Anyone us Coinoptics.com stereo microscopes?

greghansen

I'm researching equipment needed for high detail coin photography and the Coinoptics.com products (primarily the stereo microscopes) have been suggested as one alternative. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has owned/used/fooled around with any of their stereo microscopes. What did you think, and has anyone (or do you know anyone) who has used it for taking digital pictures. At this point, I know there's lots of other choices out there, many less expensive, and I'm looking into them as well. Right now, however, I'm just looking for any comments regarding Coinoptics.com products. Thanks.

Greg Hansen
Melbourne, FL

tjkillian

My wife bought me one for Christmas two years ago and I love it. Easy to operate, great optics. It is really easy now to authenticate those '09-S-VDBs.

It is a great microscope.

Tom

Trime

Greg,
I have a Coin Optics streo scope bought from Larry Brooks at one of the Long Beach Shows . I have not purchased the attachment for photo imaging but have discussed it with Larry and it is inexpensive and easily used. I have used thye scope almost daily for 2 years or so and I am completely satisfied. The 10 and 30X options are perfect for coins. I use the German Halogen Photo optic lamp most of the time. The only negative comment is that the bulb replacement on the model I have is a little awkward but I have only changed it once.

Gilbert

As stereoscopes go, it seems to me that there aren't very many manufacturers. The distributors simply have their own model designations. That is not to say you won't be able to find some outlandish model with the bells and whistles. If you're not after bells and whistles, one is about as good as the other.

(Check out MicroscopesUSA.com and Art of Money and even the Money Market Catalog from ANA.)