Budget microscope setup

[Hessenc1]

Hey my name is Noah, I’m a beginner engraver and apprentice jeweler. I am trying to build a budget microscope setup for engraving and stone setting. I looked though the microscope list on the forum and have found a Leica Sz-4 and Olympus sz30 on eBay. They are both 200$ I just want to know if these are good scopes or if I there is another better budget friendly scope. The budget is 300$ for scope. Please and thank you!!

 

[monk]

not sure, but at one time the olympus was touted here as a good piece of equipment.

 

[Chujybear]

Both are good.. I’ve had an Olympus, just a different model, but works great.. the Leica is good, Ive heard recommended lots in the forum here..
If either of them comes with a boom stand over the regular up and down stands, I would base my purchasing decision on that, and if it comes with an objective/Barlow lens.. you want .3, 0.5, or 0.63.. tho honestly you could get your feet wet with a 1x. The other lenses will just give you more room under the scope

 

[Hessenc1]

Thank you both for the replies, I went with the Leica scope since it the same brand I use at my apprenticeship.

 

[T.G.III]

Used Olympus SZ40 here, It's a good scope, that said I've nothing to compare it to, the up/down stand works okay, made an adapter to tilt the scope to be more ergonomic and user friendly.