To mix it up a bit, here we have an Omano stereo microscope unit–taking a break from our normal AmScope and Omax mash up. I haven’t tried Omano before, but have heard fairly good things about them, and had a friend that had one (so double bonus on that one.) I went over to give it a go and mess with it, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results it gave me. I couldn’t find many reviews on it online, so I figured I should help get the word out!
The Omano stereo microscope in specific that my buddy has is this OM2344-T. It’s fairly basic in terms of stereo microscopes go. The objective range is 0.7x – 4.5x, which is the same as AmScope carries on there SM stereo microscope line. It comes with 10x eyepieces, and has built in top and bottom lighting (comparable to the SM-2 series from AmScope, to keep the comparison going).
Omano Stereo Microscope Review “OM2344-T”
The base is a little odd in that it has a 2 tiered design, with the main stage under the objectives being raised from the sides on the Omano stereo microscope unit. Personally, I liked this design, as it looks sleek, however it does drop the functionality of the unit a bit from if you had a fully flat base. But, the AmScope SM-2 series has that section just chopped off entirely, so the side platforms can be used to store tools if one is doing dissections, repairs to circuit boards, or working on restoring antiques (such as a curator or collector might be wont to do)–even down to gun cleaning is made slightly more efficient with the tiered stages.
The ocular tubes do have a larger travel range than the AmScope units I’m used to, so you do have that to the point where it’s almost like a fine focus or focusing mechanism of its own. It’s intended purpose is to compensate for different strength eyes (like my own astigmatism), but with a large travel range like that, it can be used for that purpose as well.
The rear light on the OM2344-T is a little more enclosed than the SM-2 series, however it is still a halogen. Quite interesting to me to see this, as with halogen heat, more open designs are typically used to disappate the heat–not in this case at all. It carries dual lights, and adjustments for intensity for each independently, so that’s a plus too.
All in all, the unit is very similar (probably reverse engineered from each others’ designs to be honest), but it’s a tad cheaper to go with an Omano stereo microscope unit. It’s a toss up really, but this isn’t a bad buy either at all, and I’m sure if you’re a hobbyist or a professional user with a need for a stereo microscope, this would be the way to go.
It can be expanded out with accessory lenses and eyepieces, and has a port for fitting most USB cameras on the market into. So, really, you don’t lose out on anything. Oh, and who doesn’t like a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, Omano?
You can check this Omano stereo microscope out on Amazon, where my buddy got it and where I get all of my own microscopy goods from, right here: OM2344-T
As always, leave me a message, comment, or otherwise some love, and I’ll be happy to reply to your questions, concerns, and requests!
Thanks for the great review of the Omano OM344-T microscope. I purchased one just like it several years ago together with the camera shown in your photo. I like the microscope but can’t attach the camera. It looks like some parts weren’t included. I called The Microscope Store where I bought it. They were rude and unhelpful. My questions are: Did all the adapters and lenses come with the camera? Do you have a photograph that show all the lenses and adapter tubes? Do you know where I can get the parts I’m missing?
Thanks again
I’m sorry to hear they were rude to you. That’s absolutely not okay. Generally, yes, the camera comes with the reduction lens/adapter that screws into the camera, then slides into the top port. I would absolutely reach back to your seller and speak with someone above the general representatives if that’s what you experienced, and to get it resolved.