USB Microscope...which one to buy?

I read about 20-30 different models.
I'ld like one with adjustable magnification (i.e. being able to see under 10X, 30x and maybe 200X if such a thing is needed). I looked at several and can't tell the difference. I guess the difference is made by experience without buying 10 till I find one that's good.
I'm into this as hobby but trying to get serious about it, so I do not want a toy microscope but also can't spend 1000 USD on it.

I'm more confused after reading than before...so...
I'm listening to all advise.

 

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The best you can afford.
JON

 

but what's "best"?

 

Well if it was me and Lets just say I wanted to spend lets say $79.99 I would start googling, Find a few in that price range. Then start searching each one reading comments and pick the best that my $79 bucks could buy with the best comments.

But that is just me and how I buy things, I do not own one just use my phone and zoooooom!!!

 

I'm tagging @coinzip (Alan) who can give you the best information and show you images of varying capabilities. In my opinion, he is the best person to ask.

Chris

 

If you want to get serious, you may want to consider a macro setup (using an actual camera), but all depends on your wants and/or needs. Unfortunately, many so called "USB scopes" leave much to be desired (especially the more inexpensive versions). Just take a look at many of the images post here taken with them; while they may be sufficient for basic forum posting, they're generally far from good. Not all - the gentleman Chris tagged is an exception - but the majority are.

@desertgem has written of pitfalls and limitations in the past, so perhaps he can be of some help here as well.

 

I recently picked up a Lighthouse microscope from ebay and it works fine, they are pretty expensive though so you have to watch for a deal. Here's a sample.

 

@longarm that's a beautiful pic
what magnif is that?
i'm loving that microscope

 

I don't know, it's got a wheel that you turn to focus, you can also turn the light up and down which helps.

 

One complaint I do have is the lack of color, I'm still experimenting with the lighting so that helps some.

 

What is the intended purpose?

 

I'm learning ..but I'ld like to one day see things like split serifs, other signs of doubling, without imagining them...and take decent pictures of them.
So far, with my jewelers loupe (30x and 60x) I can see but sometimes it's hard to tell a small shadow, flat impression or stain from a scratch or gouge for example.

Plus, the loupe angle can distort the image (e.g. an O can seem fatter or elongated SW but if I straighten the angle of view, there's no real distortion of the O).

And ...taking a good pic through a loupe is close to impossible.
Granted I don't have experience, but I bet if i could see without distortion I could learn the right thing by seeing it and call real errors.

 

Is it safe to assume your "30x" and "60x" loupes are inexpensive Chinese models? I ask because from your description it sounds like they're not of the claimed magnification, which is fairly common with inexpensive loupes. A true 30x should be more than enough to see most any accepted variety clearly. In fact, I believe the strongest I ever used was 16x, and was sufficient.

As for a USB scope, please spend a little time reading up on exactly how they work, especially if you're worried about distortion. Most simply will not be the solve-all you seem to think, and in fact, may put you at an even greater disadvantage. As an example: did you know that many of such scopes are notorious for giving the impression, due to the lights/glare, of doubling where none is present?

 

Yes. I purchased a scope for around $20. It does the job nicely for the price BUT that doubling you describe is miserable sometimes. You definitely need to move the coin around and look at different angles. I like mine but you do get what you pay for!

 

@BooksB4Coins American Loupes...well...from an USA seller, no idea where they're made. Using it is killing my neck LOL plus can't stand the distortion..that's my main complaint about them. Second complaint is the inability to take a pic without blurr of something I can see very well with the loupe.

@Bambam87 indeed....the distortion is horrible

 

Thanks for confirming this. You saved me from having to search out links to independently verify the issue.

 

No problem. Depends on what my plans are this weekend, I may be able to get a couple pics up here of the same coin with different angles. Cents are the worst for this.

 

that distortion mimicking doubling happens with microscopes too?

 

This is the one I bought. I don't have any other experience with others.

 

Yes and is VERY common.