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Dooooon’t use kimwipes. If you’re going to try and clean them, please buy actual lens tissue. Kimwipes have abrasive cotton fibers, that can scratch your lens. Lens paper is not terribly expensive. Try Thorlabs, or even just amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-Cleaning-Paper-Tissue-Sheets/dp/B004ZZOMZ0/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1543122811&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=lens+paper&dpPl=1&dpID=41CjgK6aDmL&ref=plSrch
Also, that Zeiss guide is great if you really want to get into it, but general cleaning is done well with some Sparkle lens cleaner. Do not confuse it with Sparkle glass cleaner. Not the same thing, and will leave a film on your lens. https://www.amazon.com/Sparkle-Bottle-Optical-Lens-Cleaner/dp/B00MZZYIL0
Feel free to DM me any questions!
Source: am a microscopic imaging specialist.
I am quite new to playing with microscopes myself, but for what it's worth I had a similar price range in mind when I bought mine. I ended up selecting an AmScope M150 ($87 on amazon) and a cell phone mount for pictures https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07412S738/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ($26). Alternately, if she's got a decent camera there are also DSLR adapters.
There is a more expensive version of the same scope ($140ish) with a usb camera, but the camera specs are inferior to just about any pseudo-recent cell phone.
​
While I cant say how well this scope compares to professional equipment, I'm happy with the purchase.
On flat slides water will get pushed out of the way unless you have a tiny bit of grit or debris.
The slides I use for viewing aquatic specimens are these depression slides, you just put a drop of water in the indention in the middle and put a cover slip over that.
Are you using https://www.amazon.com/SWIFT-Microscope-Slides-Pre-Cleaned-Coverslips/dp/B081YFMPQJ this type of slide? I have the same issue. It's not a big problem since the specimen and this are on different depths. Don't know what this is though.
BARSKA AY13072 40x, 100x, 400x Monocular Compound High Powered Microscope with 360° Rotating Head, Transmitted Illumination, and 5-Hole Diaphragm, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072MRFT6P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MZFV2TGAP5P9K4KGTMHX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This one was so good that I bought my cousin one for her graduation gift, very amazing clarity and easy to use!
edit: check out some pics on my profile I just snapped from it on my iphone
Not sure if this works, but this is the one I’m using with my microscope camera
HAYEAR 0.5X Reduction Lens Eyepiece Lens 23.2mm Mounting with 30mm 30.5mm Ring Adapter Applicable for Biomicroscope Stereo Microscope https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XZ2TQ98/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PFTQC9SF2JS44TGDMD8E
I've replaced the old illuminator on at least one microscope with a more powerful LED. Are you comfortable with electronics and soldering? Basically, I got a SparkFun picobuck LED controller and a small Cree LED (like https://www.amazon.com/Generic-White-6500K-light-Emitter/dp/B01I4WC2YM), put the LED in the place of the old illuminator (getting the alignment right is tricky), and then wired the LED controller through the light control knob.
That said I don't do anything larger than 40X objective, 25X eyepiece.
No. That microscope would need everything on a slide. Here's an example of what you want. Search for "dissecting microscope".
You also won't need it for sharpening once you learn to feel the "wire edge" or "burr".
I found this microscope
It’s capable of 1200x magnification apparently, but since I don’t have any personal experience with it, I can’t speak for it.
There are a lot of pre-made slides out there for purchase, too.
Actually, making a wet mount slide could be a fun, educational activity for OP and her son to do together as long as she’s careful with glass. That would require some sort of specimen, so probably not bacteria, but your every day elodea leaf is always a great example.
Thank you for being a great parent, OP. I wish my parents would have taken my interest in biology this seriously when I was 8!
I teach high school biology and have a decent amount of kid friendly labs that can be done rather cheaply that I’d love to share with you!
Also an amateur. I don't think you need a trinocular to use the camera. You just need the adapter. This binocular Amscope on amazon includes the camera and is more than $200. But just the scope without the camera is $139. So you might want to get the scope you want and look at getting the adapter piece for your camera. It just replaces one eyepiece with your camera. Hope this helps!
Amscope and OMAX (owned by the same company) are very big retailers of Chinese microscopes on Amazon. Also Swift.
