Buying Advice | Microbehunter Microscopy

Do I need phase contrast?

Phase contrast microscopy is an optical staining technique. It converts differences of refractive index of a specimen into brightness differences.

Should I buy a microscope with infinity corrected optics?

Infinity optics allow you to insert filters into the light beam, without changing the focus.

What are phase contrast and DIC? Do I need these?

Phase contrast and Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) are both methods to make unstained, transparent specimens visible.

What are the advantages of research microscopes?

Research microscopes are not commonly used by amateur microscopists, due to their high cost. But you asked, so here is the answer!

Buying microscopes for children

What are some of the things to look out for when buying a microscope for children? Here is a FAQ which covers the essential points.

Common defects of old microscopes

During the past couple of years I’ve seen numerous microscopes that were is a desolate condition. Here are some of the problems that I observed. It may pay off to consider these problems when shopping for a used microscope.

Advantages of LED Microscopes

In recent years, high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) started to replace traditional light sources. LED microscopes offer significant advantages for microscopes used in education.

What features are not necessary for schools?

Microscopes have a large price span, ranging from cheap to in-affordable. Especially in an educational setting, money may play an important factor – money which should be well spent, and maybe not even spent at all on unnecessary microscope features.

Types of Light Microscopes

This article outlines some similarities and differences between compound and stereo microscopes. They have different, but sometimes overlapping, areas of application.

What accessories should be bought?

There are several accessories that are part of a microscopic workplace.