Bresser Microscope Biolux NV 20x-1280x with accessories

I was impressed by this microscope from the outset. At the simplest level, it was nice to find something with a user guide in good English. The case is sturdy and things didn't fall out when I opened it. Focussing is smooth and I found it easy to make fine adjustments. Likewise, the X and Y axes on the stage were smooth and easy to adjust - much better than trying to push the slide around with a finger tip. The light is bright enough for all but the highest magnification and the filter wheel does help with some samples. I had missed the camera when I read the description of the kit and so that was an added bonus.However, I have two small crisitcisms. It would be better if the Barlow tube stayed where it was placed so that I could observe without touching the instrument. This is important with liquid samples (pond water being an example). Secondly, I feel the highest magnification objective lens is too powerful for this microscope and the lens has to be very close to the slide to achieve focus. To avoid breaking a slide (yes, I've done it in the past), I put a strip of medium weight printer on top of it and moved the stage up until I just felt a little resistance when trying to move the paper. At that point, the lens is around 0.2mm from the slide and it was almost in focus.One thing not mentioned in the user guide is a second reason why the camera might not work even though the driver installs and the software recognises the camera. In Windows, desktop apps must have permission to use the camera in order to retrieve images (this is on the Privacy page in Windows Settings).All in all, a very nice piece of kit for the price.

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.

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.

I liked this product as it was pretty simple to use (you do need to download the manual though) it doesn't come with this set.You do get everything pictured.The light on the side can be adjusted to dim or brighten up.There are the 3 different magnifying microscopes. Make sure any sides are very clean as you will see specks of dust under the microscope otherwise.The smallest thing we have been able to see is a hair. The cat hair was slightly more detailed with ridges.The Flea pictured was purchased as a set of slides but shows how well you can get the magnification.The Disk which come with this set allows you to screenshot and file the pictures which i am showing on this review. You can also edit the screenshots but i havent got to that yet.You can also use it as a usual microscope and just look through it without hooking up to a computer/laptop.Purchased at over £100.00 this is the quality id expect. It comes with a hard plastic case to protect everything.

This is really a great product, sturdy, functional and (mostly) easy to use. The only thing I am struggling with is the 40x objective but that is probably my fault.Another note on the software: I can take pictures but I am unable to record videos.

It was easy to use and the camera was very good. I think the camera had been changed from earlier reviews.

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.