I am looking at buying a microscope does any one know the best type and what price I should spend?

I would cast my beedy little eyes over australian e-bay and pre-loved item websites.

 

I think you only need as far as 400x magnification although apparently 1000x can be useful for some weird and obscure things. Sperm observation, faecal screening etc only need up to 400x though. Im going to buy a childs microscope with up to 600x magnification PLUS it is powered by and comes with USB attachment which is the main thing for me. The USB camera can fit over the monocular lens, and transmit images to the pc to take pictures and video - plus it can give your eyes a rest.

 

For me its about 2 things - magnification and being able to transmit to PC to take videos so i can go back over samples for something i might have missed.

 

Oh, and im not paying more than $60. The cheaper the better! I'll let you know how i get on - I have my eye on two such microscopes - one is currently at $20, the other at $40. Woop woop!

Edited October 15, 200915 yr by Dean_NZ

Thanks Dean I have been looking at ones that cost $400. plus

I have one i bought off ebay. Its very good. But since i changed to vista for my pc i cannot run the program for it. Cost $250 for anyone interested.

It does video as well as still shots with leads for the pc and program to use with it. I will see if i can find the specs for it later on as its packed away.

Yes I have seen some on ebay for that price. At that price you are guaranteed quality and long lasting stuff. But to be honest - if it shows what im looking for, then thats all i care about at this point So i'll start cheap and if it doesn't pan out i'll look at the good stuff later lol.

Is it a compound microscope and is binocul or mono what ever (one eye piece or 2)

Here is the "blurb"on it............

 

Microscope has great optics with a rechargeable battery light source. The detachable ac power cord can be used to power the light or recharge the battery for portable use "in the field". Battery lasts for hours and can be recharged hundreds of times for years of valuable scientific research! If you're looking for a student microscope, this same great set is available without the digital adaper. The microscope can be used with the digital eyepiece connected to a computer via the usb port (windows compatible) or with the standard 10x eyepiece (included). Included software allows you to view live color images from the scope, save them, edit, add text, even email! Set includes:

 

* real optical glass lenses

* 10x widefield eyepiece with pointer

* 3 achromatic objective lenses: 4x, 10x & 40x power

* magnification from 40x to 400x

* led illumination

* 90mm x 90mm stage with clips

* 6 hole disc diaphragm

* coarse focus, easy grip knob

* built in rechargeable battery & detachable ac power cord

* sturdy all-metal construction

* vinyl dust cover and instruction manual

 

Edited October 15, 200915 yr by KAZ

Kaz what make is it and that write up blurb didn't say if it was a compound one or not, did you find it good.

My lab top had vista on it and it was a pain in the bum so I send it to the computer guy and he has put windows on It for me haven't picked it up yet.

My research has told me that I need a compound microscope biology type one and I kinda want a Mechanical Stage but I will see as they are very expensive and I can't touch my bird money as I am saving. :rofl:

Edited October 17, 200915 yr by splat

Well, I just purchased a cheapy with a USB camera and up to 300x magnification. I'll let you know if it does the job or not - but for $22 I'm not going to be too put out if its no good!

I bought a kids one last year and it was nasty and cheap, resold it on ebay so this time I want a decent one so I will hold till I find the one I want, am interested in Kaz's but still waiting. :rofl:

Edited October 17, 200915 yr by splat