Two Microscopes: Which one to buy?
Posted: Wed Dec 16, 2020 11:41 pm
Hi everyone,
After doing lots of research to help me decide on my first microscope, I have finally narrowed down my options to two microscopes. I am not sure which one to get and was wondering if someone can give me some advice, please.
For background, I am only just starting out with microscopy. After doing astrophotography for a few years, I'm keen to take up a hobby that is not so weather-dependent. I'm particularly interested in photomicrography at this stage, photographing biological specimens and starting with brightfield and phase contrast, and eventually moving on to more advanced techniques.
The options I'm looking at are:
Option 1: The Optico N120MT-SP ADVANCED Trinocular Microscope (https://microscopes.com.au/collections/ ... microscope) with the Optico PLAN Phase Contrast Kit (https://microscopes.com.au/products/opt ... microscope).
Option 2: Optico XSZ-107T-PHB Phase Contrast Microscope (PLAN Objectives) (https://microscopes.com.au/collections/ ... microscope). The supplier advised that the Phase Contrast PLAN objectives can be used for brightfield as well.
I have about a 2k budget (Australian), so both options are feasible. I want to make the right investment from the get-go, as this is something I will be using for a very long time! So, I'm wondering:
1) Which microscope is better suited to grow with me as I explore different imaging techniques?
2) Is the price difference worth it?
Also, please note that I've had a hard time finding microscopes here in Australia. Most brands are Celestron or Saxon, with the higher-end brands like Zeiss, Nikon, etc. being out of my budget. I have not explored a used option because I wouldn't know what to look for to ensure I'm getting good equipment. I did explore some AM Scope options but shipping from the US alone is worth an extra US$250. Plus, I prefer to buy from a local supplier so as to take advantage of the warranty and be able to ship it back to them with relative ease if something happens.
Anyhoo, any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Vanessa
After doing lots of research to help me decide on my first microscope, I have finally narrowed down my options to two microscopes. I am not sure which one to get and was wondering if someone can give me some advice, please.
For background, I am only just starting out with microscopy. After doing astrophotography for a few years, I'm keen to take up a hobby that is not so weather-dependent. I'm particularly interested in photomicrography at this stage, photographing biological specimens and starting with brightfield and phase contrast, and eventually moving on to more advanced techniques.
The options I'm looking at are:
Option 1: The Optico N120MT-SP ADVANCED Trinocular Microscope (https://microscopes.com.au/collections/ ... microscope) with the Optico PLAN Phase Contrast Kit (https://microscopes.com.au/products/opt ... microscope).
Option 2: Optico XSZ-107T-PHB Phase Contrast Microscope (PLAN Objectives) (https://microscopes.com.au/collections/ ... microscope). The supplier advised that the Phase Contrast PLAN objectives can be used for brightfield as well.
I have about a 2k budget (Australian), so both options are feasible. I want to make the right investment from the get-go, as this is something I will be using for a very long time! So, I'm wondering:
1) Which microscope is better suited to grow with me as I explore different imaging techniques?
2) Is the price difference worth it?
Also, please note that I've had a hard time finding microscopes here in Australia. Most brands are Celestron or Saxon, with the higher-end brands like Zeiss, Nikon, etc. being out of my budget. I have not explored a used option because I wouldn't know what to look for to ensure I'm getting good equipment. I did explore some AM Scope options but shipping from the US alone is worth an extra US$250. Plus, I prefer to buy from a local supplier so as to take advantage of the warranty and be able to ship it back to them with relative ease if something happens.
Anyhoo, any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Vanessa