The Apex Scholar

I placed my order for the Apex Scholar over the August bank holiday weekend and I received an email from Apex first thing Tuesday morning to say the microscope would arrive next day - which it did. The microscope required assembling but this only involved about ten minutes work with the help of clear written instructions and I didn't encounter any difficulties. The images viewed through the microscope are very clear and sharply focussed. At first I was considering buying the Researcher but that model didn't appear to have a way of adjusting the light and that is why I am glad I chose this (Scholar) model. The light control is smooth and effective and, I think, essential. The mechanical controls are also smooth and positive with no hesitation or backlash. The only criticism I would make is that the kit didn't include a demo slide or two so I could use it straight away. This meant that I had to wait a further day until the slides that I had ordered from Ebay arrived. Despite that minor grumble I am pleased with the quality of the microscope and the service from Apex.

Always wanted a microscope since I left school 30 years ago. I've used a few but this is by far the best I have ever used. Not saying this is the best out there. If you have the money there are plenty of professional Microscopes out there, but this represents excellent value for money showing that quality really doesn't have to cost the earth. It is very well built both in materials and precision giving you robustness and ease of use. The LED back light is a quality with perfectly uniform light which is adjustable from off to high output and an iris control. The height adjustment has course and fine adjustment controls with knobs for x and y control making it easy to pan across the subject. The trinocular compound lens system allows stereo vision while offering the facility to attach a camera system at the same time. The high powered magnification up to 1000x with wide angle of view gives you an excellent window on the microscopic. For more details go to www.apexmicroscopes.co.ukThis is not a field microscope as the LED light is powered from the mains. It is a shame that they didn't use a 12vdc input so that an external 12V supply could be utilised such as a 12V car battery or something but I didn't buy it for that. This would have extended its usefulness I'm sure to field workers. The table has a x and y graticule so you can work out how far you are moving.The whole unit with lenses weighs in at around 5kg

Less than 24 hours after ordering the Apex Scholer Microscope it arrived. I was amazed. There are better microscopes available for those with deeper pockets, but even so the micriscope is packed with useful features and is excellent value for the price. I ordered this model rather than the Researcher because I wanted the controlable rheostat led light. I am especially pleased with the even spread of lighting provided by this and the ability to increase the contrast so that even fairly clear specimens are outlined clearly. The achromatic objectives are really sharp. The machanical stage is fitted with two vernier scales so that interesting features on any slide can be noted down and found again. The coarse and fine focusing controls seem to be smooth and work well. The other important feature which attracted me to the Scholer rather than the Researcher microscope is the trinocular head allowing for photography. I have now purchased the Apex snapper so that I can attach my digital SLR to the microscope and also the dark field attachment. The customer service at Apex microscopes is second to none and gives me confidence that any future problems I may encounter with my treasured microscope will be quickly resolved. I am happy with my purchase and would recommend this for serious amateur microscopist or budding young scientists.

This is an excellent microscope. It's great that the company can produce such high quality at a price which helps to encourage amateur and beginner microscopists to get a proper lab quality scope rather than some toy.We have been delighted by this model. The stage glides smoothly, the focus is well controlled, the build quality is excellent. The trinocular design allows our son to project images on a monitor (via my Canon SLR camera) so he can share with friends.We found a couple of errors in the manual and these were rectified immediately by the manufacturer, who really know their stuff and were very supportive.Our only complaint is that there is no focus alignment adjustment on the camera tube, so we have to refocus significantly between eyepiece and monitor/camera.

This is a solid microscope in all senses. All the controls are very smooth and allow for very detailed control of focusing and stage movement. The optics are great and the lighting is bright enough to provide good images at all resolutions. Really a very competent and well made microscope, and for the money, really quite exceptional.

I ordered it Monday morning, received it Tuesday evening, fastest delivery ever, as I live in the west of Ireland, the Minigrab and slide kit arrived a day later, It is a really great piece of kit, great quality and good value, I think it will keep me occupied for many hours and can see it being used a lot more during the winter months, I would highly recommend...

Excellent optics and design. Great mechanical stage and sub-stage, including the lighting system. Can't fault for the price. Better overall than some "high end" microscopes that I used as a student!

Quick arrival. As advertised...Very pleased and would recomend.Good value and a good addition to our household!Good fun for all the family.