I’ve seen a bunch of professional equipment and their requirements vary greatly. Usually they involve some ridiculous compromises. One thing is really good while other things aren’t. If you’re a pro, you know how to use the device and you’re always mindful of the specific limitations each device has.

If you’re doing SEM, XRD, NRM or anything like that, you can get great results but the sample preparation is a royal PITA. In this case, you’ll be paying for the quality of the analysis results, but everything else will probably suck.

Alternatively, you could get a rugged pH or redox electrode, chuck it in the back of your car, take measurements in any filthy puddle you find along the way and you’ll get acceptable results every time. The data isn’t great, but the device will work in harsh conditions. You’re paying extra to make sure you can measure things quickly and easily. The device is portable, rugged, robust and all that. Other things might suck though, but a pro would understand that and treat the results accordingly.