Trinocular Stereo Microscope Question
Hemispherical
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Who has experience with them? Is it worth the cost for a “casual” collector of coins?
I know they can be used for many other things, entomology comes to mind, but this is a coin forum.
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I use a stereo microscope, and it's great for viewing coins in 3-D.
In particular, I can easily see raised ridges above the field surface which were created by die cracks.
It's also great for finding and pulling tiny thistle thorns from my fingers that happen sometimes.
do you have a need for pictures? and do you have a camera that can attach?
in other words, why not just get a binocular dissecting scope?
I'm a microbiologist. Yes, I have a lot of experience with many different stereomicroscopes. For a "casual" collector... probably not. A nice loupe would be easier to carry around and give you all the magnification you need. I'd invest more in a nice camera set up with macro capability to image coins. I suppose there might be some utility in a stereomicroscope if you've got older eyes. It will also give you a larger field of view. I hope this helps.
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Full coin view is what I am looking for, too. There is nothing worse and not being able to get at those pesky splinters that I cannot see. Hard to get at them with a handheld magnifer and tweezers. Not enough hands.
I have much more experience with these back in the day when I needed too. Mosquitoes comes to mind. Future camera upgradeability would be a plus
Got the loupe, the hand magnifier, and the older eyes. The stereoscope would be for general home use and a camera option a plus.
I will need to research and “suggest” this as a possible holiday pesent for someone(s) to gift wrap to me. lol
Thanks all!
If you are solidly into the hobby and intend to take pictures, then it is a good idea at the right price.... I occasionally wish I had a stereo microscope... Used to use them in the business I was in.... They do prove useful for examining some issues on coins, or for a nice large image of a special coin... there are also attachments for the computer (USB plug in with endoscope type attachment) that can be easily used, and you then have a magnified picture on your computer to view...Cheers, RickO
I have a microscope which I use occasionally. I think I paid somewhere between $200 and $300 for it. A good loupe is more important because you can carry that with you. I have used a Bausch and Lomb 10X Hastings for years.
A good camera is great asset for at-home study also. I would only recommend the stand alone cameras that are not tied to a computer. I have had bad luck with the microscope cameras that connect to a computer. Every time Microsoft does an on-line update on their software, the camera doesn’t work.
Used ’em for 20 years or so in college and industry. You can get a nice Amscope 10/30X for 132. Google “amscope”. Get the post-type stand, more adjustment for looking at large coins and medals. You can get a PC camera for the scope. But, like Bill Jones said, you could run into PC update probs.
For photos, I got a used Nikon D90 with a Tamron 60mm close-up lens. Cost was a bit less than 500. Shoot at max and I can digitally blow up a digit in a datwell beyond any need. Just make sure you get a good camera stand.
I loves me my Plugable usb microscope. Peace Roy
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DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT waste money on one of those 10X/30X scopes. They are virtually useless. I can count the number of times a month on my hands and toes when I used more than 20X and that was for coin authentication. Get a scope with the lowest power you can (lets more light in and you can view the entire coin at once). That is why zoom scopes are popular. You can pick up a used one very inexpensively. Also, ditch the built in lights...totally worthless!
The stereo microscope I got from my dad (he got it from Boeing Surplus many years ago) is 10x 20x 40x.
Works great for looking at die cracks on half dimes.
At 10x a half dime is smaller than the frame; at 20x it does not fit in the frame.
External light source - very helpful for varying the light angle and intensity.
You’re certainly entitled to your opinion. Personally, I’ve used one for coins for 30 years now and have found it very useful. Many of the articles I wrote in the 90’s were based on features I found with one of those “useless” scopes. I found them quite handy for identifying digit and letter punches, studying die cracks, or finding a feature and deciding how to photo it.
A scope is a tool and lIke any tool, people have preferences. I used one in industry, so I’m quite comfortable with them. Plus, it was inexpensive, and fit my needs.
The built-in light sources are’t the best. So, get an LED ring light or small adjustable gooseneck.
I have used an older stereo microscope for many years. I don't use it all that much but it's a great tool to have around. If I ever buy a new one, I'll go with the trinocular. It would be handy to catch a quick image.
I have a binocular stereoscope (Bausch & Lomb StereoZoom4) that is a 7-30x zoom. I use it all the time, but then I'm attributing coins at my desk. I occasionally with I had a trinocular scope, but a point and shoot camera on a normal stereo scope works well for me. Not much fun to carry around at a show, though. I need an extra heavy lanyard for it, too.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
I use a trinocular scope from AmScope. I like it- I bought a third eyepiece, and have a cell phone camera attachment connected to that one. The one I have doesn't use all 3 eyepieces at once. I can either use binocular mode, or move a little rod that closes the binocular eyepieces and opens the third one so I can use the camera.
Yes, a scope is a tool. Some handymen have a small toolbox with a hammer, two screwdrivers, a wrench and a pair of pliers (2 set magnifications 10X & 30X.) Other mechanics have a four-foot high 10 drawer Craftsman tool rack with over 700 pieces (4X to 80X zoom stereo scope). As you wrote, it is all about preferences and what your needs are.
I don't recommend the former scope. I've owned two and gave them both away.
After extensive research and the comments posted (thank you all) here I have narrowed it down to this:
-magnification from ~5x to ~40
-must be able to view wide field (full coin) and zoom
-swappable Barlow lens so I can increase the above capabilities and increase vertical height for other uses
-stereoscopic for 3D viewing so I can see heights/depths
-solid heavy base
-LED ring lighting
-trinocular (future camera or adapter for camera phone)
-non-dedicated platform under scope, i.e., can swivel or extend beyond base plate
-eye piece shields
-inexpensive... I realize you get what you pay for so I am still working on this (defining inexpensive to me.)
Keep us posted on your "finds". My tired eyes need help...
Also get a .5X aux so you can half the power. LED light?
I guess I need to readjust my thoughts on what constitutes a "casual" collector...
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I plan on getting at least the 0.5x. Decreases the mag and increase the distance to object.
I consider myself a casual eclectic collector. Get the coins I like and continue to educate myself to ensure what I get I do not regret.
The scope would fall under the “educate myself” along with the books and this forum.
Will be working on household6 to spark the idea that this would be a great early holiday present for me from her. Lol