Re: need advice on purchasing used microscopes

On 9 Jul, 08:08, Meri <merit...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I am the volunteer coordinator for phytoplankton monitors. We
recently got a small sum of money (not much 1K) to purchase scopes for
volunteers.

We use them to identify diatoms and dinoflagellates in coastal waters.
I would like them to have a compound scope, with 10, 20, 40, and 10x
ocular; ideally, a mechanical stage.

Does anyone have any advice?

May I suggest you get one high end secondhand trinocular instrument
and spend the rest on good quality secondhand binocular ones. There is
much advice to be had re purchase from previous postings in this
group. I suggest a trinocular to allow photography - if you are doing
taxonomy photographs are invaluable. See the micscape website for
abundant advice. I share your interest, and wish you luck! You should
be able to get plenty of kit s/h for 1k ($ or £?) . If you are in the
UK please advise, and I can point you in the right direction.
If you are in the US, Kevin Cunningham's suggestions are are a good
start. HJ
.