Last week I bought the very same model Swift Microscope SW380T-SC500-CK-5PBC Trinocular Compound Lab Microscope + 5MP USB professional Camera from Amazon UK and I am very much satisfied ... and I love all your videos. Thanks for sharing your excellent knowledge through this media.
@@antiquarian1773 Yeah, I'd like that question answered too... But I have heard that 2500x magnification is going to basically be empty magnification since it's already so hard to get a good resolution at 1000x magnification.
Like others, I've been searching for my next scope and this is it. Amazon has the Swift SW380T currently at $280.49 ($120 discounted). So with the pandemic forcing much of my photography projects indoors, this was great timing. Thank you.
Ever since elementary school looking at microscope images I had a strong interest in this subject. I had been a photographer for just over 50 years and now after seeing these videos I will soon get back the microscope feeling from 55 years ago.
@@Aladinscave yes, it works fine! I use a Canon DSLR as well as a Swift eyepiece camera. There are several image software for Mac which work well with it.
Bought this via your link a few weeks ago. Absolutely blown away by the quality. If set up correctly the images are incredible and as good as microscopes twice the price. I went with the B version and use the Swift iPhone adapter.
I had been looking at this microscope on Amazon for the past 2 weeks. You helped me make my decision. Now I'm looking forward to a package next week. Thanks!
@@RealmsOfThePossible I've bought the SW380B two days ago for 143$ US (open box/new shipping included). Reg price was 218$ US. Best purchase EVER!!! Nice build quality, great image, etc. Only positive really.
I recently got myself an Amscope with a trinocular head. I realised the packaging, the colour of the small plastic wraps and even the way the stage and objectives were wrapped up are quite similar to this Swift one. Given how similar the colour scheme of the microscope is, I would not be surprised if both my Amscope and this swift model come from the same factory. I am hoping to also purchase a second hand 1.25X plan objective to do microphotography with. I just hope these microscopes are 160 mm DIN compliant.
Just got this and love it - very nice piece of equipment. They must have heard you regarding the numbers on the stage - they are oriented correctly on my scope, both on the side and on the back (bought at Amazon in US). Thanks for the great review - it helped my buying decision.
I would be interested to see tips about getting good focus using this microscope with the Swiftcam 18 megapixel microscope camera. Also, information about how to get optimal adjustment on the condenser and condenser diaphragm.
I have this microscope. Try closing the light diaphragm as closed as possible, light at max, and pull the light filter holder out so that on the 10x you start to see the shadow. Once barely in the shadow you get some amazing 3dimensional views. Also it can be a crude dark field method this way. This is more for the eyepiece as I'm sure the trinocular won't look the same.
@@gordonthorn2049 in some of the earlier videos, the author talks about not needing to go beyond a 5mp camera from swift, can you tell me the benefits of purchasing the 18mp vs 5pm? Thanks
I’m so happy you made this video! I purchased one of the under $100 microscopes without a true condenser as my first microscope. I fell in love with it, and now I’m looking for an affordable trinocular microscope. Perfect timing! 😁
Just happened to buy this microscope last week!!!! Love it. I didn't know about the little door on the bottom, which could lead to replacing a broken light some day. Thanks!
Firstly I have to thank Oliver, great channel and information. Thank you for sharing with us all and inspiring people. Next is a hint/tip on the Swift 380T. You can fine tune the coarse focus system, well the friction control for it. I can't use my thumbs and found the coarse control was too stiff, this is adjustable and now no issue for me. It doesn't say it anywhere but there is 3 plastic rings on the focus controls, outer ring is fine, middle is coarse focus and the inside ring I thought was just cosmetic. Well I've found the right-hand side plastic ring closest to the body actually adjusts the tension of the coarse focus adjustment. Mine is set easier now and just perfect for me.
Aliexpress SWIFT Offical Store, has 5% low rate Platform commission, let consumers enjoy the same quality products, the same efficient logistics guarantee, and the same responsible after-sales service at the most affordable price. At least 10% off.
I was undecided between this and an amscope. After this video I went for theSW380T, which is pretty nice, the only annoying point is that the condenser is not properly aligned.... and there is no way to change it (I've tried). I've 3D printed a dark field filter, attached a raspberry pi hq camera, put it online for recording time-lapse and this is the result :) ua-cam.com/video/Jtly05eo5So/v-deo.html
I has the same problem, my iris was off skew; after gentle disassembly i found there is adjustment available by loosening the 3 allen screws holding the condenser
I recently purchased SW380T. Thank you for this video. Although the video is short it revealed a couple of things I did not know, like access to the LED light from the microscope base. I like the microscope, but the documentation that comes with it is very inadequate and doesn't explain much. I do use the oil immersion lens as I look at mushroom spores a lot and want to see features inside the spores, such as septae. I also just purchased Swift's 16 mp microscope camera. If you could do a video on measuring objects with this make of camera and calibrating the objectives that would be great.
Amazing, I just bought this exact microscope for myself 3 weeks ago, before I even knew your channel! I honestly really like the microscope, I haven’t found any big defects, and the image quality is great. I have a Canon EOS 700D connected to it via an adapter without optics, and I think there is a problem: it won’t focus on the 4x objective (from the photo tube) when the camera is connected. I think it might have something to do with the lack of optics, but I’m not sure. Thanks for the video Oliver, great as always!
Actually, unlike you, I prefer the eyepieces around facing in the opposite direction from the stage for a few reasons. First, the focus knobs are closer to my body, which makes them easier accessed and controlled. Second, the mechanical stage adjusting knobs are on the right-hand side when the scope is in this position, allowing me to use my right hand to control them, as I am right handed. Third, I don't need to fumble about to find the light on/off switch when it is facing me. The electric cable does not cause any problems for me.
