Need microscope recommendation.

Do you have any microscopy questions, which you are afraid to ask? This is your place.
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Osmium
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2019 4:00 pm

Need microscope recommendation.

#1 Post by Osmium » Thu Feb 07, 2019 2:53 pm

Hello everyone!

I'm new in this hobby and I need a starter good microscope, I will be mostly looking at live samples and my budget is around $500 (can be a little bit stritched), I don't live in the EU or US so it should be available on a website with international shipping.
I don't mind older models.
The specs:
Binocular (some pictures here and there with my smartphone but the aim isn't photography)
40x-1000x
Coarse and fine adjustment knobs
Mechanical stage
Diaphgram and Condenser with filter (mostly brightfield and darkfield and a possibility for a later upgrade to phase contrast)
That's about it.
Thanks!

billbillt
Posts: 2895
Joined: Mon Nov 10, 2014 10:01 pm

Re: Need microscope recommendation.

#2 Post by billbillt » Thu Feb 07, 2019 5:59 pm

Hi Os,

I recommend that you look at AmScope.. They will certainly have what you are looking for.. They sell worldwide..

BillT

PeteM
Posts: 2989
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2016 6:22 am
Location: N. California

Re: Need microscope recommendation.

#3 Post by PeteM » Thu Feb 07, 2019 7:29 pm

Even though photos don't seem to be a priority, to begin, remember that it will be easier and cheaper to buy a trinocular microscope as a bundle, if that will be in your future. Might add under $100 to the cost of a new scope (e.g. from $400 to $500).

Are there used sources of microscopes (formerly used in labs, hospitals, schools?) where you live? Something like a new Amscope T490 with a binocular head might fit your budget and be good to start. However, the upgrades to phase contrast from AmScope are somewhat expensive. That same $500 might get you a complete trinocular phase contrast scope, used.

Jkelley1000
Posts: 20
Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2018 2:55 am

Re: Need microscope recommendation.

#4 Post by Jkelley1000 » Fri Feb 08, 2019 6:31 am

At the risk of being called a bottom shopper, I bought a Trinocular OMAX with 5 MP camera and ToupView software (well under $500 US). I don't even want to hook in my Canon DSLR anymore as the on board camera takes beautiful images.
As a bonus, forget the microscopy features of ToupView, I can import and process HDR and Stacked photo groups I have taken with my DSLR too!
(Whooops, lost power in W PA.Hope this gets through...)

MicroBob
Posts: 3154
Joined: Sun Dec 25, 2016 9:11 am
Location: Northern Germany

Re: Need microscope recommendation.

#5 Post by MicroBob » Fri Feb 08, 2019 6:53 am

Welcome to the forum,
there have been a couple of microscope selection threads just recently. Have a look, you will find lots of good advice there!

Bob

Osmium
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2019 4:00 pm

Re: Need microscope recommendation.

#6 Post by Osmium » Fri Feb 08, 2019 9:21 am

Thanks everyone for the replies!
After some searching In a local Ebay-like website I found someone selling Nikon Eclipse E100 (halgoen) , Olympus CX21i, Nikon Eclipse YS100 for $320 each, he claimed they are all new in their original packaging, haven't seen them though (he hasn't answered my messages yet), which of them is the best deal for the price? If any?

Hobbyst46
Posts: 4277
Joined: Mon Aug 21, 2017 9:02 pm

Re: Need microscope recommendation.

#7 Post by Hobbyst46 » Fri Feb 08, 2019 9:55 am

Osmium wrote:Thanks everyone for the replies!
After some searching In a local Ebay-like website I found someone selling Nikon Eclipse E100 (halgoen) , Olympus CX21i, Nikon Eclipse YS100 for $320 each, he claimed they are all new in their original packaging, haven't seen them though (he hasn't answered my messages yet), which of them is the best deal for the price? If any?
I would inquire if any of these microscopes includes eyepieces, objectives, even the heads...

Osmium
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2019 4:00 pm

Re: Need microscope recommendation.

#8 Post by Osmium » Fri Feb 08, 2019 1:27 pm

Should I go for it? He says it's the whole package
(His pictures)
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SmartSelect_20190208-144454_Gallery.jpg (345.8 KiB) Viewed 5379 times
(His pictures)
(His pictures)
SmartSelect_20190208-144424_Gallery.jpg (348.75 KiB) Viewed 5379 times

Hobbyst46
Posts: 4277
Joined: Mon Aug 21, 2017 9:02 pm

Re: Need microscope recommendation.

#9 Post by Hobbyst46 » Fri Feb 08, 2019 1:56 pm

Can't see if it is a binocular or trinocular - that is a big difference. If a trinocular, and if the scope, including the illuminator, is in working order (which it should be, if new), it looks like a bargain to me, but hopefully a Nikon expert will evaluate the offer.

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