Re: Purchasing a student microscope

I'd like to offer an alternative to the previous answer.

First, what you are asking for (a stereomicroscope) will not produce images over (usually) 100x.

A binocular microscope is a (normally) high-power microscope with 2 oculars (eyepieces). Unless you get a killer deal on a used, big-name instrument, you won't get "squat" for your 400 - 600 bucks. Buying used is a good idea; the problem is knowing what is a good scope. I recommend finding a good dealer and paying a higher price than what you may find on ebay, unless you are more knowledgeable than you indicate (no offence).


BTW, most prepared slide sets are crap. Good prepared slide sets will cost well over $5 per slide, sometimes much more.

Actually, your initial inquiry - of a stereomicroscope - will be the most likely to produce concrete educational benefits. Although "low" power, most commonly from 7x to around 40x, your daughter will be able to observe specimens without all the tiresome, messy, and frustrating procedures needed to create a good prepared slide. A good stereo scope is not a toy, either. I own a lot of microscopes,including some good-quality research scopes and use my B&L Stereozoom 3 much more often than all the others combined. Find a good dealer, or visit a local university to try out the versatility of a stereoscope.

Finally, check out this most interesting web site for microscopy:
http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html

Good luck,
Joe


Art Burke wrote:
Hi:

I am a lost soul, trying to purchase a good student microscope
(stereo) for my daughter who is a homeschooler, wanting to concentrate
on science and mathematics.
After doing some looking, I found it disturbing learning about
microscopes costing 4 to 600 bucks, 1000x magnification, but having
them heavily criticized by the scientific community.

I would like a reliable one with pretty fair optics, a high
magnification, which is very mechanically sound with a good warranty.
Could someone steer me in the right direction?
I'd like to be able to look at cells, bacteria, and be able to
purchase premounted slides with interesting specimens.

Thanks for all the help.

Sincerely,

Art Burke

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