I know I asked you about high-end microscopes earlier, and I thank you for your reply. But their web sites don't have much information and require you to talk to a sales rep to get any information and put a microscope together. I hate talking to sales people -- I just want to put a microscope together online and pay for it and be done, so they're not getting my business. It seems those companies are not interested in selling to private individuals. I'm now looking at mid-end microscopes like your Swift here and also the OMAX 40X-2500X. And yes, I definitely want the trinocular adapter to mount my camera. So how would you compare this Swift SW380T to the OMAX 40X-2500X? Thank you again!
A nice, versatile microscope. And yea the trinocular version is definitely desirable for photographers. The images look great in general but is that some CA / colour fringing that I can see on two of the photos?
I guess Swift must be having a pretty good couple of months, because just like others here I just bought a 380B, and then found this channel. I do notice on mine some slightly odd movement on the rotating stand that connects the objective lens to the frame. It isn't a problem, and seems almost like it was designed for that. Is anyone else experiencing that? Look forward to seeing this whole series of posts as this was exactly what I was looking for.
I bought this microscope and completely satisfied. I would say without any doubt, that its the best beginners microscope one can buy. Thanks for the video Sir.
I am wondering about illumination on this microscope. Is it 3w LED? My current microscope is 1w LED and isn't good enough for higher powers. Do you have a recommendation on minimum LED watts for good viewing? Thanks, love this channel!
Thanks so much for your excellent review. My son is interested in the small world, and I've been researching what to buy in a reasonable price range. This seems like an excellent buy for our usage case.
Mr. Oliver, would you say that the resolution of the oil immersion lens is good? I am a microbiologist, and this would be used primarily to look at yeast and bacteria. Thank you very much for such high quality content!
hello, my wife juste ordered me for christmas and i received it today. I opened it to see if all is ok. effectively que quality is quite increadible for this price range. i made microbiology studies (25 years ago) and uses realy expensive pro microscope. This one tend quite to the pro side more than to the toy side. Some distotion on the optics but clear focusing (and realy smouth knobs). I think i will have to send it back cause the is a major probleme. The field of view of the two eyepices are nor exctly the same. then looking with both eyes is not possible. ps : in this one the condenser is centered correctly.
if the left and right side do not show the same, then maybe the diopter adjustment is not adjusted correctly. or it could be a real problem, where some prisms are shifted (send back then).
@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy i put the microscope on the table an other time to let my girfriend to have a look in it. Befor complaining i wanted to be certain than is was not me loosing my stereoscopic vue. I turned the touret (don't know the name in english) cause it is stored in the packaging in the wrong side. i just make the focusing for her... bang ! i see only one circle in less than a second. I think the connection between the touret (upper part with the eyepieces) is not realy good and have to be tighten in a realy good place. Then thank you for your answer and all your video. now i could have a real look in the tinny beast... for 270€ it is quite increadible... not as clear and confortable as the 7000€ ones i used when i was a student, but not so far. clearly usable. ;-)
Hi Great video, so good I have just bought the 380T. Quick question, when I look through my new 380T there always seems to be something light brown and cloudy in the middle of my view, it’s magnified even worse with the 25x eye pieces, I’ve cleaned the eye pieces and that’s not helping, my wife has the same problem when looking through this microscope. Any suggestions, is it us?
I got mine last week inspired by your videos. I was surprised how excited I was, so thanks. I’m not sure what my wife thinks about my indulgence though. I blamed you.
Located in Canada here, I have been having a hard time figuring out what would be the next step up from the readily available SWIFT SW380T and where I could find other options?
Hi, what is your view on the AmScope T490B-DK 40X-2000X Trinocular Compound Darkfield Microscope?? At this stage, as a rookie, I am looking at parasites in food, but I also have to look at the future. I do not want to spent more money on another scope in the coming years. Is there better scopes which are on Parr you can suggest?
Yes I have done it. Make a cover with Pol filter to drop onto condenser so that it’s rotatable. Then I fitted the analyser Pol into the camera trinocular adapter. You the get polarised view through camera and bright field through the eyepieces. Works very well.
Thank you for the great review, I purchased this actual microscope. I want to get the Swift camera, but from a previous review you mention that there is no need to purchase above the 5mp camera. They sell the 18mp for $409 compared to the savings so much in just getting the 5mp. So my question is, there is no benefit in getting the higher MP 18 camera by swift? Also, I have the LGv40 andriod phone that is 12mp and I have the Swift adapter to capture video and picture, is this enough or do you recommend I get the 5pm Swift camera to use with my Laptop? Thanks
Thank you for the review. The Bresser Microscopes are also quite present on the market. How does this compare to the Bresser Erudit Basic? They seem quite similar ... Thank you for your feedback.
This is like the trinocular microscope I have and what I was asking you about connecting a camera to the scope. So which optic adapter is it that you have for your DSLR camera? Can you post a link?
Is this microscope suitable for looking at small objects as well as slides? I wish to look at the stylus tip on a turntable phono cartridge. Can the table be lowered enough for this purpose? Thanks.
For intermediate use will it be possible to take pictures from you phone through the binocular version? The 380B is currently only 220€ at Amazon de and this will be my first microscope for fun and learning with kids of preschool age. Thanks for the nice video. Subbed and liked
Yes, this is of course possible and it is done. I suggest that you also buy a mobile phone adapter because it i difficult to take pictures by hand. Distance has to be correct and it has to be perfectly centered and not tilted as well. Results are generally good, but doing it by hand requires a steady hand and patience.
please answer this. if I attach a camera to a binocular microscope then would I get a full view of the specimen on my computer screen or only the partial view? I suppose trinocular ones give the full view.
