PentaView Microscope

It is a lower-end biological microscope, but it is perfectly adequate for education use and even some less critical real biological work. It is certainly much better than most cheap educational microscopes or the abysmal toy ones. The hardware is definitely a little dated in the sense the LCD display resolution is low and the illumination is a bit dim for the highest magnifications, it uses a mini-B USB connector, etc. The saved files are fine, but focus perfection would be easier with a bit more resolution on the display device. I like that the screen stylus has a mounting spot on the top of the body. The top-side illuminator is basically useless, but it is rarely useful anyway. The stage backlash is a bit annoying, but you get used to it. The focus vernier on my unit was tight, no sign of the slippage some comments mention, maybe even too tight really, I suspect it can be adjusted but I haven't tried yet. I don't love the colour balance options especially when combined with the colour filter wheel. The aperture options are OK, the condenser isn't otherwise adjustable. I suspect it doesn't support modern larger capacity SD cards but that isn't a bit deal. I haven't tried using the battery supply or USB data options. The carrying case and dust cover are actually quite good for the price I didn't expect them at all. I have a much fancier real biological microscope which is obviously much better technically, but for a lot of stuff this scope is great. All in all I am glad I purchased it, I can take it in the field with me and not worry too much if I wreck it.

This microscope (44341) works to screen for fecal parasites and protozoa in my reptile. The value for the money is the best and the LCD screen is way better than trying to strain/focus your eyes in a lens. Can't beat being able to take photos and video instantly. I didn't want to have to worry about installing some old software and hookup via USB to see and switch between PC and scope/knobs. It gets the job done, and fine focus isn't really needed for the 400x (but wouldn't hurt). I bet it is needed for a 600x like in the Pentaview. You can see almost anything with 400x. I believe the QC isn't the best as my first scope I got had loose tension on the stage knob so it would droop (as others have noted), and the camera lens had an artifact. I wasn't having it, so I got an exchange - the difference is night and day. I now have one with proper tension and perfect camera image. Let it be known that Celestron made this with proper tension - however, who knows how many have the droop issue... Summary: Pros +LCD screen looks great +Plenty of options (exposure, zoom, etc) +Photos are high resolution, videos are 30fps and look good +See protozoa, flagellates, parasites, worms, eggs etc. +Sleek design Cons - Quality control issues? Stage may droop, camera lens may be bad - seek an exchange. - Photo and video recording will turn off and crash the system if batteries are running low - no way to tell if power is low as light strength stays the same. A sensor would have been nice if possible. - The top LED light is not useful enough to see the top of objects/insects. Very faint on the highest exposure; you must use your own flashlight/spotlight to get the desired effect. Note: Higher magnifications close in on the stage too much for it to matter. Use lowest (40x) only. -+ Not really a con but I wish they made this model with fine focus so you aren't paying upwards of $300 just to have it.

The company needs to update the LCD screen, it s 10 years or more ago, they have RC cables to ,hook up to computer, im would not be surprised if there was a VCR instructional tape that came with it. This is a quality built machine, but to pay $450-600 is rough. The minute they do upgrade the electronics your $600 Penta view or $450 Tetra view will be worthless. I returned it only because the touch screen nis probably the first one Ever invented, i cant even get the picture on my cheap monitor , then pixels are too much. I would have top buy a commodore 64 computer to view the display. For those who bought this years ago, cheers. Amazon also plays games , i bought the tetra view for $450 ish, then im had a Penta view in my cart for $400. When i asked about it they quickly removed it and said i was too slow....

Excels in the "Field". (Battery Operated Optional). It does a great job, has digital storage, but there is an issue when viewing on a computer monitor. It's grainy. Pros are it's simple to use. The con is 5 achromatic - 4x, 10x, 20x, 40x, 60x lenses are not as powerful as I need, so I ordered a 100X lens In the hopes it will work. But, performance is defined by application. It is sturdy and portable. It is useful to see if there are microbes in my compost tea. this is a big deal, since you can't see microbes with the naked eye. It's a great starter microscope, but I wish Celestron would make a "Big Brother" with higher magnification and monitor resolution. I would buy it.

Great for the price. No fine adjustment but that would only be an issue at very high power. There are fine movement controls for the slides. You have several magnifications digitally on the monitor at every lens power. Screen is clear. There are 2 light sources one from the top one from the bottom. The monitor controls are awkward in terms of saving a picture or a movie or viewing something saved as some buttons have dual purposes. It connects via usb to a computer but I havent figured out how to view it yet. Probably just need to find the SD card. The instructions are poorly written. 5 sample slides are included but no blank slides at all. You need to buy some slides and cover plates. I returned the first one because the monitor had become off the base and the second one was good but the 1 G D card did not work so I just bought a new one. That is probably a rare occurrence. Be careful when unpacking it. Has a very nice case. Overall it is pretty cool.

Came with 3 objective lenses 4x, 10x, and 40 X 40 X was not working returned and waiting the refund

Our Son loves it and it works so well for him

Great Microscope! Packing was excellent. It looks amazing. Along with the microscope we get: 1. A very nice travel case along with the belt 2. A plastic cover 3. Five prepared slides in a sturdy plastic box 4. A power cord 5. USB cable to connect to PC 6. 1 GB memory card 7. AV cable to connect to TV I didn't expected AV cable. Hats off to Celestron for creating this high quality microscope. It was very easy to use it. The first slide I saw was of Pine wood and it looks beautiful on the LCD screen. Even I connected it to TV and it worked fine. Overall I am very happy with this purchase. Thank you Amazon.

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