Best lab compound binocular microscopes according to redditors

This is probably how I would spend the money, based on the provided curriculum:

1) Life Science - Ecology to Intro Cell Biology:

I would buy around 6 compound microscopes. They are not very expensive and I found a decent model for roughly $280.00 a piece (free S&H). With this, you can cover both ecology and cell biology. If you have prepared slides of plant cells, it would be nice to see those under the scope (xylem, phloem, root tip structure, stomata, etc.). If you have H&E stained slides of animal cells, it would be nice to see different phases of the cell cycle when going over something like mitosis.

2) Physical Sciences - Electricity and Newton's Laws

In my mind, this will probably not be too expensive to cover. For Newton's laws of motion, you can probably buy a bunch of hotwheels car tracks and do simple group experiments with those. I had something like this in mind (~ $15.00 a piece). With these and a bunch of sweet hot wheels cars, I think you can cover the three laws just fine. For electricity, I had
some simple kits in mind which would cover things like resistors, capacitors, power source and circuits but I don't know how much detail you would be going into in class. Nevertheless, on sciencekits.com, they have this, which is something like what I had in mind (~ $14.00).

3) Earth and Space Sciences:

For this, I would primarily want a nice sized globe (~ $550.00). With this, you can talk about continental drift, ocean currents, tilted axis on which the earth rotates, etc.

Some large maps of the world and the solar system would probably also be nice to have.

Earth Map (~ $15.00)

Solar System Map (~ $15.00)

For discussing geology, you can also look in to ordering a bunch of rock samples from here (~ $5.00 a piece)

4) Other Items:

If the class does not already have one, a nice projector would be great (~ $600.00). Hooked up to a computer, you can show videos and simulations of pretty much any topic you will discuss during the course. Maybe you can also get students to do mini-powerpoint presentations on whatever science topic - just to get them in the habit of doing presentations in front of their peers.

Also, if the class does not have one, a nice laptop would be great as well. You can hook it up to a projector and do whatever you want. From peering into the wonders of what Carl Sagan has to share on Youtube to whatever Jenna Jameson has to share on Xtube, it can all be done!

All in all, this should roughly come out to:

6 Microscopes: $1680.00

10 Hotwheels Car Tracks: $150.00

Hotwheels Cars: $10.00 (for a pack of a bajillion)

10 Science Kits (Electricity): $140.00

1 Globe: $550.00

Maps: $30.00

10 Rock Samples: $50.00

Misc. Items (Magnets, Timers, Crafts): $200.00

1 Projector: $600.00

1 Laptop: ~$1000.00


Total: $4410.00

p.s. i would spend the remainder on dry ice.

You're arriving into microscopy at a golden age of cheap, decent microscopes. Well done!

You'll be spending some serious time at your microscope, so I like to recommend comfort and ergonomics. You need to figure out a desk (STURDY, shaky desks suck for microscopy) & chair combination that puts you at a good height & distance from your scope, but you also want a scope that you can use without too much strain and hassle. I recommend a binocular (2 eyes) compound (multiple lenses/magnification options) scope with a mechanical (use dials to move your sample around, rather than manually sliding your slide around) stage.

Here's one for $200, shipped, on amazon. I don't have this exact scope, but I use another amscope and am very very pleased with it for the price.

I assume you want to get at what causes hair to split, microfracture, etc. rather than a lower magnification look.

https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-B120C-Magnification-Illumination-Double-Layer/dp/B009JROROU/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1549556722&sr=8-10&keywords=amscope

if you have the money, this one is top of the line for the home enthusiast

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094JTZOU/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A35BV4NHHC5J5C&psc=1

What I use : AmScope 40X-2000X Biological Binocular Compound Microscope with Mechanical Stage.

I bought an Amscope stereo microscope for US$250 a year ago. Excellent image quality at 4, 20, and 40x. The 100x isnt really usable—optical aberration is too pronounced at that magnification. But for every day exploration of little stuff and pond water, it’s awesome.

Context: I’m a scientist and have access to very high quality scopes at work, including confocal and even cryoEM. But for daily use at home with my kids, this was perfect and reasonably priced.

This was the scope, and now it includes a camera for about the same price.

AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope, 40X-2500X Magnification, LED Illumination, Abbe Condenser, Two-Layer Mechanical Stage, 1.3MP Camera and Software Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009VUPIKM/

I tried general cure, paraguard and melafix : didnt help, fish dies. Got myself https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B005LIG4RE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 today and found something wormalike in affected fish poop; it's hell of a deal to get fish poop from a 1inch fish in a heavily planted 65g tank...