It works with darkfield but not with phase contrast. I will do a livestream with this microscope showing how darkfield works: ua-cam.com/video/Em_9AgYJTQo/v-deo.html
Right now this scope with a 5mp camera is 270 dollars. The amscope b120c is 280. Which would you choose? Is amscope reputation/quality/support worth sacrificing the trinocular? Thanks in advance
Could you please also share a link or two to a microscope camera adapter? Maybe a separate video with a couple of advices on the topic? I have a full frame camera (Sony Alpha A7 II) and looking for a microscope setup that will allow me to make high quality photos / videos. Thanks for this and all the other of your videos!
I need help for how to capture photos from the microscope, I’m new student in biology classes. Could you advise me for the economic and best way. I liked your videos, Thanks
Meister, since im going to invest into this beautiful world, can you tell any relevant differences between the swift sw350 and sw380? Btw im binge watching lots of your videos to learn as much as I can about the usage and the techniques. I already have lots of good natural samples to test 😊
They are very similar. The 380 (the one I have) have a more precise focus control. There is some review within MicrobeHunter blog about this comparison.
Nice Vid, been looking at this Microscope, but have been told a Dark field Microscope is the only good one to see blood work is this true or can you see blood work and contaminets in this "Swift SW380T" thanks Microbehunter Microscopy
I do have a question, is it possible to actually damage the objective by colliding it with a cover glass? The objectives seems to have some spring mechanism, so they detract on contact, but actually is the objective touching the cover glass so it can damage the objective itself ? The 40x mag objective is so small I can't really tell if it protrudes outside the cover. Anyway, Microbe hunter, you are very motivational! I've bought this microscope and it's so wonder full, I didn't expect being so much fun. Read some basic book for microbiology and now I share a bit of your passion too. :D
We have the binocular version for this microscope, but the condenser is not fully centered, can this have an effect on darkfield microscopy? I got darkfield working on the 4x objective, but there is a dark ring in the view. Also, it isn't very good at the 10x objective, but turns oblique illumination with the 40x. The mechanical stage y knob is a bit difficult to move, does this mean that the stage needs oiling? Otherwise, its an excellent microscope.
mine is also not fully centered and I did not see any negative effects, so far. I did not see any centering screws but maybe it is possible to center it by loosening the screws that hold the condenser to the stage.
Does a 50x objective and a 20x eye piece give the same resolution as a 100x objective and a 10x eye piece, assuming the same quality optics? Thank you for your video.
No, the important part is the objective's resolution. 100x obj + 10x eye piece will give you a better/sharper image quality. The other combo will give you less details.
I've seen quite a few videos about poor assembly issues with this microscope, could you recommend something similar from a different manufacturer like Amscope?
@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy I bought an adapter with 2x optics made specifically for my D90 Nikon camera, but the pictures look as good (bad?) as if I use my cell phone positioned against the eyepiece. Can you tell us which adapter optics you are using?
I have been considering buying this scope so this video is particularly useful for me. The one disappointment I have with this model is that it does not allow for darkfield according to the company. Is there a similar Swift model that allows for darkfield? Thank you for your videos...they are quite detailed and informative and I really enjoy them.
It does allow for darkfield/rheinberg/oblique. I have done so already using this microscope. Here is a description on how this is done: ua-cam.com/video/JnjoHUIlnzM/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/6hh5ZyU35yc/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/Pku4T8s-0lg/v-deo.html
@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy Thank you so much. This is a nice alternative to traditional darkfield, it seems. Anyway, I truly appreciate this information as I recently purchased a used Swift M1000D and a used Accu-Scope 3000 Series - theyre in fairly good shape but need a little refurbishing. But I will probably purchase either the Swift 380T or the Swift 350T (through your link). One question: is the $70 difference between the two worth it? Thank you again...I am a complete novice in this area but your videos are incredibly useful and informative.
Mine is now one half a day old. I have been taken pictures with my DSLR, Canon 77D, with an adapter with no optics, which was quite cheap. Which adapter exactly are you using in the video? And would you recommend me upgrading to a more expensive adapter (~€100,00) with optics? In other videos you show even more expensive adapters and online there even much more expensive one. I need the cheapest adapter that is no worse than the weakest component of my setup: Swift 380T and Canon 77D. Recommendation? Thank you for all your videos and for sharing your considerable experience.
They are all very similar. Much is a question of taste as well. Optics of the swift might be a bit better than the silver optics of the amscope, but you will not see much of a difference. the amscope is also a bit cheaper.
I know that it does not have phase contrast as a standard. However, Is there a way to modify this microscope to make phase contrast work? Did anyone try it?
Wow this actually seems like a really good first microscope for someone! I'm going to add this to my wishlist and hope Santa still comes for 35 year olds. 😂😂
I received this in the mail yesterday and I'm going to send it right back. I didn't even have to assemble and set it up and I'll explain later. I'm going to buy it one more time to give them another chance since I didn't test it out properly, but just in case the second one has the same defect and issue and I have to send it back as well, I wanna know if anyone can recommend a similar scope with the same features and specs for a fairly higher price and hopefully better build quality? I really want to get into microscopy but getting this unit was a really bad experience and kind of a blow back, so much so that I'm considering not picking this up as another hobby. Now for the part where I explain why I sent it back right after the first glance. The microscope is being shipped with the head detached, which is fair enough considering that during transport the joint might get damaged, but what that revealed to me was that during testing when they had the head attached to the rest of the body they have severely damaged the joint by overtightening the screws. And they also must have tigthened the screw while the head wasn't seated right in it's rest, so there's deep, and I mean really deep grooves in the ring joint of the microscope's head. What kind of quality control is that? Where they are destroying their own product when they really should have tested it carefully? This tells me a lot about the build quality of this scope already, that I really started to doubt you can get a good scope for this kind of money. Not only was the head joint severely scraped, metal ships were all over the place, even inside the revolver and on the oprtics of the head piece as well, so am I supposed to clean this mess up, assemble the scope, check if all metal pieces are gone, dissassemble and clean some more? I think those metal pieces are impossible to get out of the revolver, imagine the type of damage they'll do in there! Also the edge of the ring joint was so jagged due to the damage by the quality control guy, that spinning the head will definitely produce more metal pieces being scraped off and falling into where the optics are. I seen similar pictures of other buyers on Amazon and there seems to be a pattern. Maybe this was a case of a frustrated worker at a factory destroying their employers products, maybe it's by design, because the joint is just horribly constructed and will get destroyed during normal use of the tightening screws, but as I said I'm going to give this scope another try. However if anyone has had a similar experience with this scope or could check the head joint for damage, that would be great. And if anyone knows an alternative that should be of better overall quality, let me know please. And also if anyone knows where to buy used major brand microscopes preferably in Germany or the EU, please let me know as well, because I get the feeling that the advice that was talked about in this video to skip the cheap microscope and go for a quality brand used one right away may be actually valid.
