Advice on first microscope

cp8983 · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 2

I am an adult interested in microscopy, specifically for parasitology and microbiology.

I am bewildered by all the technical information and have no idea how to proceed. Can anyone give recommendations or cues on what to look for? I am looking to spend under $500; am interested in digital and stereo (but not wedded to either feature) Is the QX3 (formerly Intel) a good starter?

I do understand trade-offs will be necessary! Thanks in advance to all who reply.

Guest · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 11:41 am Post subject: First microscope

Hi

For a serious microscope, I consider the following to be essential:

- binocular head - using two eyes reduces eye fatigue over long
observing sessions
- dual focusing, fine and coarse
- Abbe condenser system with an N.A. of at least 1.25 for critcal focusing
of light on the specimen as you focus at different depths
- mecahnical stage for precise movement of the slide
- illumination - basic tungsten will get you by, but halogen and
fluorescent offer more
light, cooler temps and longer bulb life. Some of the new LED systems
are also excellent in this regard
- obectives - decent achromat objectives

You can add digital microscope camera, such as the Knous, to any of these.
Meade 9600
Celestron 44108
Konus Campus

For a beginners guide on how to choose your first micrscope, see our article,
Microscope Guide for Beginners[/url]

cp8983 · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks; this article and your reply helped tremendously. Smile

cgacevedo · Guest

Light microscopes are new to me. I haven't seen one and I am thrilled to the bones to have one! I dont know if its for sale here in the Philippines but I think our school must have one for the benefit of us students.

christian_george · Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 12

I am just very happy that microscopes are of existence in the present. I thank inventors and scientists who painstakingly took time in doing it. I would like to tell also that I am hoping that new technology would reach the far and rural countries here in the Philippines.

fatox318 · Joined: 09 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

Hi, I'm also looking for a microscope, I want something that are a level higher than the ordinary $200-300. I'm quite interested in microphotography and I can only spare around $600-$650 max. I want something that can give me the best image for that pricing and durability and quality. Thanks