In the price range you mention, Amscope has been pushing their T490 quite a bit and have lots of attachments for it. Given that you want a new scope from amazon for that price, not a bad bet. The link below includes a darkfield condenser (for getting images with a dark background with the sample lit) and a trinocular head you can use when you want to take pictures or videos.
https://smile.amazon.com/AmScope-T490B-DK-Magnification-Illumination-High-Resolution/dp/B004TP7KDM/
I haven't owned or used it, but it's kind of a safe bet by virtue of being popular and in the right price range. There are plenty of competing scopes in the same price range--mostly the use the same optical system, which is good for the price. By adding or removing features you want, you may end up with different models or brands. There's a pretty competitive market on Amazon.
On the Amscope website there's a live chat you might find useful (they also have a clearance section you might check out). They will give you advice after you tell them what you want.
You can get much better gear on the used market, but you have to deal with broken, dirty, and missing parts and the burden of search/repair/uncertainty is on you.
It was not this one, but something similar to this one....
AmScope MD35 New Microscope Imager Digital USB Camera, Compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AMOEFPA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FVLzFbJBVNGEG
My wife and I bought one on Amazon for like $250, it was a step up from the one she used in her college labs. We also spent the extra $100 for a USB camera that it's into the eyepiece of the microscope so you can see what you are looking at on a computer monitor and record it. Super fun!!!
Swift SW380B 40X-2500X Magnification, Siedentopf Head, Research-Grade Binocular Compound Lab Microscope with Wide-Field 10X and 25X Eyepieces, Mechanical Stage, Abbe Condenser, Ultra-Precise Focusing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N7VDJ15/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9eJzFbQSZYMYE
It's 'Amazon Basics', but I'm sure it's something re-branded from China. Here's the link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TVHLY4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . It seems fine for what I'm using it for...For now :)
My 2 cents.... please keep in mind that this is my first microscope and My biology knowledge is limited, I’m just a guy curious of the micro world: I’m really happy with my Amscope T340. I bought a plan 40x and a plan 60x objectives since those are better for photography. I haven’t had any issues with it and they are very responsive on the chat in their website. My microscope came with 25x instead of the 16x eyepieces advertised and they send me the right ones right away. As for cameras, I bought a cheap 5mp cam from Ebay for $60 and it works really good (better than a 3mp Swift brand that costs more than twice). I returned the Swift camera, however this camera is no match for a cellphone on a phone holder. For phone holder, I bought this one (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RY4YL3H?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share). I recommend this phone holder because it holds its position, so you don’t have to set it up everytime, just slide your phone on it and you are ready to go. I also bought an additional 10x eyepiece($10 in amazon) so I have it fixed to the phone holder so it’s easier for me, I just have to pop out one eyepiece and put the phone holder with the fixed eyepiece and I’m ready to go.
You will be really happy with your scope.
I’ve had a similar experience with cover slips but it hasn’t seemed to mess with anything. I use my phone up to the eyepiece for video with this type of adapter (can’t vouch for this exact one but mine is similar): https://www.amazon.com/Gosky-Universal-Phone-Adapter-Mount/dp/B013D2ULO6/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=2KU8I82TGYS76&keywords=phone+microscope+attachment&qid=1671492909&sprefix=phone+microscope%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-9
Here’s a sample of video I’ve taken using iPhone XS zoomed in to fill the frame. I did edit the video to increase contrast so this is not straight out of phone but you get the idea: https://youtu.be/G4E08qnAfX4
Hi, here is some advice:
1 - Magnification doesn't matter
Magnification or "zoom" is calculated by multiplying the objective magnification by the eyepiece magnification. The issue is that the eyepiece doesn't add any resolution to the image it simply makes it larger. Usually, people use a 10x eyepiece. Some microscope brands will misleading their customers into buying higher magnification microscopes with both a set of 10x and 25x eyepieces (which suck). 20x and 25x eyepieces have a very bad FOV, they severally decrease the image quality and nobody on this subreddit will ever recommend you buying them.
2 - if you can, buy a binocular microscope
3- most companies don't make their own microscopes
Olympus, Nikon, Leica and Zeiss manufacture their own microscopes (they are quite expensive though)
Omax, AmScope and all the other companies you will find on amazon buy microscopes from china and rebrand them. So that's why you will find a lot of identical microscopes sold by different brands.
