Re: Need Help In Purchasing First Microscope


"Rick F" <rfulton@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:fguqd29e5uct5anofqr46hsd050h9p0jbe@xxxxxxxxxx

Hi,

I'm new to the group and am looking for some advice on purchasing a
microscope. Many years ago I took university courses in biology,
botany, microbiology and genetics and would like to again enjoy the
thrill of those earlier microscopic adventures.

I want a decent quality binocular biological scope for under $400 if
possible. I plan to use it just for hobby purposes. I've done a fair
amount of research and shopping on the net and have come up with
several scopes that seem to fit my needs and budget. But having no
recent experience with scopes, I could really use some help and advice
from the group.

Here are the three scopes that I am considering:

1) Model OM36 from: The Microscope Store - $375

http://www.microscope-store.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_2/products_id/31

2) Model J-01217 from: The Microscope Depot - $375
http://www.microscope-depot.com/special.asp

3) Model MRJ-03 from: Microscope Mall Online - $350
http://microscopemallonline.com/pro682277.html

All of the above appear to be the same Chinese imported animal.



Just to make it simple, there all crap. Buy used either from a local dealer
or from a quality, online dealer.


A Few Questions:


1) Are these scopes all the same product? Is one better that the
other?


Um, there all crap. One is not better than the other for obvious reasons.

2) Will one or all provide me with a decent quality experience?


All will frustrate the heck out of you. I bet you want to explore the micro
world, instead you'll get a trip to Microscope Problem Land. That's always
been the problem with cheesy little microscopes, they just don't work.

3) Are these three companies reputable to deal with?


Probably, just like the guys that justed to sell Yugo cars. At the end of
the day they had sold a Yugo for a fair price.

4) Is there anything about these scopes that I really won't like?


Everything.


5) Are there other scopes and/or other companies I should be
considering?


E-bay, Martin Microscope (www.martinmicroscope.com), Spectra Services
(www.spectra.com) and Vermont Optech (www.scopeshop.com)

6) If you own one of these scopes, what can you tell me about your
experience with it?


These are some obvious questions but I am sure there are other
important ones I have failed to ask. So if you have some specific or
general advise to help guide me along this road, it will be sincerely
appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Rick




.

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