Maybe you could check for used University devices in your country which might provide something decent at a low price. Thanks for your telling of your experiences with this microscope because it is something worth watching out for.
I was going to buy this model but like you a lot of people have complained about poor assembly issues, hope you got a better microscope and are enjoying it! :)
SW website: No, it is only brightfield. The SW350/SW380 brightfield condenser cannot add a darkfield accessory for darkfield observation, and the condenser is dedicated, and the brackets of different manufacturers cannot be interchanged, that is, the darkfield condensers of other manufacturers cannot be used on our microscopes.
I just bought the SW380 B this week. Under the condenser, you have hidden filter holder at 6:13. You can put a diy darkfield disk and get darkfield in five minutes.
I am going to buy this microscoop tomorrow, second hand, including a 15 MP camera, for 220 euros. Can i also look "on top of things", like a stone, with the light shining on it from above, or the wing of a butterfly? Thanks microbehunter for al your work, your website looks great aswell; you even have an article about the brownian motion, wich was my firt reason to want a microscope.
Got my SW380B new/open box from Swift on Amazone for 203 $ Canadian shipping included. 220 Euros seem quite high for second hand, Even if it include a camera. You can look at sand and butterfly wing, but a rock will be to big. Maximum high will be 1cm and you will need external lighting (flashlight or LED idea lamp). Overall, a wonderful scope. But if you prefer top view stuff, invest in a stereomicroscope instead.
Hi. You seem to be the guy to ask. I'm thinking of buying an Apex practitioner so me and my grand daughter can explore the micro world. I've researched the microscope but you seem to be the Oracle in this field to ask if it's going to be ok for us.
Dear Sir, can the 380T change other brands of objectives and eyepiece for better optic quality ? Are those objective and eyepiece are standard for interchange of different brands? Many thanks .
In principle they could be exchanged with other optics that have the 160mm standard, but I would say that it is not worth it, as the quality is already good.
@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy Thank you , If I use it for photographing , is it still good enough ? I found this microscope always attached an apsc camera, can it attached a FF camera ?
Last week I bought the very same model Swift Microscope SW380T-SC500-CK-5PBC Trinocular Compound Lab Microscope + 5MP USB professional Camera from Amazon UK and I am very much satisfied ... and I love all your videos. Thanks for sharing your excellent knowledge through this media.
I just ordered the SW380B for myself ☺️
you like it? How is the 2500x magnification ? is it blurry?
@@antiquarian1773 Yeah, I'd like that question answered too... But I have heard that 2500x magnification is going to basically be empty magnification since it's already so hard to get a good resolution at 1000x magnification.
Small world. So have I! Exactly there same model.
I love mine!
I'm about to order a SW380T for myself as well.
Like others, I've been searching for my next scope and this is it. Amazon has the Swift SW380T currently at $280.49 ($120 discounted). So with the pandemic forcing much of my photography projects indoors, this was great timing. Thank you.
Ever since elementary school looking at microscope images I had a strong interest in this subject. I had been a photographer for just over 50 years and now after seeing these videos I will soon get back the microscope feeling from 55 years ago.
The SWIFT 380T is a brilliant microscope! I enjoy using it very much! It is a great way to explore the microcosmos. Thanks for this great video!
Hi, Do you know if it can be used with Mac ?
@@Aladinscave yes, it works fine! I use a Canon DSLR as well as a Swift eyepiece camera. There are several image software for Mac which work well with it.
@@fnvarel Thank you for the reply, I want to to get one for my son as a present it looks great. 🇬🇧🙏🏻
do u recommed a phone adapter for it ?
@@fnvarel any phone adapter for it ?
Just purchased! I’m a newbie! Appreciate your detailed unboxing!
Hope to enjoy this 380-t soon!
I've had this for just over half a year now and really love it!
Bought this via your link a few weeks ago. Absolutely blown away by the quality. If set up correctly the images are incredible and as good as microscopes twice the price. I went with the B version and use the Swift iPhone adapter.
Does this mean it can be used with an iPad?
I had been looking at this microscope on Amazon for the past 2 weeks. You helped me make my decision. Now I'm looking forward to a package next week. Thanks!
How has this microscope worked out for you? I'm thinking of buying one, thanks.
@@RealmsOfThePossible I've bought the SW380B two days ago for 143$ US (open box/new shipping included). Reg price was 218$ US.
Best purchase EVER!!! Nice build quality, great image, etc. Only positive really.
I recently got myself an Amscope with a trinocular head. I realised the packaging, the colour of the small plastic wraps and even the way the stage and objectives were wrapped up are quite similar to this Swift one. Given how similar the colour scheme of the microscope is, I would not be surprised if both my Amscope and this swift model come from the same factory. I am hoping to also purchase a second hand 1.25X plan objective to do microphotography with. I just hope these microscopes are 160 mm DIN compliant.
