How to select a Microscope

Deciding on buying the right microscope can be a daunting task especially with the different types of microscopes available in the market and the plethora of factors that need to be considered before investing in one. The top factor though is the application or what needs to be viewed using the microscope. Light microscopes or those with a built-in light source are of two major categories – Compound microscope and Stereo microscope. The other more advanced type of microscopes are fluorescence or electron microscope and they are more commonly used in scientific research institutions.

The most common type of microscopes are the compound microscopes that have quite high-power settings. Compound microscopes have very high magnification settings and also very high optical resolution. The objective lenses that come with the microscope lets you view even the really small features in an image. Small and thin specimens are the most ideal to be viewed using a compound microscope as light has to pass through it and the resultant image is flat and 2-dimensional.

A stereo microscope is almost similar to a powerful magnifying glass and can be used to view more larger specimens like insects, feathers, leaves, rocks, gems, coins, stamps, etc. Stereo microscopes offer a 3-dimensional image where even the texture of the specimen can be viewed. Unlike in compound microscopes, stereo microscope does not require a microscope slide to be prepared. Stereo microscopes have relatively low magnification settings and larger focusing distances, so hands and tools can be fit between the lens and the sample. Stereo microscopes can be useful for biologists and medical doctors performing micro-dissections, technicians repairing circuit boards, paleontologists examining fossils and so on.

Apart from choosing a microscope based on the light source transmitted to specimen, another important thing to consider when choosing a microscope is its head type. Monocular, binocular, and trinocular head types are designed differently for particular types of observations. Monocular microscopes have a single tube that houses an eyepiece at one end and an objective lens at the other and these are ideal for classrooms or as a home microscope for kids and teens. Binocular microscopes have two tubes and eyepieces and can be used in educational, research, and commercial settings. Trinocular microscopes have an extra port for attaching a camera and taking photographs or videos and are ideal for educators or researchers.

Once you have zeroed in on a basic type there are other factors that can help determine your final buying decision like the magnification and technical considerations of objective lenses such as resolution and working distance, the price based on the capability to upgrade as per potential future use and after-sale service and accessories that come with the microscope. For classroom use, the microscope considered must offer ease of maintenance and repairs. Most importantly choose a well-established brand of microscope that can guarantee the possibility of finding a professional technician to fix and extend the lifespan of the microscope in the years to come.

Other than compound or stereo microscopes there are also the newer digital microscopes & cameras that can enable magnified images to be saved and shared on the computer and the compact handheld & pocket microscopes that offer students the promise of microscopic adventures wherever and whenever they please.

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