Beginner microscope

[Lomax]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to purchase my first microscope. I am going to use the microscope with my children to look at various bits and pieces from around the place (ie. from the backyard). The only feature that I know I want is the ability to plug the microscope into a PC for viewing in addition to viewing via the microscope lens the traditional way.

I have a budget of $300 AUD.

I was hoping to get some recommendations. Note that I am based in Australia.

Thanks in advance!

Lomax

[75RR]

Can't be much help I am afraid, other than to mention that you budget is a little low.
If you bring anything in from abroad, shipping costs and import duties will make a big hole in your available funds.
That leaves a local buy.
As to viewing on a PC, there are USB cameras that drop into the eyepiece tube, a monocular would do for that.
They tend to be cheaper.

Have a look at these links:
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/dww/novice/choice.htm
http://www.microbehunter.com/the-beginn ... croscopes/

Good luck!

[mrsonchus]

Hi there, I'm John from the UK and I started out just like you.
I've had a quick look for you on e-bay (Australia) and I think you
will be able to get what you need for your stated purpose without
going over budget (in fact you may only need to spend about
$200 (AUD)) which will leave you enough for some slides, jars etc.

Here's a link to a 'scope that looks just right for entry-level
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-IN-BOX-M ... 20e652c3b6

This one has 3 lenses, can light a subject from below in the conventional manner,
and also has a top-light that will enable you yo use the 'scope to view thicker
unprepared opaque specimens such as a seed or feather etc...

Here's a similarly entry-level 'eyepiece camera' that simply drops into the eyepiece
tube (after lifting out the eyepiece of course) and will give you a 640x480 picture
(VGA std) of what the 'scope sees. You'll be able to build a basic collection of
images of your adventures in the microscopic world!

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Digital-USB- ... 337d1a0022

This is almost identical to my first set-up and I've never looked back.

I hope this helps you a little - you should come in well under budget too!

best of luck

John from the UK.

[microbe fanatic]

Hi! A good place to get microscopes is amscope.com. I have taped and made stands for USB webcams for my microscope.

[AllMicroscope.com]

For beginner needs, any microscope would do. I would recommend to search for old used microscope. You could find such a device somewhere around the web.
The advantage of used microscope is that you will get higher quality for less money. Keep in mind that the market is flooded with low quality chinese devices, that could be broken pretty easily because they are in most cases made with plastic and low cost materials. Good luck and Have fun exploring!