Just got this and love it - very nice piece of equipment. They must have heard you regarding the numbers on the stage - they are oriented correctly on my scope, both on the side and on the back (bought at Amazon in US). Thanks for the great review - it helped my buying decision.
I would be interested to see tips about getting good focus using this microscope with the Swiftcam 18 megapixel microscope camera. Also, information about how to get optimal adjustment on the condenser and condenser diaphragm.
I have this microscope. Try closing the light diaphragm as closed as possible, light at max, and pull the light filter holder out so that on the 10x you start to see the shadow. Once barely in the shadow you get some amazing 3dimensional views. Also it can be a crude dark field method this way. This is more for the eyepiece as I'm sure the trinocular won't look the same.
@@gordonthorn2049 in some of the earlier videos, the author talks about not needing to go beyond a 5mp camera from swift, can you tell me the benefits of purchasing the 18mp vs 5pm? Thanks
I’m so happy you made this video! I purchased one of the under $100 microscopes without a true condenser as my first microscope. I fell in love with it, and now I’m looking for an affordable trinocular microscope. Perfect timing! 😁
just got mine today! thank you for the rundown!
Just happened to buy this microscope last week!!!! Love it. I didn't know about the little door on the bottom, which could lead to replacing a broken light some day. Thanks!
Firstly I have to thank Oliver, great channel and information. Thank you for sharing with us all and inspiring people.
Next is a hint/tip on the Swift 380T. You can fine tune the coarse focus system, well the friction control for it. I can't use my thumbs and found the coarse control was too stiff, this is adjustable and now no issue for me. It doesn't say it anywhere but there is 3 plastic rings on the focus controls, outer ring is fine, middle is coarse focus and the inside ring I thought was just cosmetic. Well I've found the right-hand side plastic ring closest to the body actually adjusts the tension of the coarse focus adjustment. Mine is set easier now and just perfect for me.
Aliexpress SWIFT Offical Store, has 5% low rate Platform commission, let consumers enjoy the same quality products, the same efficient logistics guarantee, and the same responsible after-sales service at the most affordable price. At least 10% off.
Useful tip. Many thanks.
@@jwstore7558 Bought SW380B on Amazon for 148$US shipping included (official SWIFT seller). Aliexpress was more expensive.
So happy to find this back
I was undecided between this and an amscope. After this video I went for theSW380T, which is pretty nice, the only annoying point is that the condenser is not properly aligned.... and there is no way to change it (I've tried). I've 3D printed a dark field filter, attached a raspberry pi hq camera, put it online for recording time-lapse and this is the result :) ua-cam.com/video/Jtly05eo5So/v-deo.html
I has the same problem, my iris was off skew; after gentle disassembly i found there is adjustment available by loosening the 3 allen screws holding the condenser
I recently purchased SW380T. Thank you for this video. Although the video is short it revealed a couple of things I did not know, like access to the LED light from the microscope base. I like the microscope, but the documentation that comes with it is very inadequate and doesn't explain much. I do use the oil immersion lens as I look at mushroom spores a lot and want to see features inside the spores, such as septae. I also just purchased Swift's 16 mp microscope camera. If you could do a video on measuring objects with this make of camera and calibrating the objectives that would be great.
Amazing, I just bought this exact microscope for myself 3 weeks ago, before I even knew your channel! I honestly really like the microscope, I haven’t found any big defects, and the image quality is great. I have a Canon EOS 700D connected to it via an adapter without optics, and I think there is a problem: it won’t focus on the 4x objective (from the photo tube) when the camera is connected. I think it might have something to do with the lack of optics, but I’m not sure. Thanks for the video Oliver, great as always!
Hi, I just bought the swift-350T and have the same problem as you (with an EOS 350D) and don't know how to solve it. Got any clue ?
@@shorkkal Unfortunately, no! No solution yet, I've just been refraining from using that objective for my pictures
Hey mate, have you found a solution yet?
Which camera adapter did you use?
Excellent video!!
Thanks so much!
I have a big question: what i need to connect my Sony A6300 to any cheap microscope?
I bought SWIFT microscope SW380T with digital camera from eBay official store,more cost-effective. www.ebay.com/itm/304084210900
Actually, unlike you, I prefer the eyepieces around facing in the opposite direction from the stage for a few reasons. First, the focus knobs are closer to my body, which makes them easier accessed and controlled. Second, the mechanical stage adjusting knobs are on the right-hand side when the scope is in this position, allowing me to use my right hand to control them, as I am right handed. Third, I don't need to fumble about to find the light on/off switch when it is facing me. The electric cable does not cause any problems for me.
Hi. Do you have another good option?
I watch this lastnight and looked great so I ordered one and it has arrived today, I love it thanks for the review
I know I asked you about high-end microscopes earlier, and I thank you for your reply.
But their web sites don't have much information and require you to talk to a sales rep to get any information and put a microscope together. I hate talking to sales people -- I just want to put a microscope together online and pay for it and be done, so they're not getting my business. It seems those companies are not interested in selling to private individuals.
I'm now looking at mid-end microscopes like your Swift here and also the OMAX 40X-2500X. And yes, I definitely want the trinocular adapter to mount my camera.
So how would you compare this Swift SW380T to the OMAX 40X-2500X?
Thank you again!
Thanks for the review!, The microscope finally came in and I couldn't be more happy with it!, Big fan of both of your channels, Keep it up!!
A nice, versatile microscope. And yea the trinocular version is definitely desirable for photographers. The images look great in general but is that some CA / colour fringing that I can see on two of the photos?
Thank you for your video which has been very useful. Subscribed.