You said your budget was 150$, but everything I managed to find for that price is either a monocular microscope, or it doesn't have a condenser (or both)
I used this model for almost 3 years and even though it's a bit over the budget, but it's probably the only thing I can really recommended.
-has 4 objectives
-has a proper condenser with a filter holder, that allows you to do more advanced illumination techniques like DARKFIELD and OBLIQUE ILLUMINATION.
- it's probably the best alternative for the price.
(I know it comes with the useless 25x eyepieces)
This is the kind of thing that I got for finding and ID'ing pests on my plants:
https://www.amazon.ca/Microscope-Dcorn-Magnification-Soldering-Compatible/dp/B08K7FGY9Q/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=handheld+microscope&qid=1671219541&sprefix=%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzUENHQU9WNDhORE1SJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjg2Nzk5M0lLODhONDRZUTZITiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODQ2NDg2M0tSOTlaV0VBQzZJTSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
It works well enough. Zooms in pretty far, has an okay depth of field. More than I expected for the price, honestly.
Plus the built in display is really helpful. I have used ones that connect to an external display and it can be tough to track something with those. If I accidentally turn the microscope or forget which direction "north" was, I lose the mite I was tracking haha.
If you want really good image quality, you can always adapt a DSLR or mirrorless camera to a microscope (or you can adapt a microscope objective lens to a camera with a macro bellows and a diopter. But that takes some figuring out and is kinda fiddly)
What do you think about this one? https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-M150C-I-40X-1000X-Biological-Microscope/dp/B00AM5XB5O/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=M8EGN1OFYEBQ&keywords=amscope+microscope&qid=1669532675&sprefix=amscop%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-4
I know it’s very cheap but I was thinking if I should get this one as a beginner or the one I mentioned above.
I’m about to order this you might want to look into it it’s very cheap https://www.amazon.com/Vankey-Cellphone-Telescope-Binocular-Microscope/dp/B01788LT3S/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=microscope+phone+adapter&qid=1668223695&sr=8-13
oh, i use this adapter
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01DZ45CPA
not in stock, though there are several other brands on amazon that are basically the exact same thing
But then why does it go away when i change the eye piece?
for the 100x objective, you need to use immersion oil to get decent focus with it.
https://www.amazon.ca/AmScope-ML-Microscope-Immersion-Oil/dp/B007PD4IZS
you use the oil on top of the coverslip and dip the 100x objective into it (dont get oil on the other lenses though) and you will get a better image
also, the coverslips you use need to be a 0.17mm thickness or less to help keep the objective from bumping the coverslip before getting into focus.
the amscope coverslips ive bought before claim to be 0.17, but were 0.23 on average (using a caliper), so if you bought their coverslips they might be a bit thick.
i bought some global scientific coverslips on amazon that are of the correct thickness. i do find 100x difficult to use without bumping the coverslip sometimes though despite all that though.
I picked up glass discs that worked well for a stage insert for a cycloptic. I only used one of the four (on a microscope I no longer own), and I bet I have the others around. If you shoot me a pm with your general location, maybe you are close enough to pick them up (for free). My recollection is that I bought them on ebay, but I will have to check. Glass discs of the right diameter and thickness are not all that hard to find or expensive.
I have a stereo microscope illumination system with two goosenecks and a ring light. I bought it on aliexpress for not too much money and the quality is shockingly good. I wouldn't necessarily worry about the quality of the AmScope product unless your standards are very high. For most of my time with these microscopes I used super cheap ring lights that were actually intended for use on car headlights, along with a 3d-printed adapter. Worked fine.
Amscope makes decent low end products. I would say it is a good first scope but there are some things that are missing that I would want based on experience:
An XY axis table. It will be very frustrating for you when you are using higher magnification and you see something that you want to focus on, and you have to use your hands to push the slide over a tab bit. Since we are giant apes, we don't have the fine motor control to move the slide over 30 microns to get a good view. An XY axis table allows you to use knobs to control the slide position under the objective.
An Abbe Condenser. This is the standard light condenser for brightfield microscopy. A condenser focuses the light on the sample and allows for uniform illumination of the sample.