Compost teas have a very limited shelf life (some say only a few hours) because the moment you stop aerating the tea, aerobic organisms will quickly die and anaerobic organisms will begin to multiply. This could cause dangerous amounts of "bad bacteria" to develop (including e.coli) that could do more harm than good for your plants.

You're much better off brewing a fresh batch every time. Personally my tea is still being aerated as I'm applying it. If you do pick up a microscope be sure to share your findings! Also may I recommend one with a USB camera such as this

Here’s the link

Sweet, ok, this is sorta making sense. This? https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B005TJ5CEG/ref=pd_gwm_psimh_0?pf_rd_p=68979bf7-088b-4ac5-855a-4158ad0ce6aa&pf_rd_s=blackjack-personal-1&pf_rd_t=Gateway&pf_rd_i=mobile&pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_r=T3BPR4QF6JZ64WNGBSPE&pd_rd_wg=YW4cv&pd_rd_r=T3BPR4QF6JZ64WNGBSPE&pf_rd_r=T3BPR4QF6JZ64WNGBSPE&pf_rd_p=68979bf7-088b-4ac5-855a-4158ad0ce6aa&pd_rd_w=chRnZ&pd_rd_i=B005TJ5CEG

If you're planning on getting a camera just stick with a monocular. I have a binocular and it's really nice for viewing especially doing the long count method but if you can just get a camera. It's so much better.

There are plenty of decent ones on Amazon. Omax is a good brand.

Promotion Set: OMAX 40X-2000X Lab LED Binocular Compound Microscope with Double Layer Mechanical Stage + 100 Glass Blank Slides & Covers + 100 Lens Cleaning Paper https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094JTZOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SDnwxbS0A9GYK

For a hemocytometer... Don't buy the shitty $30 one on Amazon. It fucking sucks giant donkey balls. I had that one and I seriously wanted to crush it repeatedly with our forklift. Buy nice or buy twice. Get the $130 one from sigma Aldrich. Bright line. Make sure you have the proper coverslips. Not your regular ones that come with the microscope. The sigma one comes with 2 I believe. Don't lose them or break them!!! You can order more though if it happens.

Q 1; I'm saving up for a microscope!

Q 2: I'm intrigued by cellular structure and how things are seen at tiny magnifications. Saving Private Ryan.

Thanks a ton!

I bought this one years ago as my starter microscope and it works great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094JTZOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-Re8CbGJQ0N2S

This sub is dead, and I am no expert. I went with https://www.amazon.ca/AmScope-B120B-Magnification-Illumination-Double-Layer/dp/B009JPXTNW
but Amscope B100B is cheaper
https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-B100B-MS-Magnification-Brightfield-Illumination/dp/B004UMDLAA

I personally wouldnt buy a microscope with less than 2000X magnification. If you wanted to choose between the two you found, I'd go with your second choice.

Interesting. I used this OMAX scope and it was extremely disappointing. The integrated camera was actually low-res, maybe VGA, and used super resolution techniques to get "3 megapixel". At least, in Linux, guvcview maxed out at that low resolution.

I'm surprised that an Olympus attachment would be all that bad. What was it exactly? Stand-alone or DSLR attachment?

I bought this one used for less than $150. It goes up to 2500x. The picture you saw was at 1000x.

Added an eyepiece reticle ($15) for measuring and a stage micrometer ($10) to calibrate. I'm happy with it!

You can probably find cheaper used scope, but not much. You need at least 1000x (oil immersion) to get a good ID.

I did the point thing but it was hard to keep/get the correct tilt/distance and hold it while hoping the camera doesn't auto focus at the last second and ruin the shot. I got a decent shot after 1-2 min but wouldn't try again. If he is still into it next year or maybe sooner if my inner kid doesn't take control I'll get him one of these. One of the best parts of having a kid is getting to buy any toys you want again without looking like a weird 30 something guy walking around toys r us :)

A microscope and camera so I can look at stuff. I also have prepared slides on my list as well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MX03Q0/?coliid=IGTKAK9Q261QH&colid=2FMX9BJI3OTTN&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I've used these before. They work well and they are well made really. I have an Amscope that cost $200 more than this one and I'd trade it in a heart beat. Hands down my recommendation. Been in my shopping list for years...

I'd recommend getting some kimtech wipes too and making sure you know all the care instructions. Keep it covered when not in use and all those things.

I bought this one! I kind of regret not springing for the one with the 3.0 MP camera, would have made for some sharper shots.

So I'm really interested in buying a microscope as a hobby item. I've always been fascinated by biology and when I was little I had a cheap slide to focus 40x microscope that was given away to younger cousins. I've been on the verge of purchasing a new microscope for a year and a half. I'm looking at three different price brackets:

$80 (The scope this article links to.)

