Buying your first microscope? Investing on a bargain microscope might be the most sensible option for you, since you still don’t know how long would you be interested in this new found hobby of yours.

When buying a bargain microscope, or any microscope for that matter, you should first determine the microscope’s construction, the specimen that you will be viewing in your microscope and the lighting.

For inspecting petals, leaves, dissecting insects and examining rocks, gems and tiny electronic parts, the stereo microscope is ideal.
Whereas for viewing pollen, slides of tiny pond life, mold, skin cells, bacteria and so on, the compound microscope is best for these types of specimen.

Stereo microscope

Although compared to compound microscope the stereo microscope is not so well known, it is the perfect choice for beginners as one can place almost any subject or specimen under it without any slide to prepare. Also, the stereo microscope is the most easiest to use amongst all kinds of microscopes because images are displayed correctly from right to the left as well as upright just like seeing the actual image.

Stereo microscopes are binocular; meaning this type of microscope has two eyepieces like the binoculars. Generally, stereo microscopes has a huge stage to accommodate large objects and has low power magnification.

Stereo microscopes are sometimes also referred as dissecting microscopes because one can view the specimen as well as operate on or slice it simultaneously.
The best stereo microscope models are fitted with zoom capabilities and a light source. Buy one with fluorescent lighting because this will not dry your specimen out compared to incandescent lighting.

Compound microscope

The compound microscope is usually what comes into people’s mind when talking about microscopes. This is because the compound microscope is the one most school children use in their science class.

Generally, the specimen is placed on the glass slide and the slide is attached unto the microscope stage for viewing. The specimen is viewed first at usually low magnification then on a much higher magnification by means of rotating its nosepiece for a clearer view.

Compound microscope typically uses a “single light” path and it can have a monocular or single eyepiece or a binocular or dual eyepiece. These microscopes have high magnification and resolution but low depth in perception.

Unlike the stereo microscope, compound microscopes produce upside down images which are reversed from “right to left” and very small working area between the lens and the slide. Because of this, the compound microscope does not permit you to dissect your specimen while viewing them. Large objects can not also fit into this type of microscope for studying and observation.

Construction

When buying a bargain microscope, sturdiness is a very significant aspect that you should consider. The microscope, be it compound or stereo, must be solidly built and made with a strong metal alloy.

Lighting

Although most microscopes come with a fixed light source, make sure to ask your dealer about it. Choose a fluorescent lighting structure. Fluorescent bulbs are indeed expensive compared to tungsten bulbs, however the light qualities of fluorescent bulbs are brighter plus they give out lesser heat.

Halogen lighting however is ideal when you are buying a binocular type of microscope, because it is brighter than fluorescent. Halogen lighting in fact is preferred in research and medical microscopes. However, remember to purchase a microscope that has a dimmer halogen lighting to decrease the heat it emits.

More guidelines when buying bargain microscopes:

• Never buy your microscope from department stores, toy stores or science stores as microscopes that they offer are mostly of poor quality.

• Spend at least 200 dollars for a good quality beginner microscope.

• Purchase only a microscope which conforms to DIN standards.

• Make certain that the microscope you are buying does not include any plastic parts. Check out the frame, screw fasteners and the focusing system-all should be in metal, not plastic.

• Purchase a microscope that has separate fine focus and coarse adjustments. Never buy microscopes with only a single coarse focus or “intermediate” focus only adjustment.

• Consider a microscope with achromatic lenses as these are well fitted for most hobbyist and student applications.

• While plan optics will be the best choice, they are expensive and are best for professional use. Semi-plan microscope lenses are best for hobbyist and students.

• Choose a microscope that has a “slip clutch” as this permits the focus handle to just slip or turn into place without bringing damage to the microscope’s focus system.

• Keep in mind, a microscope having an “iris diaphragm” will allow easier adjusting compared to a “disk diaphragm”.

Lastly, if you purchase a bargain microscope from a reputable dealer, you will avoid a lot of problems. Sure, the dealer will add more value because they have cleaned, refurbished, replaced the parts, tested and adjusted these complex bargain microscope but rest assured, you will, in most cases, get your money’s worth.

Dealers always desire to satisfy their customers. By asking questions, making certain the microscope comes with every accessory and part you require for working, repairs that were made, examining that eyepieces and objectives match the particular microscope’s model and make, making certain that bulbs are easy to replace and are still available in the market, inspecting that the lenses are scratch-free, and the return policy of the dealer, you will be able to enjoy your microscope for years to come.

Enjoy your new found hobby and happy viewing!