A scope that is fairly close to your choice, monocular, but also has these two features:
Oh. Yes. And cheap. Don’t buy those with optics. This works fine: Microscope Eyepiece Adapter Ring for Camera, 23.2mm Metal Adapter Ring T Mount Microscope Lens Adapter for Nikon AI-SLR Cameras https://www.amazon.se/dp/B081SWN9VL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RSPTXXD5Q6SW219MRZST?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Like i said in another comment, binocular is super worth it. I have this microscope and love. I added a dslr camera to it easily and also added phase contrast kit to it. So you could add those things in the future. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094JTZOU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That's not a good price for that microscope.
For example, look at this one. For an extra $5 you get four objectives instead of 3 and a binocular head. Those are two very large upgrades. It also comes with a bunch of extras that are worth far more than $5.
It should be pretty straightforward to image through one of the eyepieces. You need two pieces of hardware. For example
- Eyepiece to C-mount adapter to mount into your eyepiece (you'll need to take one of them out) ex: https://www.amazon.com/Microscope-Adapter-C-Mount-Digital-Eyepiece/dp/B07JN915CY
- A c-mount to MFT adapter to attach to your camera. You may need to set an manual lens option in your camera for it to let you record. ex: https://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Lens-Mount-Adapter-Mirrorless/dp/B003EAS5SM
love you dude, you took the time to lay it out plainly!
I'll get a plan achromatic set, thanks.. Also why replace all objectives at once? Why not get what I need? Parfocal?
>I would replace all objectives at once so they all match, but you can buy just one if you want to walk on the wild side.
1 -> haha ok stashed them away bro!
2 -> reviews say the condenser is pretty good for the price. I try to minimize the amount of light so as to not wash out the details. I also plan to buy some 3D-printed darkfield filters. I have a blue glass filter, but i don't like it.
3 -> 60x looks pretty shitty, but in #4 you say i should also put a drop of oil on the condenser and bring it into contact with the bottom of the slide?? I didn't do that, just a drop of oil on the slide and brought the 60x into contact with it.
5 -> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08V1JPZ9H i have these slides, they're pretty damn good I'd say.
One last question. How much of a gain in quality should i expect from plan achromatic? And how do i check what i have now?
>Are the objectives undamaged?
Yes boss!
>
>Are the objectives clean? (i.e. no dust, oil, smudges, etcetera, on the front lens)
yep! i use a microfiber stick whenever i see specks.
>
>Are the eyepieces clean and undamaged?
they're a bit smudgy but not too much. my floaters annoy me much more.
>
>
Is there dust on internal optical surfaces?
Not significant.
>
>
Are you getting clear images using the 10x eyepieces?
Crystal!
>
>
Should the 60x be used dry or with oil?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N7VDJ15 - it says oil! it even came with a small bottle of immersion oil and cloth to wipe it with. Maybe as the other guy said i also need to put a drop between the condenser and the bottom of the slide?
>
>
Is your condenser adjusted to get proper Köhler/Koehler illumination?
wow TIL! But yes, my illumination is centered. I know because closing it all the way on the 4x objective i can see the circle of light in the center. (The other objectives have too small an aperture to see the circle i guess)
What do you suggest i do? Maybe you could describe how you use the immersion oil? Its pretty messy but if it works, I will learn to live with it!
Also, i bought an hdmi cable (for live TV viewing) and a microscope adapter for my EOS M50, and it slides into the objective. Is that the only way or do you get adapters with built in eyepieces, maybe more than 10x?
Hi Everyone,
So...I am a spatial ecologist and I am so shocked that I just got into this! I make jarrariums for fun, and I recently purchased a microscope (amazon link here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DVFBVPF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details ) to view the life that is in it.
To save a click, it is a Wireless Digital Microscope, Skybasic 50X-1000X Magnification (and only cost $31). I am having a blast so far! You can see some of the videos in the post. BUT, I feel like I am doing something wrong and am not optimizing my set up. For example, it is insanely difficult for me to get a clear view. this may partially be due to me moving it (since it is light) but perhaps the lighting as well?
Anyways, I want to try to get the best quality images and videos as possible, and while I know it may not be optimal with this microscope (although if you have recommendations, do let me know!). Would anyone have any suggestions..for example
is the microscope too close to the jar? should I dim the lighting, or turn off the lights for either the plant lights or microscope? basic stuff like that. Any insight would be greatly appreciated as I am already addicted to this!
thank you!
