video microscope: what to consider when purchasing a microscope

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Page 1: Video Microscope: What to Consider When Purchasing a Microscope

Video Microscope: What to Consider When Purchasing aMicroscope

Digital Microscopes Consultants Buying a microscope can be confusing especially to the uninitiated or for first time buyers

which is why it is important to read and study the different aspects of the instrument.

Compound or Stereo

Compound microscopes are usually employed in advanced applications. It is because these

instruments are capable of providing high levels of magnification to view smaller specimens.

Usually specimens examined in this type of microscope include blood samples, bacteria, and

other small specimens. Compound microscopes have 3 to 5 lenses which are capable of

viewing specimens up to 100x.

Stereo microscopes are used in viewing leaves, rocks, gems, and insects since these objects

are not really small compared to specimens viewed in compound microscopes. In other

words, a stereo microscope is a basic instrument capable of magnifying objects up to 40x;

the lowest can be 6.5x.

Quality

Quality of the instrument is very important to consider when purchasing so as to avoid

spending top dollars on mediocre apparatus. Microscopes with amazing quality are those

made in Germany and Japan. They are sought after in the market because of their quality

however, you have to spend premium on these instruments. If you have a limited budget,

there are quality microscopes in this range too however, you cannot expect these to have the

same features of the high end ones.

Apart from the quality of the body, it is also important to consider the optical quality. Objective

lenses and the eye pieces must be reliable so as to view the images properly. An achromatic

lens for example is quite good. These lenses are capable of correcting colors and producing

enhanced images. For more sophisticated application, there are high end lenses called plan

objectives which produce better quality and flatter images.

Microscope Camera

After sales Service

It is also important to consider warranty and other after sales service from the manufacturer

or distributor of the microscope. A warranty is good if you are purchasing over the internet.

This will safeguard your purchase especially during shipment. This will keep you confident in

your purchase knowing that the manufacturer or seller provides warranty and replacement for

damaged parts.

A microscope is an instrument for viewing. It is mainly used in examining objects which are

too small for the eyes. Microscopes are usually used in the field of science. It is because this

subject usually deals with small or microscopic objects. For instance, the equipment is very

common in studying living organisms because these organisms have biological makeup

Page 2: Video Microscope: What to Consider When Purchasing a Microscope

which are impossible to view without using an advanced viewing apparatus like a

microscope.

History

The first ever microscope was introduced in the 1500s. In this era, inventors used glasses

from telescopes to view small objects. Galileo also contributed in the development of

microscope which was later referred to as the compound microscope. Meanwhile, Robert

Hook and Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek popularized the invention when they used the

instrument in studying biological structures. After that, there were many scientists who

followed their path and this helped modernized the instrument further more when

manufacturers began modernizing the microscope. Right now, there are many types of

microscopes to choose from and each carry specific purpose.

What to Consider When Buying a Microscope

When purchasing a microscope, it is important to approach it with caution. After all, these

instruments are quite expensive to procure and maintain. When purchasing, make sure that

you consider your need so as not to overestimate or underestimate your purchase. For

example, if you are to examine leaves, bugs, rocks, and gems, this calls for a basic

microscope. In this scenario the perfect choice will be a stereo microscope. For a much

advanced research such as studying blood, cells, and other types of small objects the

microscope you should purchase is a compound microscope since this instrument can

magnify objects several times.

In addition to your need, features or components of the instrument is also important to

consider especially if you have a particular feature in mind. For example, There are

microscopes which can be connected to personal computers today. Via USB you can now

attach your microscope to a PC, laptop, or tablet. This is very convenient if you want to

review different objects you have examined under the USB microscope because you can

take images and store them in your PC.

Lastly, make sure that the construction of the instrument is durable. Since it is an investment,

it is only normal to seek an instrument which could last long.