The SM-2TZ is, in my opinion, the AmScope stereo microscope entry model to the SM series–the zooming stereo microscope head line. While certainly more expensive than the fixed power SE300 series, the SM line gives a range of powers instead of the few fixed powers that other, lesser units are set at, which gives the user a much, MUCH greater utility out of the unit.
Between adding Barlow (auxiliary) lenses, changing out eyepieces and cameras, as well as even moving from stand to stand as your needs change are all quite easy to do, and rather cheap as well! So this helps “future proof” your stereo microscope purchase… unless you end up wanting a second one entirely as they’re so darn useful!
AmScope Stereo Microscope Review “SM-2TZ”
The magnification can be fine tuned on this AmScope stereo microscope to get the magnification desired, or field of view, or working distance. In particular, coin collectors can use this unit with great ease to capture images for online listings, and still get the image of the full coin, whereas the SE300 and other fixed power models tend to be far too high of a magnification to do so. The SM-2TZ comes with the standard SM head, which the objective range is 0.7x to 4.5x (meaning, with the 10x eyepieces, the out of the box magnification range is 7x to 45x). 0.5x and 2.0x Barlow lenses are included with the “Z” models to extend that range out to 3.5x on the low side (half of 7x), and 90x on the high side (45x doubled).
As mentioned before, working distance and field of view have an inverse relationship to magnification–the higher one goes, the lower the other set go. So using 7x will give you a greater field of view and working distance than 14x will, for example. So please keep this in mind when thinking of the AmScope stereo microscope model SM-2TZ, as most people incorrectly assume that they get the 4″ or 8″ working distance no matter what magnification they are operating at, which can lead to frustration down the road.
For the lighting, this AmScope stereo microscope base has a halogen light for both the bottom plate, and from the top down (behind the objective, next to the focusing knobs). This is where a great amount of value comes from, as you can use this unit with just about any low power application since light can be used from either side right out of the box! Stamps, rocks, coins, circuit boards, watches, gemstones, bugs, and any other completely opaque objects can all be illuminated from above, where things such as fecal smears for breeders, ink printouts, or even photographs can be viewed using the bottom light. These are called reflected (top) and transmitted (bottom) lighting systems, and create huge amounts of utility (which is why the SM-2TZ and all SM series microscopes are so popular).
The trinocular port on this unit is designed to accept any of AmScope’s MU series cameras, as it’s a 23mm straight port. The light on the SM-2TZ can either be directed entirely towards the eyepieces, or the right eyepiece can be switched to have the light travel up to the trinocular port, which allows the camera to see the sample. This is done with a metal sliding pin on the left hand side of the microscope head. Most people miss this feature, so be aware of it. Also, don’t unscrew the rod, but slide it in and out like a plunger to adjust between the two settings. Another common cause of the “black image” seen in the microscope camera when added–if this AmScope stereo microscope doesn’t have any light, it can’t see anything.
The great news is you can take this head off of this stand and put it into any of AmScope’s boom, table, or articulating arm stands, so it really is the best way to break into the zooming stereo microscope field for your industrial or home use needs.
More information or technical details about this AmScope stereo microscope can be found (courtesy of Amazon.com) here: SM-2TZ
If you have any questions, please ask in the comments or send me a message! I’ll be sure to respond as quickly as possible!
Hello.
I have a question. When it refers that diminishes the distance of work, does refer to the Barlow lenses, or to the effect of the Zoom?
For example, in the configuration 7X 45X, to 7X will I have 4 ” and to 45X much less without lenses Barlow??
Thanks and pardon for my English
From Chile
Hello Jaime,
It’s actually both. Whenever you change magnification on this microscope, you will need to readjust your head position relative to the sample. So whenever you increase magnification, whether through a Barlow lens or the zoom knob, you’ll have to move the unit closer or farther (depending on if you lowered the magnification or increase the magnification). So the 4″ working distance will only happen at 7x magnification. If you go to 14x (whether by using a 2.0x Barlow or by moving the zoom knob), you’re going to have to be closer to maintain focus.
Hope this helps, and thanks for reading!
Impressed with this information!
Do you handle the information of distance with the lens Barlow of 0,5X, For the ranges 3,5X and for 22,5X?
I want to buy this microscope for works of engraving.
thanks!
3.5x is about 8 inches and I believe 22.5x would be around 2 to 2.5 inches.