Mitutoyo 530-312 Vernier Calipers, Stainless Steel, for Inside, Outside, Depth and Step Measurements, Metric, 0"/0mm-150mm Range, +/-0.03mm Accuracy, 0.02mm Resolution, 40mm Jaw Depth

After reading some of the reviews here, I thoroughly inspected my calipers after they arrived. They showed the same "scuffs" along certain edges of the calipers. They weren't actually scuffs. It's mineral oil applied to the calipers at the factory to lubricate and protect from corrosion. It's also just as easy for me to read the markings as other calipers I've used. Easier than many of them, in fact. Yes, you do need to be able to see small things clearly to use Vernier calipers. That's just how they work. If you have poor near vision, you might need reading glasses to read the Vernier scale comfortably. Mitutoyo also makes dial calipers that make it easier to read the measurement that might also be a good option if you have a hard time seeing the Vernier scale. The markings are all crisp, clean, and very legible. It's possible that it wasn't like that when the reviews complaining about legibility were written and that Mitutoyo has listened to feedback and improved readability, but either way, the unit I received is very readable.That all aside, it moves easily and smoothly, and basically meets all of my needs for a set of Vernier calipers.

No surprises for me to add here, I just wanted to chime in another positive review.To me this is a perfect example of, "You get what you pay for." Mine arrived in nearly flawless condition, except for a tiny scratch on the back. Super smooth action.Praise aside, I have always used dial calipers and you simply cannot read these as quickly, precisely, or accurately -- although it is in the ballpark. I bought these vernier calipers because it always bugs me that I have to be careful not to scratch the lens for some uses where the calipers wind up on the bench with a bunch of random tools and stuff. These fit that requirement well. However, unless you have young, sharp eyes, or a magnifying glass on-hand, in practice these are only useful to within say 0.010". That is not a fault of the calipers, just biology and scale. Yes, if you really need to be closer to 0.001", you can fuss over it and take your time, while you recall how much quicker it would be with a dial.So these are not as useful for machine work as dial calipers, but they are great for stock selection and rough dimensioning, and woodworking, where being a few thousands off isn't a big deal, and you don't want to baby a dial lens.Also would like to add, as others have, that the millimeter markings are much more comfortable for the eyes to make out. Not that you would be getting much more precision from the reading, but it is easier on the eyes to identify the reading.

This caliper is quite well-built. At $80 it isn't cheap, but I have to admit that given its quality construction, accuracy, and overall appearance, the price is acceptable to me. Of course, one could argue that the only thing this tool needs to do is to provide an accurate measurement (which it does), but the truth is that there is also value in the smooth metal surfaces and impeccable movement and construction of this instrument. So yes, you possibly do pay more for things that aren't necessarily connected with the precision measurement ability of this caliper, but at the same time, I am OK with that as long as I perceive an adequate value in return. Meanwhile, because of the fact that this caliper is so nice, you kind of feel that it is not the best choice for a machine shop or garage or similar work environment where it is in fact needed and used, because of all the grease, oil, solvents, and similar material that exist in these environments which will definitely adversely impact all those pretty metal polishes! But for use in an engineering design office, architectural firm, laboratory, or other similar settings which are less subject to sticky and harmful materials, I believe it will be quite suitable.Some reviewers had complained about the deficiencies and inaccuracies they had observed in the product. All that I can say is that it is quite possible that the quality of this item across the board may be subject to deviation from its best norm, and unfortunately that does happen. Of course, if it happens too frequently (for a product that is supposed to be of high quality), that is a problem. But based on the caliper I received, everything seemed to be in good shape.And finally, a word to the manufacturer: is it really so impossible to provide a reasonably decent case to go with this caliper? It is true, it is already fairly expensive, but I don't think anyone is going to object if you charge an additional $5 for a case to protect this caliper. I actually had to go out and search all over to get a half decent case to protect this expensive tool.

I have half a dozen styles of caliper, and these may be the last I ever buy. I prefer analog for the simple reason that the batteries always seem to die on my digital calipers right when I need them. I bought a cheaper vernier caliper a while back, and I really liked them. I'm very much an amateur machinist, and I'm not a gear snob by any stretch. I don't usually consider micron tolerances, so it didn't bother me that there was a small amount of play and grinding when using them. However, when I bought these Mitutoyo calipers, a sense of superiority washed over me, and I may never recover. All of my inferior calipers were banished to the back of the bottom drawer, and these are now my new favorite tool. I immediately purchased a second pair for my dad, and he is also over the moon.All the surfaces match, the numbers and lines are clear and easy to read, and they slide like silk. A side-by-side comparison with my old calipers showed me exactly why they were 3x the cost. Worth every penny.Buy nice or buy twice. In my case, buy nice AND buy twice.