Microscope Help

Starting out in microscopy? Post images and ask questions relating to the microscope and get answers from our more advanced users on the subject.

Moderators: rjlittlefield, ChrisR, Chris S., Pau

Paul K
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:34 am

Microscope Help

Post by Paul K »

Given Santa is just around the corner, I was looking for some guidance in choosing a Microscope.

It has been suggested to me the a 40, 80 100X Binocular would be ideal and I was steered towards this
http://www.amscope.com/b100-ms.html

The price in UK pounds is just about my limit, but from the Us I am also going to incur Tax and Duty.

Would anyone know of where I can purchase similar in the UK for around the £150 mark.

Thanks in Advance.

ChrisR
Site Admin
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Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2009 3:58 am
Location: Near London, UK

Post by ChrisR »


Paul K
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:34 am

Post by Paul K »

Cheers Chris

Pau
Site Admin
Posts: 6053
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:57 am
Location: Valencia, Spain

Post by Pau »

Hi Paul,

The price is really low, but its convenience is in funcion of your goals.

If you want a true (no toy :) ) microscpe to beguin, and to make simple observations in bright field it may be fully adequate, it's what it's designed for a school microscope. In plus the binocular head, not frequent at this price range will be a big plus for your comfort for longer sessions.

But this kind of instrument is pretty limited for other uses like photomicrography:
- Achromat objectives have the lowest correction grade and not flat field
- The condenser almost for sure can't be changed so you couldn't use others kinds of illumination (maybe darkfield at low magnification and polarization, both with some bricolage)
- The illumination control is pretty limited
- Not the best configuration to couple a camera, altough doable through the eyepieces afocally if they are for eyeglasses (?)
- The micrometric (fine) focus knob has a very limited travel, again not good for focus stacking photography.

In any case I find it good for the price, and you can see with it much more (small) things than without microscope! :D
Pau

Paul K
Posts: 35
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:34 am

Post by Paul K »

Thanks Pau for that useful info,

Now I have another dliema,

Budget increased, to around £250. With the points noted by Pau, I have three to look at

1. http://www.amscope.com/b120c.html

2. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sebens-Binocula ... icroscopes

3. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Apex-Microscope ... researcher

The higher end stuff is way out of my price range, and Mrs K would not be a happy camper.

I would be looking to attach a Canon 7D to it for images and focus stacking.

I would be grateful if someone, anyone could steer me through this minefield.

Thanks in advance.

Pau
Site Admin
Posts: 6053
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 8:57 am
Location: Valencia, Spain

Post by Pau »

PM answered :D
Pau

Olympusman
Posts: 5090
Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2012 12:31 pm

Microscope

Post by Olympusman »

If you intend to mount a DSLR to a scope, the best option is a trinocular. If you try to mount a DSLR to a binocular, youw ill not be able to look through the free eyepiece because of the size of the DSLR.
Michael Reese Much FRMS EMS Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

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