CelestronLabs CB2000C Compound Binocular Microscope

As a professional scientist and keen hobbyist, I've used and owned many student, mid-level and high-end lab-grade microscopes. When it comes to optical technology, I have found that to get good-quality "glass" you DO have to pay more. The CB2000C is more expensive than the "Number 1 Best Seller" Omax and AmScope products, but the additional one hundred-plus dollars buys you a SOLID piece of lab-grade "glass". There's VERY little plastic on this scope, so it's quite heavy, making for rock-steady viewing and durability. The moving parts are all well machined to high tolerances, so there's no slippage of the image that you get with cheaper rigs. The 10X and 20X eyepieces provide an excellent through-the-lens image all the way up to the maximum 2000 magnification. A nice set of glass filters is provided and all are easy and quick to install in the stage's undercarriage. The combination light source and diaphragm control give the viewer a wide range of illumination, which is very helpful when viewing live specimens as well as cover-slipped and pre-prepped slides. The trinocular feature (not shown in any of Amazon's pictures of this scope) includes a dedicated eyepiece tube that accommodates either a third eyepiece or an adaptor (not included) for a still/video camera. Unlike several other scopes reviewed on Amazon.com, a full-length chemical-resistant plastic cover, replacement illuminator bulb, suspension oil and a set of pre-prepped specimen slides are included. The parts list/diagram and the start-up (some assembly required) and operation instructions are succinct, easy to understand and very helpful. It took me about 20 minutes to unpack and assemble the scope. NOTE: Be careful when screwing in the four objectives into the nosepiece; the internal and external threads on both parts a easily damaged if dropped! As I plan to view specimen images on my iMac desktop computer, I intend to buy the AmScope 5-megapixel USB still photo & live video microscope imager digital camera (Model 5MP, available on Amazon.com). In short, I feel I got an excellent scope at a bargain price that will serve me well for many years.

The Celestron Cb2000C Compound Binocular Microscope is a competent unit. The mechanicals are fine, as one would hope for a microscope in the price-range. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a basic trinocular microscope. Any other microscope that might be viewed as an incremental upgrade is likely to cost a lot more. As with anything, Amazon prices can fluctuate so caveat emptor.

It's just what I expected. The only defect is a bump at the revolver, caused by the delivery company. But it works o.k. although.

Awesome microscope, bad quality control. Came with a shattered 10x eyepiece. Shipping box was in perfect shape--it must have left the factory like this. I've contacted Celestron and have asked for a replacement eyepiece. I'll update this review if they manage to ship one in a timely manner.

Summary - CB2000C is a Great Buy! I paid $330 for this microscope as a gift for a friend. The optics are sharp an bright from 40X - 2000X.I am a professional optical engineer and am notoriously picky about optics. That said, I can be disappointed by high cost optics and I can be very impressed with low cost optics.