The AmScope GM400TZ-5MA digital gemology stereo zoom microscope has a pair of 10x super-widefield high-eyepoint eyepieces, a 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective, two Barlow lenses, and an inclined pillar stand. The 5MP camera has a CMOS color sensor, a reduction lens, image capture and editing software, and USB 2.0 output to capture or display still or video images on a computer or projector. The microscope has an overall magnification range of 3.5x-90x. The trinocular viewing head has an interpupillary range of 55 to 75mm, a 45-degree inclination to reduce eye and neck strain, and 360-degree rotation to enable sharing. The trinocular port can be used as a C-Mount or 23mm photo port. The WH10x20mm widefield high-eyepoint eyepieces combine with the 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective to provide continuous zoom magnification and a longer working distance for inspecting large-scale specimens that require handling or repair. The microscope includes 0.5x and 2.0x Barlow lenses that can be added to the objective to increase the magnification range. A Barlow lens with a magnification of less than 1.0 reduces magnification and increases the working distance, while a Barlow lens with a magnification greater than 1.0 increases the magnification and reduces the working distance. High-eyepoint eyepieces ease viewing for users who wear glasses, and dioptric adjustment accommodates individual eye-strength differences. A digital stereo microscope, sometimes called an inspection or dissection microscope, has low magnification and a long working distance that enables users to manipulate the object being inspected, and is used where image capture, detailed records, or documentation is required.

The 5MP digital camera has a CMOS color sensor for displaying still microscopy images and streaming live videos to a computer or projector. The camera has 40x magnification and a built-in 0.5x reduction lens that ensures that the display has a similar field of view as the microscope eyepiece. The camera can be mounted in a C/CS-Mount or any 23mm eye tube. The camera includes image capture and editing software that provides still image and live video capture and editing. Measurement functions including length, area, and angle. The software supports JPEG, BMP, TIFF and RAW, and is compatible with Windows (32- and 64-bit XP, Vista, 7, and 8), and Mac OS X (32-bit). Camera drivers are compatible with Windows (XP, Vista, 7, and 8), Mac OS X, and Linux. The camera has a USB 2.0 data port (cable included).

The microscope has upper and lower rheostat-controlled lighting. The upper (reflected) 7W fluorescent light source is mounted on a gooseneck for examining surface details. The lower (transmitted) 30W halogen light source has a built-in darkfield condenser for examining the inside quality of gems. The inclined pillar stand has a round mechanical stage for measuring gem angles, a flexible gem clamp to secure gems at any angle. The white stage plate provides contrast with dark-colored specimens, and the frosted stage plate allows light to illuminate specimens from below. The inclined pillar stand can be inclined to 38 degrees. It has a round mechanical stage for measuring gem angles, a flexible gem clamp to secure gems at any angle. The white stage plate provides contrast with dark-colored specimens, and the frosted stage plate allows light to illuminate specimens from below.

Microscopes are instruments used to enhance the resolution of an object or image. Types include compound, stereo, or digital. Compound microscopes use a compound optical system with an objective lens and an eyepiece. Stereo microscopes show object depth in a three-dimensional image. Digital microscopes are used to display an image on a monitor, rather than looking through a lens. Microscopes can have monocular (one), binocular (two), or trinocular (three) eyepieces, with varying magnification abilities. Magnification ability refers to the size of an image. Resolution, also known as resolvant power, refers to the clarity of the image. The interaction between field of view (FOV), numerical aperture (NA), and working distance (WD) determines resolution. Microscopes can control magnification through a fixed focus, or through a range of adjustments. They can also utilize LED, fluorescent, and mirror light sources to help control viewing capabilities. Microscopes are widely used in education, lab research, biology, metallurgy, engineering, chemistry, manufacturing, and in the medical, forensic science, and veterinary industries.

United Scope manufactures microscopy equipment and accessories under the brand name AmScope. The company, founded in 1996, is headquartered in Irvine, CA.

What's in the Box?

• GM400TZ-5MA stereo zoom microscope with darkfield condenser
• Rotating stage, round
• 10x eyepieces, one pair
• 0.5x Barlow lens
• 2.0x Barlow lens
• 5MP digital camera with built-in reduction lens (MT500)
• USB 2.0 cable
• Software CD
• Gem clamp
• Frosted glass plate, round
• White stage plate
• Eye guards, one pair
• Stage clips, one pair
• Power adapter
• Dust cover
• Instructions