Best USB Microscope Reviews 2017

So what determines the price of a microscope? Microscopes come with a range of magnification strengths, different types of illumination lights, with or without slides, varying number of eyepieces, different body design and varying compatibility with the different operating systems among other factors. The more the features and functionalities, the higher the price, generally. Though USB microscopes are fairly affordable, you need to consider what you want to use yours for before committing your money on one. One key point to note is that, the most expensive is not necessarily the best, while the least expensive does not mean it’s the worst.

It all boils down to a mixture of specifications and your own needs. Most microscopes range from as low as $10 to about $600. We recommend that you don’t go with the really cheap USB microscopes as they might not come with all the bells and whistles necessary for basic tasks.

To view clear objects, you will need sufficient light. There are those that use natural light and there are those that come with integrated illumination. The better the quality of illumination the higher the price of the device. In this case, you also need to consider the objects you want to view. You do not use the same light you use on fungi to view coins.

Some microscopes come with slides while some come without. The most basic of them in most cases don’t have slides so you have to buy or prepare your own. Those slides can be a little bit more expensive but it’s not that much of an issue since the margin is relatively low.

In addition to these aspects, the body design also determines the price. Microscopes are fragile devices that require extra careful handling. You will find some with very sturdy bodies that can sustain minor falls while some are very brittle and will break at the first fall. But don’t go dropping them to see whether they will break.

As we have seen already, different features and functionalities determine the quality of a good USB microscope. We have gone through these aspects to help you determine what to check for according to your needs. Here are some of the specifications you need to check and then make your decision:

• Magnification - USB Microscopes magnification range from 20x to 2000x. The higher the magnification strength, the finer the details.
• Camera - In-built cameras will enable you take still images and video footage. Check the camera’s resolution for clearer images and videos
• Flexibility - Microscopes with flexible arm stands are easy to adjust to different heights and angles. Check also if the knobs are easy to adjust since you keep moving the slides to view your specimen at different angles and adjust magnification
• Illumination - Check if it has in-built illumination since you will need to shine some light on the specimen to get brighter images. Some have a diffuser that prevents glare enabling you to view shiny objects like coins
• Compatibility - It’s important that your microscope be compatible with as many operating systems as possible since you might need to use different computers
• Durability - The material and design of the microscope determines its lifespan

To view the finest details of your specimen, you need a USB microscope that can enable you to bring your object to the finest focus. This requires a device with smooth operating mechanisms so you can easily adjust height and angle of view. While some have flexible arm stands, there are those whose arms are firmly fixed but have movable knobs that you can still adjust up and down.

When viewing your specimen, the slightest shake will move your object from focus. A microscope with a firm base and a sturdy structure is ideal to prevent such from happening. A strong and sturdy structure is an important consideration. You do not want to have your microscope shaking all over when focusing on an object. It can be very frustrating especially when you are viewing very small specimens. Save yourself the stress with a microscope with a sturdy body. Look out for suction cups and wide bases.

The USB cable length is another important consideration, especially if you are working on a wide surface. You do not want to keep on carrying your computer from one location to another especially if it is a desktop. Make sure you check the slide position. This is where you will place your specimen. While you don’t expect a microscope to come without one, it might be misaligned and thus need some readjustment.

Considering your budget, you do not want to keep going back to the shop to buy a new microscope. Though our top picks are all quality products, you might want to choose the strongest. This all depends on how careful you are. But note that all microscopes are fragile, so handle them with care.

A device that performs to your specifications and is easy to use allows you to have an easy time when working. A good USB microscope should be one with functionalities that are easy to use and perform to their optimum best.

So what is so important in a microscope? While all the parts have their function, there are those that require extra consideration. The strength of the lens magnification is one such feature. A strong magnification enables you to bring images into fine focus hence viewing its finest details.

Since the lens has to work hand in hand with the adjustment knobs, it is important to ensure that they are functional and easy to move. You will appreciate this functionality when focusing your lens on the specimen and when positioning your slides.

What about the illumination lights? You need light to see anywhere or anything. Since you want to see the nifty grittiest of your specimens, then you need these lights to illuminate your objects.