Excellent video. Genuine reviews are always welcome. Keep up the good work.
Can you explain the difference between the Swift 350 and the 380 models?
I guess Swift must be having a pretty good couple of months, because just like others here I just bought a 380B, and then found this channel. I do notice on mine some slightly odd movement on the rotating stand that connects the objective lens to the frame. It isn't a problem, and seems almost like it was designed for that. Is anyone else experiencing that?
Look forward to seeing this whole series of posts as this was exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks, buddy. Very well considered.
I bought this microscope and completely satisfied. I would say without any doubt, that its the best beginners microscope one can buy. Thanks for the video Sir.
I am wondering about illumination on this microscope. Is it 3w LED? My current microscope is 1w LED and isn't good enough for higher powers. Do you have a recommendation on minimum LED watts for good viewing? Thanks, love this channel!
Excellent videos - learning alot from you thank you.
Thank you. I just ordered a SW380T.
Thanks so much for your excellent review. My son is interested in the small world, and I've been researching what to buy in a reasonable price range. This seems like an excellent buy for our usage case.
Is there something I can buy that would attach my smartphone for the camera? It gets expensive if I buy the usb camera too...
I got the non-camera tube "binocular version" of this -- love it! I paired this with the Summit 5 MP usb camera, which I also love.
Great video! I am enjoying your work and thoughtful comments.
Mr. Oliver, would you say that the resolution of the oil immersion lens is good? I am a microbiologist, and this would be used primarily to look at yeast and bacteria. Thank you very much for such high quality content!
hello, my wife juste ordered me for christmas and i received it today. I opened it to see if all is ok. effectively que quality is quite increadible for this price range. i made microbiology studies (25 years ago) and uses realy expensive pro microscope. This one tend quite to the pro side more than to the toy side. Some distotion on the optics but clear focusing (and realy smouth knobs). I think i will have to send it back cause the is a major probleme. The field of view of the two eyepices are nor exctly the same. then looking with both eyes is not possible. ps : in this one the condenser is centered correctly.
if the left and right side do not show the same, then maybe the diopter adjustment is not adjusted correctly. or it could be a real problem, where some prisms are shifted (send back then).
@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy i put the microscope on the table an other time to let my girfriend to have a look in it. Befor complaining i wanted to be certain than is was not me loosing my stereoscopic vue. I turned the touret (don't know the name in english) cause it is stored in the packaging in the wrong side. i just make the focusing for her... bang ! i see only one circle in less than a second. I think the connection between the touret (upper part with the eyepieces) is not realy good and have to be tighten in a realy good place. Then thank you for your answer and all your video. now i could have a real look in the tinny beast... for 270€ it is quite increadible... not as clear and confortable as the 7000€ ones i used when i was a student, but not so far. clearly usable. ;-)
Hi
Great video, so good I have just bought the 380T.
Quick question, when I look through my new 380T there always seems to be something light brown and cloudy in the middle of my view, it’s magnified even worse with the 25x eye pieces, I’ve cleaned the eye pieces and that’s not helping, my wife has the same problem when looking through this microscope. Any suggestions, is it us?
What is the difference with r350t?
Love your videos.
Could you do a Bresser Researcher Trino review as well, please?
I got mine last week inspired by your videos. I was surprised how excited I was, so thanks. I’m not sure what my wife thinks about my indulgence though. I blamed you.
Located in Canada here, I have been having a hard time figuring out what would be the next step up from the readily available SWIFT SW380T and where I could find other options?
After 400x magnification, the image becomes too dark. The 1W LED is too weak. But can it be replaced with a more powerful LED?
I have a SW380B, love it... however do you know how to tighten the fine focus, over the last year mine has become a little 'slack'
Hi, what is your view on the AmScope T490B-DK 40X-2000X Trinocular Compound Darkfield Microscope?? At this stage, as a rookie, I am looking at parasites in food, but I also have to look at the future. I do not want to spent more money on another scope in the coming years. Is there better scopes which are on Parr you can suggest?
Very nice review. Question. I would like to add an ocular micrometer to the 10x eyepiece. What diameter ocular lense will work best for this scope?
I have this same one i was wondering if you can add a polerized filter to this can you maybe show how to upgrade this model?
Yes I have done it. Make a cover with Pol filter to drop onto condenser so that it’s rotatable. Then I fitted the analyser Pol into the camera trinocular adapter. You the get polarised view through camera and bright field through the eyepieces. Works very well.
Since part of the total zoom is provided by the eyepieces, does it mean that the maximum zoom you can get on the camera is 100x 🙂?
Thank you for the great review, I purchased this actual microscope. I want to get the Swift camera, but from a previous review you mention that there is no need to purchase above the 5mp camera. They sell the 18mp for $409 compared to the savings so much in just getting the 5mp. So my question is, there is no benefit in getting the higher MP 18 camera by swift? Also, I have the LGv40 andriod phone that is 12mp and I have the Swift adapter to capture video and picture, is this enough or do you recommend I get the 5pm Swift camera to use with my Laptop? Thanks
What about the sw350 is that one good or is it best to get the sw380?
so, when to use the condenser? maybe to study larger more solid objects?
Thank you for the review. The Bresser Microscopes are also quite present on the market. How does this compare to the Bresser Erudit Basic? They seem quite similar ... Thank you for your feedback.
I have one and I love it! As stated it is very high quality!
Valuable review, thank you!
I must assume with the camera mount you do NOT get the 10x or 25x boost.
I have bought this microscope and would like to know what 60× optical is suitable thanks
This is like the trinocular microscope I have and what I was asking you about connecting a camera to the scope. So which optic adapter is it that you have for your DSLR camera? Can you post a link?
Great video, great content, thanks for your work!!