Cordless LED biological compound microscope offers five magnification settings: 40X-100X-250X-400X-1000X
Widefield glass optics and optical glass lens condenser provide high resolution sharp clear images
45 degree inclined 360 degree rotatable monocular head with locked-in eyepiece
Cordless LED illumination with three AA batteries and wall-power adpter/recharger included
Sturdy solid metal framework with dual side focus



$130 Here

45-degree Inclined 360-degree Rotatable Monocular Head with Four Magnification Settings 40X-100X-400X-1000X
Precise Optical Glass Lenses; All-Metal Framework and Mechanical Parts
Separate Coarse and Fine Focus and Abbe Condenser with Disc Diaphragm
Built-in Tungsten Light with GS and CE Approval
5-Year Warranty Including Parts and Labor against Manuafcturing Defects



$195 Here and here. 8 settings up to 2000x

1st link:

High quality professional optical glass elements; 45degrees;inclined 360degrees;swiveling binocular head
8 levels of magnification: 40x-80x-100x-200x-400x-800x-1000x-2000x
4 achromatic objectives DIN 4x, 10x, 40x(S), 100x(S,Oil); 2 pairs of eyepieces: WF10X and WF20X
Sliding interpupillary distance adjustment; Ocular diopter adjustable on both eyetubes; Stage upward moving lock protects objectives and slides
Variable intensity illumination; Coaxial coarse and fine focus adjustment; Focusing knobs on both sides; Stain-resistant double layer mechanical stage; NA1.25 Abbe Condenser with iris diaphragm and filters; Rack and pinion adjustment condenser

2nd link:

Binocular Sliding Head with Adjustable Ocular Diopter on Both Eyetubes
Eight Magnification Settings 40X, 80X, 100X, 200X, 400X, 800X,1000X & 2000X
Graduated X-Y Mechancal Stage and Tension Adjustable Separate Coarse & Fine Focus
Precise Ground Glass Lenses and Sturdy Metal Framework
5-Year Warranty against Manuafcturing Defects


Here's what I'd use it for:

Looking at pond scum, amoebas, blood, sperm, insect parts, pollen, etc.

The $80 scope shown is an awesome value. Is it silly to consider paying $115 more for 1000x more magnification?

Is 2000x magnification complete overkill for these applications?

How can expect the 2000x magnification to compare to the 1000x? Is oil immersion required for 2000x?

Between the two $195 scopes, which one is best? I'd really appreciate some advice on this one.

How important is the apparent lack of a fine control knob on the $80 scope?

Would it be worth it to get the $130 scope when all it adds is a fine control knob, or would it be better just to choose between the $80 and $195 scopes?

http://www.amazon.com/OMAX-40X-2000X-Binocular-Microscope-Mechanical/dp/B005LIG4RE/ref=pd_sbs_indust_2

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TJ5CEG/ref=pe_175190_21431760_M3T1_SC_dp_1

That is pretty nifty. I've wanted to do microscopy on the spore prints I've taken, but microscopes tend to be quite pricey. That user that occasionally posts some of his microscopy posted a link to this which is about the same price as a nice smartphone if you don't already have one.

I don't know enough to say that isn't a good deal. The scope could be very well made or sought after for the precision assembly or something else I could only guess at.

But considering the fact that you can buy a brand new warrantied scope for that price which includes USB outputs for digital imaging and recording (link)...

It's pretty hard for me to imagine this is a particularly good deal.

Sounds like a cool project! This is the one i use at home- i don't know if it's available in the US (just guessing thats where you are) but i cannot recommend it enough. They have their own site too.

This is an alternative availble in the US - i have no experience with it but it seems okay, also has a connection to your laptop to make it easier to share your results!

OMAX 40x-2000x compound microscope (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094JTZOU/)
I really like and it's a solid microscope that's comparatively cheap. I took the photo just by holding my phone up to one of the binocular eyepieces and holding it steady.

I ordered here this one. Got good reviews and says that you can buy an optional camera attachment to plug into a computer. Which sounds awesome to me.

Sure thing! I bought this one from Amazon last year. https://www.amazon.com/Awarded-Best-Compound-Microscope-2016/dp/B0094JTZOU I love it. It's perfect for every day use. Here's a video I took last year of pond water with cell phone camera. https://youtu.be/WALjNaX9WYg

This is the one I have and it's way better than the old high school microscope I used. If i could do it over I would get this one

This is what I'm using

^^^^^^^^Click ^^^^^^^^here ^^^^^^^^to ^^^^^^^^find ^^^^^^^^out ^^^^^^^^more!

Not much experience, but I had good luck right out of the box with this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Awarded-2018-Best-Compound-Microscope/dp/B0094JTZOU

I recommend getting some sample pre-prepared slides as well so you can focus on the scope usage at first.