Although I returned this item, I'm still giving it 5 stars. It is constructed very well, though of plastic, but its construction negates that issue. The mechanisms are smooth, and the gears are brass, not plastic. I send it back because it was a bit lightweight for my application, so if you get one, so may have to secure it. Still, down the road I would get another on if it fits the project I'm working on.

Got this to use with a Plugable digital microscope. This is a must have! Great control that is not possible with the original stand. Believe me--you'll want to be able to have fine control over the microscope's distance from the subject in order to fully appreciate the abilities of the microscope..

First off it's infinitely better then what is provided with the Aven digital Microscope and that probably should have deserved more stars. But the slack its primary movement, up and down, lessens its effectiveness. Focus is lost when its needed the most, which is when moving up and down in order to focus the image. One is left to changing focus and then waiting to see the results, instead of being able to see in the change real time. The ability to move the subject in two horizontal directions via the adjustments on the bed is great, if only the primary focus control was so precise. The lighted background is a nice feature. Overall the unit is sturdy. Now I just have to figure out how to reduce the play in the up/down adjustment. Using both adjustment knobs seems to help as does knowing how the unit twists on the pole in its up/down movement.

I really love this microscope stand. I was so frustrated with the junk that came with my scope. They kept tipping over when I would move the cord. This is a HUGE improvement. Slide is adjustable in x and y directions, lots of backlash in the screw setup, but for the price you can't expect top quality. Z movement is great, does not fall during use. The back light is a bonus on this. I would recommend this mount, you won't regret it.

Exactly what I needed for my Celestron 44302-A digital microscope. This is NOT a jack for your car, but a fairly light-weight, well-conceived stand with rack-and-pinion z-axis adjustment. There were a couple of very minor problems, easily fixed: (1) the carrier for the microscope body did not fit smoothly onto the support rod. This was due to presence of a couple of burrs from the casting process in the carrier body, and was fixed with a sharp x-acto knife and some gentle carving, and (2) the pinion drive shaft is apparently not exactly linear, tending to bind a bit at certain angles of rotation. I deal with this by gently supporting the carrier while turning the pinion (gently! it would not be difficult to strip a section of the pinion gear.) Fine focus is done with the focus wheel on the Celestron. I recommend a very light lubrication with a dry lubricant on the sliding part of the camera support. The LED back-light would be great for viewing pond scum, etc. but I use mine for viewing coins, which are generally not too transparent. I'm delighted with this tool.