Best Microscope Reviews 2018

Generally, a good microscope isn’t cheap. However, depending on the brand you choose and the features you hope for the microscope to have, the prices will differ. As models range anywhere from $46 to $2,000, it’s one of those items that gives you exactly what you pay for. If you wish to get an affordable microscope, the good news is there are plenty out there below $100, and with fairly good quality.

However, don’t settle on cheap ones, as they might not offer you all the features you’ll require to study a microorganism. If you’re looking for a microscope that will give you the best clarity and the option to use your laptop to upload or save the image, be ready to pay a premium.

So what exactly should you be looking for in a microscope? All this depends on your budget - if it’s flexible, then pretty much everything. We’re talking about the extra features the item has, that make it more functional and useful.

Here are the import features to look for:

• Type - There are three main types of microscopes you’ll come across. The Compound microscope provides a greater magnification than the stereo option. The Stereo microscope’s magnification isn’t as powerful, but an appropriate option if you’re looking at large objects at a closer range. If you wish to use your laptop to view and save the image, consider the Digital microscope; it allows you to connect to your laptop using a USB cable. More on this later.
• Magnification - When it comes to magnification, you’ll need to keep in mind what type of viewing you’ll use the microscope for. The lens closest to the specimen, referred to as an objective lens, is the one that provides the image you view. Thus, the strength determines how clear it will be. If you’re viewing a large specimen, the 40x objective lens is a good option; for smaller specimens consider an objective lens of more than that.
• Microscope Head - It all depends on how you want to use the microscope. With the Monocular head, you’ll only use one eye for viewing. If you spend long periods viewing a specimen, the Binocular could be a more comfortable option. If you would like to attach a camera to the microscope, consider the Trinocular, as the extra tube accommodates this.
• Viewing Head - The latest microscope designs are adjustable on the viewing head, some offering you a tilt range of between 25 and 40 degrees. Additionally, some have a telescoping adjustment that allows you to increase or decrease the height of the eyepiece tube. Regardless of your height, you’re guaranteed to peer into the eyepiece without tilting your head.
• Weight - The weight of the microscope depends on the head that was chosen. The Binocular heads are slightly heavier as they offer you two eyepieces, as compared to the Monocular head.

As a teacher, parent, or science enthusiast, we’re sure you’re looking to get the ultimate experience while using your microscope.

Therefore, keep an eye on the following types that are available:

• Compound microscope – A Compound microscope is also referred to as high-power. From the name, you can clearly see it’s one that will allow you to explore the world of the smallest cell you can find, much easier – such as the sperm, which is considered the smallest cell in the human body in terms of volume. It provides you with a greater magnification than lower-power microscopes. You’re able to view the cell much clearer as it combines the power of light and lenses to enlarge the subject that you’re viewing. The pricier high-power microscope has two eyepieces and the cheaper option has one.
• Stereo microscope – This type of microscope is also referred to as a low-power. If you’re spending time examining large specimens that are difficult to see with your naked eye, then this is a microscope to consider. It’s designed with two optical paths at different angles, allowing you to view the image in three dimensions under the lenses.
• Digital microscope – You can find this particular model with or without two eyepieces that you can use. The microscope connects to your laptop through a USB cable, displaying the magnified specimen, which you can save and view later.

Other than the types of microscope available, there are still more features that come into play.

The lens magnification of the microscope will all depend on what kind of viewing you plan on doing. To get a clear image of the sperm cell, go for a magnification that’s 40x or above; for a large specimen, a magnification of 40x will do.

Depending on how you’ll be using the microscope, it’s important to keep the microscope head in mind. As a science enthusiast, it’s advisable to get a binocular head, as we’re sure you’ll be spending long hours viewing and trying to understand a specimen. But a monocular head will also be sufficient.

Additionally, this will affect the weight of the microscope, as the binocular will be heavier than the monocular head. If you’re looking for a stable microscope, consider one with a rigid base as it provides sufficient weight and eliminates any blurs in images that could be caused by floor vibrations.

With technological advancement, adjusting the viewing head has been made easy for you, as it allows you to increase or decrease the height of the eyepiece. You can either choose a microscope with a 45-degree incline and 360-degree swivel, or simply a 360-degree swivel.

The performance of a microscope is an important factor as you’re looking to explore the world of microorganisms. For example, a microscope with a rigid base will eliminate blurred images, especially if you would like to upload the image to your laptop and blow it up.

The microscope might be a bit heavy, especially if you choose the binocular viewing head, but all this is worth the comfort and clarity it’ll provide. If weight is a significant factor for you, the monocular head is also a good alternative to consider.

Having an easy-to-use microscope should be at the top of the list, as you don’t want to spend hours struggling to view the specimen. The good news is, with the advancements made on microscopes, you don’t have to worry about tilting your head to reach the eyepiece. They’ve been designed with a simple adjustable viewing head. The incline and swivel degree all depend on what you prefer.