I will preference my review with my qualifications. I have dual degrees in biology and chemistry. I'm also an amateur astronomer, maintaining many telescopes in an astronomy club. I've built telescopes and I own a lab grade, true 1000x microscope. I know a bit about optics.
First, the claim of any of these digital microscopes of reaching 1000x is marketing nonsense. I own a microscope, and have used others in the lab at 1000x. The multi-lens, Plano objective, required to reach (and resolve an image) at 1000x requires oil immersion with a special oil. My advise to people is usually, when you see a microscope or telescope that advertises high magnification, don't buy.
I needed a simple magnification system for jewelry, to see inclusions and hallmarks, without spending a lot. My microscope isn't the right type for this. I chose the Tomlov because of the gooseneck lamps and many good reviews.
I'm blown away. First, the maximum usable magnification is possibly around 150-200x (I'll measure and do the math to add to the review). That's the magnification I need and most likely more than enough for 99.9% of people.
I was very surprised at the quality of the images. There's no vignetting. The image was clear and flat across the entire screen. It was steady, well-lit. I appreciated being able to adjust the brightness of the objective led's and gooseneck led's separately. The base is metal and stabilizes the scope.
The microscope is intuitive. I never looked at the instructions. I screwed the scope into the base, tightened down the retainer, plugged in the usb, and, put my old mine cut (OMC) diamond under it. The colors were true and I could see through it. The whole image was as clear as a bell. I can move the gooseneck lamps to illuminate different angles, which enables me to see jewelry hallmarks, which tell me assay information, like year made, metal purity, city of assay. These marks are tough to see in a loupe and even tougher to photograph. I photographed them easily on my windows computer.
You simply plug the provided data micro USB cable, into the microscope head and computer, then use the camera app on the computer. If you plug the dual cable into a 5v USB recharger and then into the base, I'll power both sets of lights. If it doesn't work, switch to the other mini plug on the dual cable. To use without the computer just use the dual mini USB cable, plugged into the scope and base, then into a 5v USB outlet (or charge).
The rack and pinion height adjustment is adequate, but needs frequent tightening. The focus adjustment works smoothly. The height and focus stay put after adjustment. The optics easily magnified the inclusions in a sapphire ring that were impossible to see with a 30x lighted loupe. I'll post photos tomorrow.
The scope was less than $50. It has features that match many stereo microscopes costing $200. It's not perfect, but at this price I would have been happy if it it did half as much. It was a pleasant surprise and deserves a 5 stars.
I've updated the review with several photos. The scope is hooked up to the computer. I've imaged my 1/2 carat OMC diamond. I took photos at the least magnification, mid magnification, and the highest I could use with good magnification. That circle you see on the highest magnification is through the stone, showing the bottom point (called a cutlet). Over 100 years ago they flattened those points. This diamond has a small cutlet that I'm sure is around 1/4mm. The ring is 18k gold.
The second set of photos are of a sapphire and diamond ring. I went from least magnified to as much as I could to photograph inclusions in one very small area of the sapphire. All real, natural sapphires (ie. mined and not lab grown) will have inclusions. The photo shows these inclusions, which are too small to really resolve, but for my purposes, is more than enough. It shows that this sapphire is indeed a natural sapphire. The hallmarks are English. They tell me that this ring is 18k gold, that it was assayed in Birmingham, England in 1992.
If you want a scope to do more than this, than you'll have to invest in a true geological stereo microscope. A good one will cost anywhere from $500-4000.
TOMLOV 1000X Error Coin Microscope with 4.3" LCD Screen, USB Digital Microscope with LED Fill Lights, Metal Stand, PC View, P
4.4 | 1,797 ratings
Price: 49.99
Last update: 01-11-2025
About this item
Designed to encourage curiosity and strive to learn more, this versatile video microscope is easy-to-use and powerful enough for any teen & adult who shows mild interest in science/engineering. Also used as an ideal tool for providing great details for coin collectors.
4.3 Inch Liquid Crystal Display - Does not rely on Wi-Fi or signal, the LCD screen displays real-time crisp images and good quality videos with NO lag or delay. A large screen enhances ergonomics and eliminates eye and neck strain compared with the eyepiece.
Additional Adjustable LED Illumination - Apart from 8 built-in lights around the lens, the two base lights are flexible enough to change the direction, avoiding reflection and making it much more visible on the screen.
50-1000X Magnification - Allows to zoom in and see the incredible details at a magnification range from 50 to 1000X. The actual magnification differs due to the screen size, and the distance between the camera and object.
Allows Taking Photos And Recording Videos with Included 32GB SD Card.
Microscope-PC View - Supports connecting to the computer so you can observe on a larger scale. No extra software download is needed, just run the default APPs "Windows Camera" for the Windows system. Does NOT compatible with Mac OS.
Solid Metal Frame Construction - Utilizing aluminum alloy to build the base, stand, and holder, this LCD microscope offers long-term use and allows micro soldering or repairing printed circuit boards.
Can be separated from the stand so that you can hold it free to explore the unknown outdoors.
