting, even when it's quite blurred. The sturdy frame and the stage adjusters are the absolute winners for me.

Love this microscope. It's really good quality and for the money has some nice and useful accessories. The camera works well and I had no problems using it with Windows 10. The camera is about 10x so gives different but additional magnification coverage. Lighting top and bottom is good and the brightness adjustable which is a very useful feature. Nice solid built microscope easy to use. Get some prepared slides to go with it and kids will love it.

UPDATED [Aside: PLEASE ensure that the Windows OS Privacy settings and those of your security package allow camera access to the Bresser MikrOkular's CamLabLite software by default or at least either side of your usage. In earlier versions an undefined error can be expected and in the more recent versions the application will terminate upon selection of the MikrOkular camera, irrespective of whether your security software provides a pop-up to provide permission.] My decision to acquire this monocular set was originally based on the combination of an excellent price + the presence of 4x, 10x, 40x lenses + the camera (which would cost c. £50 on its own). The Bresser service team has now provided me with access to the latest version of CamLabLite (2.1), since the originally provided version could not access the 40x lens. 1) One highly disappointing issue is that the camera has a very loose fit. Actually, I inserted some padding to prevent rotation so that the left/right and backward/forward adjustments actually operated as expected. 2) Now that version 2.1 of CamLabLite has provided access to the 40x lens I am, currently at least, receiving a surprising degree of flickering. In addition, I have seen the image suddenly completely change colour until the application is restarted. Hopefully the Bresser service team will be able to assist in their usual efficient manner. At which point I will of course update this review accordingly.

Value for money should be 8 stars, not just 5. There is nothing bad to be said about this splendid piece of craftsmanship. It works well, has a removable camera which not only allows you to view images on your computer, but save and print them, as well as insert them into dissertations or any other document. You can even (as I do) drop the camera into a telescope eyepiece so the whole family can see the magic of the night sky. Add to this the led lights, set of prepared slides and sturdy carry case and you have an outstanding tool which also makes a fantastic gift for anyone with an enquiring mind.

Delivery a day or two earlier than that scheduled, which was not a problem. Very pleased with the microscope, has all the attachments I require (koi scrapes) and all contained in its own transportable box.

This is a really brilliant microscope, I purchased it for my 8 year old cousin and he was able to get to grips with it straight away. For those who haven't used a microscope before don't forget to use the low powered eye piece with the high powered lower lens. The computer cd loaded without any glitches and the picture from the microscope on the computer screen was superb. Although its very good even without the camera. I wish I had this when I was a child. If there is a down side its that you will need mains power for the lighting, as oppose to the old style scope which used a mirror and natural light to see the object.

Exactly as described - good value amateur microscope. The plastic carry case keeps everything tidy although necessary to almost fully dismantle. Decent dust cover supplied if to be left out. The two light sources - reflected & transmitted led illumination are powered by 3 AAA batteries (supplied) so no mains voltage worries and much more transportable. The reflective illumination doesn't work with the 40x objective as it obscures the light source - but for most people this wouldn't be much of an issue. The PC viewer is perhaps its greatest asset. Sample preparation will be the biggest problem for most amateurs - although good examples included together with spare slides. Care needed to ensure you don't break the slides when trying to focus - so start with the object close and turn the focus to move the object away from the lens.

Received and the microscope works fine, however given the state of the box and seal broken it is clear that this has been used before or it is a return. Given it is for my grand daughters birthday I had no time to return. I have tested it and all appears to work but I feel unhappy I have been put in this position.