Posted August 13, 200717 yr For the few out there that have a Microscope for checking the bird's heath I was wondering what amount of magnification is needed?
August 14, 200717 yr Author 400X Magnification seems low for the max amount. Why I was asking was I saw one in a catalog as a kids toy and the sizes where 100x, 600x and 1200x Magnification. Was interested to know if that would be strong enough to test things out or not.
August 14, 200717 yr 400X Magnification seems low for the max amount. Why I was asking was I saw one in a catalog as a kids toy and the sizes where 100x, 600x and 1200x Magnification. Was interested to know if that would be strong enough to test things out or not. The one I have is the same as Daz's so maybe you should visit him and have a look. It shows everything I need to on mine....including megabacteria, cocci etc. This one hooks up to the PC and does video as well as still shots so you can email the results directly to a vet or others.
August 14, 200717 yr I have 400x optical and 800x on the camera to the laptop. You can still recognise most problems. If you go to 1000x you need an oil lens. Also there is a great book from ABK called Under the Microscope by Dr Danny Brown
August 14, 200717 yr Yup... the microscope we had at the clinic had a 40x, 100x, 400x and 1000x. We mainly used the 100 and 400. The 1000x is an oil immersion and is for good close ID of bacteria. 400x can give you an idea of what bacteria is there, but 1000x allows you to see it much better for a positive ID.
August 15, 200717 yr The 1000x is an oil immersion lens you have to place a drop of oil under the lens on top of the slide.
August 15, 200717 yr The standard magnifications are: 40x 100x 200x 400x 1000x The eye piece in a microscope is already 10x, so the lenses you buy will be 4x, 10x, 20x, 40x and 100x the magnification of the eyepiece, multiplied by the lens magnification gives you your total magnification. You would want lenses of: 4x (this allows you do have a general view, allow you to find what you are looking for and focus properly) 10x and 20x are slightly closer and let you have a fairly good look at things. 40x lens is considered a high powered lens and is probably all you need to properly examine your samples 100x lens is an oil lens in which as others have said, you need oil between your lens and your sample, therefore you do not use coverslips. Generally as your increase the magnification you need to increase the light intensity as it starts to get a little darker in the smaller fields.
August 16, 200717 yr USB microscopes?? Woah, that's much more hi-tech than my cheap toy microscope! ...which I wonder why I still have. Oh wait, I know. Cuz I'm a curious sneak
August 17, 200717 yr Thats a good idea - a microscope. I found some on the internet and they are not so expensive here, I will think about getting one some time How do you know what to look for? Did you ask vet or something?
August 17, 200717 yr The choice of scope ultimately depends on your preferred budget. I started with a $400 one nearly 9yrs ago and have recently upgraded to a ~$3k scope. Both were quite useful if their own way though (obviously the new one is much better!). But you don't have to necessarily spend thousands by any means. You may even be able to get one for a couple of hundred. I would get at least 1000x oil with 4 objectives (these are the bits that magnify) - eg. a small value like 10 or 20x (good for looking at the big picture), 100x, 400x and 1000x (latter which you need a drop of oil to view) are usually the most common combinations. I personally think that it doesn't really matter what the exact value of the lower objectives are (as long as there are some), but you do need 400x and 1000x for optimal viewing of 90% of things. You'll find that the uni and vet market wouldn't go less than 1000x. Also get one with a light and make sure the light is bright. Test them at 1000x as this setting needs the most light. Also look for whether: - visual acuity is sharp at 400x and 1000x - is the specimen evenly lit - how sharp or focused are the edges around the specimen or are they a bit blurry - is the field of view making the specimen appear flat (some look a bit raised at times, which is not realistic) - how wide is the field - I find that at least 18 is sufficient (higher nos = larger field of view). If the field of view is too small, it's a bit annoying as you don't see that much. It's definitely worth getting a scope if you have the interest. Although bear in mind it takes time to learn... But if you've got the interest and commitment, go for it. It would indeed be a great way to monitor the health of your birdies.
August 17, 200717 yr This is the one I am using, Ebay - Australia I find it good. I can capture an image and email it to the vet for further diagnosis.
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