I purchased this before seeing these responses because I was so excited
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094JTZOU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thoughts?
I’m brand new to microscopy and just bought this as my first microscope, it’s worked well so far and seems like a great microscope
I ordered from Bresser Bresser 5916000 Microscope Accessories Slides (50 Pieces) And Cover Glasses (100 Pieces) https://www.amazon.se/dp/B00140J34E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XJDNBHDJRKTQF624H7VK. Looks good to me!
https://www.amazon.com/Globe-Scientific-1404-15-Cover-Thickness/dp/B00N50ZJBC/
I bought these after having issues with dirty cover slips off amazon. A lot of reviews for cover slips on amazon have the same complaint too, that they are all dirty, but these were mentioned by a user here named DietToms and they have been quite fine.
This is a case pack of 10 though, so its 10 cases with 148 cover slips in each, so 1480 cover slips (enough to last a few years).
[Research-Grade] Vabiooth Lab Compound Trinocular Microscope 40X-2500X Magnification with 7" LCD Screen 5MP E-Eyepiece, Two-Layer Mechanical Stage for Animal Husbandry, Pet Hospitals, Lab, Farms https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P8YKH76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PQ61FW5436B915B2MPKQ?psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OZ4BME/
This is what I am using. In my case, I've got an extra adapter in between that and a Nikon mirrorless camera but that adapter should connect directly to a D750. You won't have any of the usual things you can control about a lens as this is just an adapter with no electronics inside it. You'll have to shoot with manual settings but it should work just fine.
If you don't want to be frustrated while using a microscope, you're probably going to need something a little more advanced than the AM162C. To use a microscope effectively at 400x, you need one with an X-Y stage movement. The slide clips you'll find on that scope and other inexpensive scopes work okay at low magnification but even at 100x they become frustrating.
You're probably going to be over the 300 AUD mark. Take a look at the Swift SW350B. It has a binocular head, which you will come to appreciate a lot. It also makes things easier to use with your phone. You'll want to get an inexpensive phone adapter. I have this one and it works well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YWV7V8C/
If you plan to do a lot of photos or videos, you might want to bump up to the Swift SW350T, which has a trinocular head so you can use the binocular part for your eyes and the third port for the phone/camera. That's probably going to cost an extra 50 AUD and you'll be bumping up against your 500 AUD limit.
The other things that these scopes have (that you don't find on the inexpensive beginner scopes) is the X-Y mechanical stage movement and an actual condenser that you can adjust. Having the "real" condenser also makes it relatively easy to add filters for things like darkfield and oblique microscopy.
It's relatively easy to get and install better objectives if you ever want to go that route. Changing the head from monocular to binocular or trinocular is much harder to do. With either of the scopes I mentioned, you probably will never need to worry about getting new/better objectives, though.
I have Bresser Research Trino and Nikon D5100, I didn’t buy that Amscope adapter because it will introduce more optics and therefore affects the img quality. I bought a simple tube instead: https://www.amazon.se/dp/B081SWN9VL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G9T2W412N3T6ZGP8X3B6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
For things like dust that are almost surely going to be opaque, you will want a stereo microscope with incident lighting. That would also be appropriate for the size of particles you're interested in.
To get started, you can often find used stereo microscopes for a fairly good price. I've bought a couple of them for under $50 (usd) each. New ones are probably going to be over $150 and can go up into the several hundred dollar range.
Another option would be to get one of the electronic microscopes. These are possibly going to be wireless but more likely a USB connection to your computer. They usually feature a built in light and the ability to focus/magnify quite a bit. I think of them as a glorified webcam with built in lighting and the ability to focus close. I have one that's similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/Jiusion-Magnification-Endoscope-Microscope-Compatible/dp/B06WD843ZM/ref=sr_1_5?crid=16JASG5SYUXI4&keywords=electronic+microscope&qid=1653595905&sprefix=electronic+microscope%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-5
It's no great shakes but it lets you see tiny things.
I have two of them. One is a phone mount. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08YWV7V8C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I picked up an additional eyepiece and mounted the eyepiece into the phone mount so that I could just slip my phone into the mount and slip the eyepiece into the scope whenever I wanted to use it.
