Microscopes

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Buying the microscope that is right for you can be, at times, an overwhelming task. We've attempted to put as much information as possible into this site to help you make an informed decision.

What are you going to use the microscope for? This is the first, and most important, question to ask yourself. Take a look below at the different options available.

Compound Microscopes

The compound microscopes is the classic microscope that people think about most. It can utilize either a single beam path (monocular microscope) or a dual beam path (binocular microscope) for each eye. It will create a 2 dimensional image. The range of magnification for this type of microscope usually ranges from 40x to 1000x, although some are capable of higher or lower magnifications. The variations of the compound microscope include biological, metallurgical and polarizing.

The binocular compound microscope is used when high resolution is needed. Compound means that there are two major optical parts, an objective and an eyepiece, providing magnification.

Stereo Microscopes

Unlike the compound microscope the stereo microscopes give the viewer an (3-dimensional) image. The stereo microscope uses two separate light paths to get a true stereo image of the specimen. They are usually used for inspection and work usually involving non-microscopic activities, such as inspection of coins, insects, electrical components, rocks and gems, etc. Most stereo microscopes are used for magnifications from 5x to 50x, but with the proper microscope and accessories, magnifications up to and approaching 400x can be achieved.

Digital Microscopes

In many circumstances the ability to capture, display, and preserve specimen images is of equal or greater importance than actually viewing the specimen. Digital microscopes do just that. They have built in cameras. Most utilize two, the DC2 camera and the DC3 camera. Digital microscopes transmit images viewed within the microscope onto a TV or monitor. The software which accompanies each system allows you to capture and save still, full motion or time lapse images.

The Microscopes Components

The Stage - A smooth, flat surface that is used to hold the glass slide. On most microscopes the specimen glass remains fixed while the microscope's objective lens and eyepiece move.
Objective Lenses - Creates the image that is seen with the eyepiece. Different objective lens designs permit different magnifying powers.
Magnification - The magnification of your microscope is determined by multiplying the eyepiece power by the objective lens power.
Focusing - Coarse and fine focusing are available on most models.
Light - Adjustable mirrors reflect the external light source onto the stage. Some models utilize built-in light sources to provide direct and intense object illumination at high powers.
Eyepiece - Also known as the ocular. The eyepiece consists of a series of lenses mounted on a barrel and placed in the eyepiece sleeve. It works with the objective lens to magnify.
Condensing Lens - The condensing lens concentrates light on to the specimen being examined. A rotary variable-aperture diaphragm allows for different light intensities.

Buying the Right Microscope - If you're going to buy a microscope this is the guide you want to see. Special thanks go to greatscopes.com for delivering an awesome base of information.

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