Microscope Question

[wes urquhart]

Any good microscopes for hobbyist use? What's everyone using nowadays?

 

[Ron Reefman]

Bump. Following.

I've been considering getting one as well. So what make and model are you guys using?

 

[SuaSponte]

Although not as powerful as compound microscopes, I like the convenience of the LCD microscopes (e.g. easy to capture pictures and videos). I purchased the following for $50:

 

[SuaSponte]

My LCD Microscope

 

[Ron Reefman]

@SuaSponte , Very cool tool. How long have you had it?
How about a bit of a review?

 

[wes urquhart]

Agreed that looks pretty cool. That's the feedback I was looking for thanks

 

[AlexG]

Any good microscopes for hobbyist use? What's everyone using nowadays?

There are a lot of decent microscopes out there for a reasonable price. I have both a compound microscope (Swift scope) and a stereo microscope (AM Scope). Do you know what you want to look at under the microscope? Do you have price range in mind? I purchased my microscopes through amazon.

 

[Ron Reefman]

I don't know what Wes wants his for, and I don't mean to hijack his thread, in fact I hope I'm helping by keeping it current.

I want to look at algae for ID purposes.

 

[AlexG]

I don't know what Wes wants his for, and I don't mean to hijack his thread, in fact I hope I'm helping by keeping it current.

I want to look at algae for ID purposes.

What kinds of algae? Micro algae or macro algae? Want to see really small stuff down to the cell level (Phytoplankton) or are you wanting to just get a closer look at macro algae in order to help identify structures that are not easily visible to the naked eye? I will see if I have some time today I will take pictures with both of my microscopes to give you an idea of the difference.

 

[wes urquhart]

I dont really know what I want to look at haha. More of a curiosity factor and something to show my kids as well. I probably dont need anything more powerful than what was posted already. But let's talk about what's available in ranges from under $100 to say $500 ... what really cool stuff can I show my kids and experiment myself with at the high end?

 

[Ron Reefman]

What kinds of algae? Micro algae or macro algae? Want to see really small stuff down to the cell level (Phytoplankton) or are you wanting to just get a closer look at macro algae in order to help identify structures that are not easily visible to the naked eye? I will see if I have some time today I will take pictures with both of my microscopes to give you an idea of the difference.

I guess I'm hoping to be able to see structures that will help me (or others) to ID any algae. Especially any of the slimy ones like dinos.

BTW, thanks for offering to show some pics. Telling us what power setting you use might be helpful as well.

 

[AlexG]

Here are some pictures using a Stereo microscope looking at 20-40x magnification. Pictures are of chitons ~3-5mm and ostracods ~1mm It is possible to light from top or bottom with a stereo microscope. I will work on getting some pictures with the compound microscope today if I can.