Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This is a gorgeous, solid-built microscope and I was really excited to get it and share the wonderful microscopic world with my daughters. Upon receipt, I quickly opened the package and made sure it would work before showing to my girls, as working with a low quality one can quickly become a frustrating experience and you end up with an expensive paper weight. Here are my issues: *The lighting is decent, although I'm used to dimming light source (adjustable brightness -which this one does not have-). *The extras are really cool (pre-made slides and blank slides to make your own)... * The stage is not mechanical (you can't move the slide around once mounted, has to be done manually.... meaning, you have to get it just right. No biggie! I'll just order a mechanical stage off their catalog right??? WRONG! You cannot add that accessory to this model. THAT was the deal-breaker for me. I called the company, and they were really nice and tried to help, but the bottom line: you cannot use a mechanical stage or a camera attachment (to view on larger monitor). They said this was an entry level microscope, and if I wanted all that I would have to spend more.... I wanted to say: "well, it's not like they're giving this one away!" because they're not. For the same amount, you can purchase the MC150, which has the availability of adding accessories. You don't get the extras, but you can purchase slides and kits separately for a very reasonable amount (make your own kit). My point is: you are already spending $85+ on this, why not spend a little extra and have options for adding (very useful) accessories and get the most out of your viewing experience. (Slide prep kit is $17, blank slides are $5) I am returning this one it'll cost me $10, but I will have to do better research before purchasing my next one. I don't mind spending a little more if it means getting one that will last for years to come and allow me to prepare my own slides.