Carson MicroBrite Plus 60x-120x LED Lighted Pocket Microscope, Portable Handheld Microscope for Adults, Mini Microscope for Student Science Lab, STEM Educational Portable Microscope (MM-300)

This is a review for the MicroBrite Plus 60x-120x (MM-300) from Carson Optical.The MicroBrite MM-300 is just the ticket for gardening and exploring. It's lightweight but substantial and has a nice, solid feel.Like all of the more powerful small scopes, you need to tinker with it a bit to get the best magnification, and at the highest magnification you will also benefit by being still. I've used more expensive scopes and several natural light scopes over the years, and this LED light scope puts them to shame. The results are excellent from full sunlight to dark.The grip is quite ergonomic for such a small device. You can use the focusing ring with the same hand you're holding it with, and you'll need to use your non-dominant hand to adjust the zooming dial when needed. The LED switch is perfectly located for a quick press of the thumb.This handheld is also perfect for those of us who choose to avoid button batteries. I wanted an AA battery device because our local stores are often out of the button battery I need. The battery compartment opens easily and the single battery can be accessed in a snap. (AA battery not included).There is an indent on the top to weave in a lanyard thread.It's portable but not really pocket-sized unless you stow it in a cargo-type pocket. It's about the size of a deck of cards and twice as thick. I keep it in my gardening apron pocket, in my birding vest pocket, or around my neck with a lanyard. When it's on the lanyard I use it more often just because it's there. It's useful and fun.Whether you're looking at a praying mantis casing, diagnosing spider mites, checking herb for readiness, or exploring the micro world with kids, this is an excellent portable microscope for the money.If this review was helpful to you in any way, I would appreciate it if you'd please check "yes" below. Thanks!

This microscope is NOT a toy, even though it sells for less than most toy microscopes do. As an engineer, I use the Carson MM-300 for my field investigations and have always found it perfectly suited for my needs. I also know that if people knew how to use this microscope correctly, everyone would give it a solid 5-star rating. In fact, I use this model more often than even very expensive "professional models" of equivalent magnifying power available for my use.The MM-300 is easy to use if you read and follow the simple directions. For example, NEVER wear eye glasses while using this (or ANY) microscope. Doing so makes sighting through it extremely difficult, if not impossible. Other simple rules are outlined in the instructions. But if you experience any difficulty, simply refer to the Q&A section on this web page to ask questions and get help.I have been an Electronics Engineer for 52 years and, after using this microscope in both indoor and outdoor applications and environments, I find the following to be true:(1) The optics are superbly sharp,(2) The field of view is very flat and with negligible edge distortion,(3) The LED light source is nearly perfect in both its light output and placement,(4) The focus and zoom adjustments are silky smooth,(5) The transparent plastic shroud surrounding the objective (bottom) lens easily allows additional light to fall on the subject, and(6) The ON/OFF switch for the LED light is perfectly located for ease of use.Using the MM-300, one can perform very precise, professional-level, microscopic examinations. So far I have used the MM-300 to help identify mold, inspect solder joints, study corrosion on metallic surfaces, examine fissures in military process materials, examine the quality of various protective and conformal coatings, study heat damage to various electronic components (capacitors, resistors, integrated circuits, insulation, etc.), examine the edges of various cutting implements, identify fungus infiltration into outdoor electrical enclosures, and so much more. But I've also used it outside of work to examine leaves, shells, insects so small they were virtually invisible to the naked eye, etc., etc., etc.The MM-300 is simple enough for use by people of almost any age. I purchased several of these for my grandkids' for use in creating science projects and reports, and my carpool partner purchased two MM-300 for his young family after carefully examining mine. Virtually everyone I have shown this microscope to has ordered one or more for themselves or as gifts. Look at all the positive reviews this easy-to-use microscope receives. It speaks volumes to the quality of this amazing instrument. I am convinced that negative reviews only come from those who simply do not know how to use any microscope correctly.