I wanted an easy, simple and low cost microscope to do some initial microscopic examinations I wanted to do for some time. This good-looking starter microscope MEADE 8200 was great for the purpose and I was satisfied. The purchase experience with OpticsPlanet was very pleasant, the delivery was fast and earlier than I expected. All in all, a good starter microscope and a good website to buy optics devices.

We're enjoying it!

Don't buy this product. The price of the Meade 8200 seemed good on the internet, but when we received it we felt that we should not have paid over $10 for it. The eyepiece barrel had some dirt in it to where you could not see clearly at the highest lense. Thinking it was just a product defect, we exchanged it for another one. Same problem-- though not as bad. I don't expect the world for that price, but I do expect it to work with the lenses that it has. Do yourself a favor and spend a bit extra for one that has better optics and is not made of cheap plastic. This one will be gathering dust on your shelf in no time.

I would not recommend this product to anyone. I thougth that because it was made by Meade it would be a great product but instead it was very cheaply made and not worth the money. It was even broken when it arrived. In fact, I found the same product at Walmart for $20.00 less.

Unfortunately I really can't review this very well, but will follow up. The initial delivery was prompt, but the scope's focusing mechanism was broken. The light source also did not work. Getting an RMA was quick and easy, but beware, you have to pay the postage to return the defective product. What was an inexpensive microscope for a child is quickly becoming more expensive once you add an additional $18.00 to UPS ship the part back. I can understand if I wanted to return the unit and it was fully functional, but since it was defective, I don't believe I should have to pay the postage. I should have just asked for my money back, but because it was a Christmas gift and there was time for them to re-ship, I asked for a replacement. Here it is Dec 27 and still no microscope! If I get another defective part, I'll be out almost the price of the scope in return charges and have nothing to show for it.