Could you do a comparison of the SW380T and the sw350t
Is this microscope suitable for looking at small objects as well as slides? I wish to look at the stylus tip on a turntable phono cartridge. Can the table be lowered enough for this purpose? Thanks.
For intermediate use will it be possible to take pictures from you phone through the binocular version? The 380B is currently only 220€ at Amazon de and this will be my first microscope for fun and learning with kids of preschool age. Thanks for the nice video. Subbed and liked
Yes, this is of course possible and it is done. I suggest that you also buy a mobile phone adapter because it i difficult to take pictures by hand. Distance has to be correct and it has to be perfectly centered and not tilted as well. Results are generally good, but doing it by hand requires a steady hand and patience.
what is the Difference between Compaound and Steroe Microspes? which one is better and for which used? I want it Biological used ?
please answer this.
if I attach a camera to a binocular microscope then would I get a full view of the specimen on my computer screen or only the partial view?
I suppose trinocular ones give the full view.
Hello Oliver,
Is it works with phase contrast or dark field?
Thank you!!
It works with darkfield but not with phase contrast. I will do a livestream with this microscope showing how darkfield works: ua-cam.com/video/Em_9AgYJTQo/v-deo.html
Right now this scope with a 5mp camera is 270 dollars. The amscope b120c is 280. Which would you choose? Is amscope reputation/quality/support worth sacrificing the trinocular? Thanks in advance
I really didn't get why a AC main really needed for this microscope, only to power the LED?
Are the objective lenses on this SW380T model removable? The pictures on Amazon show that they are.
What type of camera would you recommend for this microscobe?
www.microbehunter.com/the-complete-guide-to-connecting-a-camera-to-a-microscope/
This is very similar to my AmScope.
Could you please also share a link or two to a microscope camera adapter? Maybe a separate video with a couple of advices on the topic?
I have a full frame camera (Sony Alpha A7 II) and looking for a microscope setup that will allow me to make high quality photos / videos.
Thanks for this and all the other of your videos!
What solution did you go for? Thanks
@@roelmattheeussen1117 nothing yet 😔
I bought that one but it came with big black spots and it is not dirty since I have unboxed today
I need help for how to capture photos from the microscope, I’m new student in biology classes. Could you advise me for the economic and best way. I liked your videos, Thanks
Meister, since im going to invest into this beautiful world, can you tell any relevant differences between the swift sw350 and sw380?
Btw im binge watching lots of your videos to learn as much as I can about the usage and the techniques. I already have lots of good natural samples to test 😊
They are very similar. The 380 (the one I have) have a more precise focus control. There is some review within MicrobeHunter blog about this comparison.
Nice Vid, been looking at this Microscope, but have been told a Dark field Microscope is the only good one to see blood work is this true or can you see blood work and contaminets in this "Swift SW380T" thanks
Microbehunter Microscopy
I do have a question, is it possible to actually damage the objective by colliding it with a cover glass?
The objectives seems to have some spring mechanism, so they detract on contact, but actually is the objective touching the cover glass so it can damage the objective itself ?
The 40x mag objective is so small I can't really tell if it protrudes outside the cover.
Anyway, Microbe hunter, you are very motivational! I've bought this microscope and it's so wonder full, I didn't expect being so much fun.
Read some basic book for microbiology and now I share a bit of your passion too. :D
Great video, thanks, may we have the camera reference ?
We have the binocular version for this microscope, but the condenser is not fully centered, can this have an effect on darkfield microscopy? I got darkfield working on the 4x objective, but there is a dark ring in the view. Also, it isn't very good at the 10x objective, but turns oblique illumination with the 40x. The mechanical stage y knob is a bit difficult to move, does this mean that the stage needs oiling? Otherwise, its an excellent microscope.
mine is also not fully centered and I did not see any negative effects, so far. I did not see any centering screws but maybe it is possible to center it by loosening the screws that hold the condenser to the stage.
Does a 50x objective and a 20x eye piece give the same resolution as a 100x objective and a 10x eye piece, assuming the same quality optics? Thank you for your video.
No, the important part is the objective's resolution.
100x obj + 10x eye piece will give you a better/sharper image quality.
The other combo will give you less details.
I would love to know if you were using your DSLR with an adapter or a dedicated microscope camera for the images and video clips in this video.
I've seen quite a few videos about poor assembly issues with this microscope, could you recommend something similar from a different manufacturer like Amscope?
Thank you for the helpful review. I have a question: could you list the equipment that you need to buy in order to attach it to the DRSL camera?
You need a DSLR adapter with optics and a T2 adapter ring (camera specific). Sometimes they come together with the adapter for Canon or Nikon.
@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy I bought an adapter with 2x optics made specifically for my D90 Nikon camera, but the pictures look as good (bad?) as if I use my cell phone positioned against the eyepiece. Can you tell us which adapter optics you are using?
Which objectives would be compatible with this Microscope? I want to buy a 60x to replace the 100x one. Thank you!
I have been considering buying this scope so this video is particularly useful for me. The one disappointment I have with this model is that it does not allow for darkfield according to the company. Is there a similar Swift model that allows for darkfield? Thank you for your videos...they are quite detailed and informative and I really enjoy them.
It does allow for darkfield/rheinberg/oblique. I have done so already using this microscope. Here is a description on how this is done: ua-cam.com/video/JnjoHUIlnzM/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/6hh5ZyU35yc/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/Pku4T8s-0lg/v-deo.html
@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy Thank you so much. This is a nice alternative to traditional darkfield, it seems. Anyway, I truly appreciate this information as I recently purchased a used Swift M1000D and a used Accu-Scope 3000 Series - theyre in fairly good shape but need a little refurbishing. But I will probably purchase either the Swift 380T or the Swift 350T (through your link). One question: is the $70 difference between the two worth it? Thank you again...I am a complete novice in this area but your videos are incredibly useful and informative.
