video microscope: what to consider when purchasing a microscope
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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
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.