A new enthusiastic "newbie"

[DonKaryote]

Hello there !

I live in France and I have a bachelor in biology. Unfortunately I could not continue studying toward a master (and more) for various reasons. I am however quite motivated to continue exploring the field since it is something that I was always been passionate about.

So basically I'm going to invest myself in DIY biology as much as I can and I need to learn lots of things, including microscopy.
I have some knowledge about the principles of microscopy and some basic practical knowledge thanks to my bachelor so I'm not starting from scratch but not that far either

First things first, I need to acquire a microscope and for that I hope I can get some advices. I'm gonna post at once in the Beginner's corner.

Looking forward to exchange with all of you.

EDIT : Here's the Topic I have just made regarding the choice of my microscope :
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=828

[JimT]

Welcome to the forum. I see you already have some responses to your post in Beginners Corner. I recommend you check out the home page of this site. There is some good input regarding buying choices.
One suggestion I can offer is (depending on your budget) you may want to start with a less expensive first purchase and after you have gained some experience upgrade to a final scope with all the features you desire.
Good luck.

[Mintaka]

Welcome DonKaryote! I agree that, unless money is no object, a well made basic scope offering

- a monocular tube fitted with a 10x ocular
- 4x, 10x and 40x acromatic objectives
- a mechanical (X-Y) stage
- built in incandescent illumination
- condenser with iris and filter holder

is good value, even when purchased new. China churns out several varieties of these, and I was pleasantly surprised with my own no name brand, which I bought new for only slightly more than the price of an entry level mountain bike. There is very little that such a scope will not show fairly well, and it is small enough to take along on holiday.

[JimT]

Only thing I would recommend is binocular Vs. monocular. Much less eye fatigue.