Mine is now one half a day old. I have been taken pictures with my DSLR, Canon 77D, with an adapter with no optics, which was quite cheap. Which adapter exactly are you using in the video? And would you recommend me upgrading to a more expensive adapter (~€100,00) with optics? In other videos you show even more expensive adapters and online there even much more expensive one. I need the cheapest adapter that is no worse than the weakest component of my setup: Swift 380T and Canon 77D. Recommendation? Thank you for all your videos and for sharing your considerable experience.
Just curious what you ended up doing to get the best pics and videos. I know this is 3 years later, curious just
The LED is soldered in. No dust cover.
Hi Hello 👋, please can you tell me which is better. A swift sw380t, or a AmScope 40x2500x Led Lab Trinocular Compound Microscope. Many Thanks😊.
They are all very similar. Much is a question of taste as well. Optics of the swift might be a bit better than the silver optics of the amscope, but you will not see much of a difference. the amscope is also a bit cheaper.
I just received this microscope and wow amazing very nice.
I know that it does not have phase contrast as a standard. However, Is there a way to modify this microscope to make phase contrast work? Did anyone try it?
Wow this actually seems like a really good first microscope for someone! I'm going to add this to my wishlist and hope Santa still comes for 35 year olds. 😂😂
I received this in the mail yesterday and I'm going to send it right back. I didn't even have to assemble and set it up and I'll explain later. I'm going to buy it one more time to give them another chance since I didn't test it out properly, but just in case the second one has the same defect and issue and I have to send it back as well, I wanna know if anyone can recommend a similar scope with the same features and specs for a fairly higher price and hopefully better build quality? I really want to get into microscopy but getting this unit was a really bad experience and kind of a blow back, so much so that I'm considering not picking this up as another hobby.
Now for the part where I explain why I sent it back right after the first glance. The microscope is being shipped with the head detached, which is fair enough considering that during transport the joint might get damaged, but what that revealed to me was that during testing when they had the head attached to the rest of the body they have severely damaged the joint by overtightening the screws. And they also must have tigthened the screw while the head wasn't seated right in it's rest, so there's deep, and I mean really deep grooves in the ring joint of the microscope's head. What kind of quality control is that? Where they are destroying their own product when they really should have tested it carefully? This tells me a lot about the build quality of this scope already, that I really started to doubt you can get a good scope for this kind of money. Not only was the head joint severely scraped, metal ships were all over the place, even inside the revolver and on the oprtics of the head piece as well, so am I supposed to clean this mess up, assemble the scope, check if all metal pieces are gone, dissassemble and clean some more? I think those metal pieces are impossible to get out of the revolver, imagine the type of damage they'll do in there! Also the edge of the ring joint was so jagged due to the damage by the quality control guy, that spinning the head will definitely produce more metal pieces being scraped off and falling into where the optics are.
I seen similar pictures of other buyers on Amazon and there seems to be a pattern. Maybe this was a case of a frustrated worker at a factory destroying their employers products, maybe it's by design, because the joint is just horribly constructed and will get destroyed during normal use of the tightening screws, but as I said I'm going to give this scope another try.
However if anyone has had a similar experience with this scope or could check the head joint for damage, that would be great. And if anyone knows an alternative that should be of better overall quality, let me know please. And also if anyone knows where to buy used major brand microscopes preferably in Germany or the EU, please let me know as well, because I get the feeling that the advice that was talked about in this video to skip the cheap microscope and go for a quality brand used one right away may be actually valid.
Maybe you could check for used University devices in your country which might provide something decent at a low price.
Thanks for your telling of your experiences with this microscope because it is something worth watching out for.
I was going to buy this model but like you a lot of people have complained about poor assembly issues, hope you got a better microscope and are enjoying it! :)
Hello there; interesting video. What is the thread size for the objective lens? RMS or different?
SW website: No, it is only brightfield. The SW350/SW380 brightfield condenser cannot add a darkfield accessory for darkfield observation, and the condenser is dedicated, and the brackets of different manufacturers cannot be interchanged, that is, the darkfield condensers of other manufacturers cannot be used on our microscopes.
I just bought the SW380 B this week. Under the condenser, you have hidden filter holder at 6:13. You can put a diy darkfield disk and get darkfield in five minutes.
I am going to buy this microscoop tomorrow, second hand, including a 15 MP camera, for 220 euros.
Can i also look "on top of things", like a stone, with the light shining on it from above, or the wing of a butterfly?
Thanks microbehunter for al your work, your website looks great aswell; you even have an article about the brownian motion, wich was my firt reason to want a microscope.
Got my SW380B new/open box from Swift on Amazone for 203 $ Canadian shipping included.
220 Euros seem quite high for second hand, Even if it include a camera.
You can look at sand and butterfly wing, but a rock will be to big. Maximum high will be 1cm and you will need external lighting (flashlight or LED idea lamp).
Overall, a wonderful scope. But if you prefer top view stuff, invest in a stereomicroscope instead.
Does anyone know if the objectives are the standard ones? I do have a microscope with a 60x objective and was wondering if it fits this one.
Hi. You seem to be the guy to ask. I'm thinking of buying an Apex practitioner so me and my grand daughter can explore the micro world. I've researched the microscope but you seem to be the Oracle in this field to ask if it's going to be ok for us.
Dear Sir, can the 380T change other brands of objectives and eyepiece for better optic quality ? Are those objective and eyepiece are standard for interchange of different brands? Many thanks .
In principle they could be exchanged with other optics that have the 160mm standard, but I would say that it is not worth it, as the quality is already good.
@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy Thank you , If I use it for photographing , is it still good enough ? I found this microscope always attached an apsc camera, can it attached a FF camera ?