Reviews - LOMO SF-50 Stereo Microscope, Trinocular 2.4X - 47.2X w/ Reflected Light Stand & SF-FA attachment Reviews - LA-MI-SF50-SF-50TS

Author: Lithobius (verified customer) from Decatur, GA on Feb 1, 2012
Pros:  Great optics and accessories for the price
Cons:  Old Russian stock - you take a chance that it's all in working order
Would recommend:  yes

Lithobius wrote:

hard not to recommend given the price. But it is old Russian stock. First one I received had a lens alignment issue at the highest magnification. OP are sending another (haven't received it yet. The optics however are great, and it's hard to beat for value with all the extras (graticules and triocular module).

Author: ki5ka from Pipa, NM on Aug 12, 2011
Pros:  Great optics for the money
Cons:  Appears to be very old with corrosion and mold on lenses
Would recommend:  yes

ki5ka wrote:

You certainly can't get more for you money, but this scope is obviously very old with corrosion inside, oxidized rubber parts and mold on the lenses. After a rebuild, works well, but is not in "new" condition.

Author: Phips (verified customer) from Montreal, Quebec on Jun 29, 2011
Pros:  great 36x at 170mm distance, sf arm is very stable
Cons:  lamp of an other era
Would recommend:  yes

Phips wrote:

This is a great stereo-microscope. The Optics is first class. The 170mm standoff distance is a must for electronic rework with a soldering iron. The standard illumination system is from another era but once replaced by a powerfull LED source, this Russian creation really shines.

Author: eposticus (verified customer) , Entomology graduate student and teacher of biology in Chicago, from Chicago IL on Jun 22, 2011
Pros:  Clear images, user friendly and thoughtful design
Cons:  Lamp gets hot but it does work
Would recommend:  yes

eposticus wrote:

I have been looking into this microscopoe for years. I finally was able to view one and immediately bought it for myself. As an entomologist it is important to see very small structures on my specimens so that I can make accurate observations and identifications of the insects I am studying. The working distance is perfect, the images are clear and crisp, and the heft, construction, and durability of this scope is evident. I highly recommend it to anyone, even if they can afford a more expensive brand.

Author: dmi (verified customer) from columbus oh on Mar 14, 2011
Would recommend:  yes

dmi wrote:

good product

Author: kirodessy (verified customer) from New York on Mar 3, 2011
Would recommend:  yes

kirodessy wrote:

Very happy with the purchase

Author: Steve Cote (verified customer) , Knife maker, engraver, from Arco, Idaho on Dec 13, 2010
Pros:  Great Price for the quality and performance
Cons:  None
Would recommend:  yes

Steve Cote wrote:

I am a knife maker and engraver doing very detailed engravings. I purchased this Lomo scope versus Chinese brands for 2 reasons: when researching scopes I discovered many warnings from other engravers regarding variable Chinese scope quality. Lomo is considered by some engravers as a step up but still very affordable. Secondly, trying to get tech. info over the phone from distributors of Chinese scopes was impossible as they spoke unintelligible english. Optics planet inquiries yielded clear advice and was just what I needed. The 14X eyepieces appeared defective as they wouldn't produce a clear binocular image, however customer service was on par with the claims.

Author: Philip S. Crosby (verified customer) , Electronics Engineer, from Portland, OR on May 7, 2010
Pros:  Great Value
Cons:  Eyecups fall off easily
Would recommend:  yes

Philip S. Crosby wrote:

I am an electronics engineer who often does his own prototyping. The SF-50 gives me good working distance for both assembly and inspection. Exceeds my expectations. Particularly appreciated the extra illuminator bulbs (although LEDs would be nicer). There is some field curvature at the edges, but I'm very pleased with it.

Author: Allen (verified customer) , electrical engineer, from Brooklyn Park on May 3, 2010
Pros:  large working area, mountable many table tops
Cons:  prefer LED light, took a minute to figure out eye width adjustment
Would recommend:  yes

Allen wrote:

Sturdy Russian construction, no continuous zoom rather fixed steps, but does great job inspecting printed circuit boards. Haven't tried out different optics yet. Seems to be slightly better deal than Amscope.

Author: otto martinez (verified customer) from Maracaibo- Venezuela on Jul 29, 2007
Would recommend:  yes

otto martinez wrote:

I am using it for a long time and I can say "it is the best relation price/ cost that I could get. I am using it with my sherline lathe and milling machine, and some times it also help me in my electronics jobs. I recomend it 100 %