4.3 Inch Liquid Crystal Display - Does not rely on Wi-Fi or signal, the LCD screen displays real-time crisp images and good quality videos with NO lag or delay. A large screen enhances ergonomics and eliminates eye and neck strain compared with the eyepiece.
Additional Adjustable LED Illumination - Apart from 8 built-in lights around the lens, the two base lights are flexible enough to change the direction, avoiding reflection and making it much more visible on the screen.
50-1000X Magnification - Allows to zoom in and see the incredible details at a magnification range from 50 to 1000X. The actual magnification differs due to the screen size, and the distance between the camera and object.
Allows Taking Photos And Recording Videos with Included 32GB SD Card.
Microscope-PC View - Supports connecting to the computer so you can observe on a larger scale. No extra software download is needed, just run the default APPs "Windows Camera" for the Windows system. Does NOT compatible with Mac OS.
Solid Metal Frame Construction - Utilizing aluminum alloy to build the base, stand, and holder, this LCD microscope offers long-term use and allows micro soldering or repairing printed circuit boards.
Can be separated from the stand so that you can hold it free to explore the unknown outdoors.
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 9.61 x 7.87 x 3.35 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.7 pounds |
| ASIN | B08QFHXKL6 |
| Item model number | TM-DM4S |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews |
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars
1,500 ratings
4.5 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #148 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #30 in Lab Handheld Digital Microscopes |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | December 12, 2020 |
| Manufacturer | TOMLOV |
| Country of Origin | China |
Top reviews from the United States
dsk
Excellent Gemstone Scope
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
dsk
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
First, the claim of any of these digital microscopes of reaching 1000x is marketing nonsense. I own a microscope, and have used others in the lab at 1000x. The multi-lens, Plano objective, required to reach (and resolve an image) at 1000x requires oil immersion with a special oil. My advise to people is usually, when you see a microscope or telescope that advertises high magnification, don't buy.
I needed a simple magnification system for jewelry, to see inclusions and hallmarks, without spending a lot. My microscope isn't the right type for this. I chose the Tomlov because of the gooseneck lamps and many good reviews.
I'm blown away. First, the maximum usable magnification is possibly around 150-200x (I'll measure and do the math to add to the review). That's the magnification I need and most likely more than enough for 99.9% of people.
I was very surprised at the quality of the images. There's no vignetting. The image was clear and flat across the entire screen. It was steady, well-lit. I appreciated being able to adjust the brightness of the objective led's and gooseneck led's separately. The base is metal and stabilizes the scope.
The microscope is intuitive. I never looked at the instructions. I screwed the scope into the base, tightened down the retainer, plugged in the usb, and, put my old mine cut (OMC) diamond under it. The colors were true and I could see through it. The whole image was as clear as a bell. I can move the gooseneck lamps to illuminate different angles, which enables me to see jewelry hallmarks, which tell me assay information, like year made, metal purity, city of assay. These marks are tough to see in a loupe and even tougher to photograph. I photographed them easily on my windows computer.
You simply plug the provided data micro USB cable, into the microscope head and computer, then use the camera app on the computer. If you plug the dual cable into a 5v USB recharger and then into the base, I'll power both sets of lights. If it doesn't work, switch to the other mini plug on the dual cable. To use without the computer just use the dual mini USB cable, plugged into the scope and base, then into a 5v USB outlet (or charge).
The rack and pinion height adjustment is adequate, but needs frequent tightening. The focus adjustment works smoothly. The height and focus stay put after adjustment. The optics easily magnified the inclusions in a sapphire ring that were impossible to see with a 30x lighted loupe. I'll post photos tomorrow.
The scope was less than $50. It has features that match many stereo microscopes costing $200. It's not perfect, but at this price I would have been happy if it it did half as much. It was a pleasant surprise and deserves a 5 stars.
I've updated the review with several photos. The scope is hooked up to the computer. I've imaged my 1/2 carat OMC diamond. I took photos at the least magnification, mid magnification, and the highest I could use with good magnification. That circle you see on the highest magnification is through the stone, showing the bottom point (called a cutlet). Over 100 years ago they flattened those points. This diamond has a small cutlet that I'm sure is around 1/4mm. The ring is 18k gold.
The second set of photos are of a sapphire and diamond ring. I went from least magnified to as much as I could to photograph inclusions in one very small area of the sapphire. All real, natural sapphires (ie. mined and not lab grown) will have inclusions. The photo shows these inclusions, which are too small to really resolve, but for my purposes, is more than enough. It shows that this sapphire is indeed a natural sapphire. The hallmarks are English. They tell me that this ring is 18k gold, that it was assayed in Birmingham, England in 1992.
If you want a scope to do more than this, than you'll have to invest in a true geological stereo microscope. A good one will cost anywhere from $500-4000.
Images in this review
Bob Smith
Excellent Magnification
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2024Keith
Quite helpful for see small details and imperfections on coins, or other small things.
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024Paul Nichols
I received what I ordered
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024Amazon Customer
Very nice and useful
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024
Sara Burns
Great experience with this company ..
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2024David L.
Doesn't deliver what is advertised
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2022Amazon Customer
great for looking at coins
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023