It’s understandable for someone who is looking to buy a microscope to become quite overwhelmed by the choices and we know this can be quite off-putting.
There are so many factors to take into consideration which may depend on what you are planning to use the microscope for as well as your age and profession or study.
That’s why we have put together this guide so that you can get an overview on what’s available in the market and a look into the type of microscope which fits your needs before you make a purchase.
You don’t have to worry about having any particular background knowledge or have to work in a professional capacity to buy a microscope as they’re so often used by people at home as well as professionals. A microscope is certainly a great way to encourage and maintain a child’s interest in the sciences which is so important in today’s STEM-focused job market.
If you already have your microscope, whether you are a beginner hobbyist or parent of a child, and you are not sure exactly what you are doing, head on over to our guides on how to use a microscope and the parts of a microscope to really get acquainted with your new bit of kit.
Low Power vs High Power Microscopes
For the uninitiated, there are two types of microscope: low power and high power.
Although both are useful for the applications they were designed for, high power microscopes are more popular not only to professionals, but to hobbyists and children as well. This can be attributed to the fact that “invisible” things can be observed, thus presenting a more exciting experience for the user.
Low Power
Low power microscopes are essentially used to look at larger objects such as rocks, coins, insects, stamps, rocks, soil, fabric weaves, and the like.
They are also called “Dissecting” or “Stereo” microscopes. Stereo microscopes have dual eye-pieces and have the capability of magnifying a specimen 10x to 50x. In effect, the user can view the object in three-dimensions.
High Power
High power microscopes on the other hand, are used to look at things that are way too small for the naked eye to see such as blood cells, bacteria and tissue.
Also called compound microscopes, high power microscopes are able to magnify objects up to 1000x.
The Importance Of The Light Source
What most beginners forget about is the source of light in every microscope. A good light source means that you can view specimens in a very detailed manner, with clearer and better image quality.
Microscopes available in the market today typically have a built-in light source, although a common entry level microscope might use a mirror in order to outsource light from the environment.
Those with illumination fresh out of the box may have halogen bulbs, fluorescent, tungsten, or LED. Tungsten systems are more affordable than the fluorescent bulb, but the latter heats up less and is significantly brighter.
The majority of modern light microscopes contain halogen lighting, since it produces a strong, white light and usually comes with a rheostat to allow the light levels to be altered with ease.
Fluorescent microscopes are typically found in highly specialised scopes that are used for molecular and biological research. These help researchers observe fluorescent tags such as fluorophores commonly used in research.
Light Emitting Diode systems on the other hand provide multiple advantages and are by far the latest technology in microscope illumination. While LED microscopes eat less power and heat up less, they can also be cordless, since these microscopes can be powered with batteries.
Digital Microscopes
Digital microscopes can either be stereo (low power) or compound (high power). They are able to capture both still and video images which can then be viewed on an external monitor or a built-in LCD screen for easy viewing by a group of observers.
For this reason, digital microscopes are becoming a favorite among students and teachers in some schools because it makes the sharing of information easier and quicker providing a satisfying interactive learning experience.
Which Microscope Should You Choose?
Given the numerous options you can choose from, your decision regarding which microscope you should choose depends on how you intend to use the microscope.
Have a read through our articles about Stereo Microscopes and Compound Microscopes to gain a basic understanding of the difference between them.
Stereo microscopes are great for looking at the surface of larger objects such as leaves and bugs, or for examining and soldering electronic circuit boards, or examining the authenticity of jewelry and gemstones. There is usually enough space to manipulate an object so that you can view it’s different sides in detail.
A compound microscope is great for studying small samples that have been placed on a microscope slide with a coverslip over the sample to keep it contained. The cellular structure of samples that have been thinly sliced off objects such as plants, or the tiny creatures that live in drop of liquid such as pond water can be viewed using a stereoscope.
And, of course, the price of the microscope needs to fit into your budget.
The microscopes mentioned below are recommendations for first-time buyers. It should be noted that there are still many more models of stereo and compound microscopes to choose from. The real choice is all yours to make.
Recommended Low Power Microscopes
My First Lab Ultimate Microscope
Ages 6 – 12 Years
Although technically not a “stereo” microscope, this option is capable of 40x, 100x and 400x magnification power. It features cool LED illumination and a rechargeable power pack.
It also comes packed with a 15 pc Accessory Kit, and can be easily used on XP, Vista and Windows operating systems!
AmScope Zoom Microscope
Adult
Both top and bottom lights in this microscope are LED powered with zoom options at 3.5x-90x. Using other eyepieces and auxiliary eye lenses will adjust this model’s magnification. It also comes equipped with a stereo zoom microscope with double-arm boom stand.
Other Features:
- WH10x20mm eyepieces, 30mm, one pair
- 0.5x Barlow lens
- 2.0x Barlow lens
- 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective
- Four-zone LED ring light (LED-144A)
AmScope Digital Professional Microscope
Adult
This is a professional grade microscope equipped with a sturdy pillar stand, digital zoom and interchangeable pairs of 10x and 20x super-widefield high-eyepoint eyepieces.
The USB 2.0 allows the output to capture or display still or video images on a computer or projector. This model is a common sight in universities and other industrial settings.
Other Features:
- 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective
- 0.5x Barlow lens
- 2.0x Barlow lens
- 144-bulb LED ring light with power supply (LED-144S)
- 10MP digital camera (MU1000)
- 0.5x reduction lens
- USB 2.0 cable
- Software CD
- Eye guards, one pair
- Stage clips, one pair
- Dust cover
Commissions may be earned from the links above
Recommended High Power Microscopes
Amscope LED Lab Compound Microscope
Age 10 Years – Adult
The objectives in this advanced microscope is able to magnify specimen at 2500x. This model is commonly used in middle school and by high school students for its ease of use albeit being high-powered.
This AmScope is available at 40x, 100x, 400x, 1000x and 2500x magnifications.
Other Features:
- LED illumination
- Color filter, blue
- Immersion oil, one bottle
- Dust cover
- Instructions
Commissions may be earned from the links above
AmScope SE400-Z Binocular Microscope
Age 16 Years – Adult
This binocular microscope is a best seller, and this AmScope model has a built-in mechanical stage. Previous versions of this model have one piece. It comes with magnification up to 1000x and LED illumination.
Other Features:
- 1x objective
- (2) Eye guards
- LED light
- Dust cover
- Power cord
- Instructions
Commissions may be earned from the links above
Radical Professional Research Asbestos Polarizing PLM Microscope
Adult
This microscope is perfect for research as it has fine focusing and coaxial coarse, LED lamp with dimmer, and has four powers.
It is built with Infinity Corrected Optics that is able to provide binocular vision. A third tube is also available for the user to place a camera on. This is ideal for Geology, Petrology, Mineralogy and Pharmaceuticals.
Other Features:
- Rotatable Polarizer & Analyzer with Bertrand Lens
- Quarter Wave and Full Wave compensator
- Objectives: Strain FREE P4x, P10x, P40x Spring Loaded. Dispersion 10x
- Koehler Illumination: 20W halogen
- Eyepieces: WF 10x, 10x with Cross & 10x with Micrometer
Commissions may be earned from the links above