The other one is for a DSLR camera. I have that connected to a DSLR to mirrorless adapter that attaches to a mirrorless camera I bought used. The reason I did this was that my DSLR camera doesn't do video. The mirrorless camera will do pictures or video. The only issue with this particular setup is that it crops down the field of view quite a bit. When I am looking through the eyepiece, I can see a wider field than when I take a picture or a video. In practice this means that sometimes I need to switch to a lower magnification objective when I want to grab a picture or video.
I've only tried these (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LNF5DTC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and they've worked pretty well. Don't really know any specific brands.
Yea, Kim wipes are too rough for the objective lenses and can end up scratching them I think. They also do leave little pieces of the Kim wipe fibers on the lenses, so its pretty annoying.
also, I was taught that leaving the oil on the lens for too long leads to it drying on there, which makes it harder to remove later. Haven't had trouble with it though.
Maybe others have other advice, but this is the way I do it.
My guess is a micron or two at best. Hard to be sure.
The 250x includes the lenses in the microscope and probably the size of the screen. If you blew it up to be on a flat screen TV, it would technically be larger, and they would count that as additional magnification.
The real limit will probably be determined by the numerical aperture of the optics. If you had a world class lens with let's say, 1.5 NA, you would have a resolution limit of: res = 1.22 Lambda/2*NA, where lambda is the wavelength of the light and NA is numerical aperture. So, for green 500 nm light, around 200 nm. You won't get a 1.5 NA, probably closer to 0.5 is my guess, maybe less. That would put it at 600 nm. I'm guessing that with other factors, lens design, you are looking at around a micron, possibly worse.
Which is still pretty good for an easy to use $20 amateur scope, honestly.
If you're really curious, you could get a calibration slide like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-MR095-Microscope-Calibration-Micrometer/dp/B00GGY3IGC
This would let you determine your size scale on your phone and the fuzziness of the edges of the features would be your resolution. If each pixel is 100 nm, and you get 10 pixels of blur at the edge of each line, you have about 1 um resolution.
Hope this helps!
Hi. I got one of these and then got a iPhone attachment for better recording quality. OMAX 40X-2500X Digital Lab Trinocular Compound LED Microscope with USB Digital Camera and Double Layer Mechanical Stage (M83EZ-C02) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZAS8FFY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VSF00T72AC5ECCBJN1CW
Hi. I go this this scope form Amazon. I also got a iPhone adapter eye piece for better recording output quality. OMAX 40X-2500X Digital Lab Trinocular Compound LED Microscope with USB Digital Camera and Double Layer Mechanical Stage (M83EZ-C02) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZAS8FFY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VSF00T72AC5ECCBJN1CW
Yea something like this could work for 4x & 10x objectives but anything closer, as mentioned, might block the majority of the top light
​
That can get ya started. It's what I got and I can see some good stuff.
Can't speak on quality, but I'm still using it 1-2 years later.
I'm sure some will argue differently but this is the deal I got a while back and I've been very happy with it.
AmScope B120C-E1 Siedentopf... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009VUPIKM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This might be OK for $60. Better than a toy, has achromat objectives at least, but still very bare bones. Lack of mechanical stage may make it hard to use.
Microscope for Students & Kids 40X-1000X, Chargable Compound Monocular Microscope with Microscope Slides Set, Led Light Microscope https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B09CGWTKJF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_NJRENNBHG1A2AAMDYZ7S
This one is well within your budget and will reach beyond your requested magnification, but there is something you should know about that magnification you're aiming for. 400x is really a 40x objective lens with a 10x eye piece. The lenses that do all the work are the objective lenses (which tend to range from 2x to 100x) and going beyond 40x usually require that you manually place special oil between the objective lens and your subject. Also, microscope cameras don't usually utilize the eye piece magnification anyway (though a cell phone mount might).
Hello, thank you very much for taking the time to answer me. Indeed I have almost no knowledge of microscopic devices. I found a device on amazon that offers a x100 magnification (following link). Could you tell me if this device will be of good use? Thank you
I'm the OP, do you think this one can do the job ? https://www.amazon.fr/Microscope-étudiant-BRESSER-Biolux-Coffret/dp/B07VRRW19P/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?crid=35PUXYV8ZR2HT&keywords=microscope+bresser&qid=1647107757&sprefix=Microscope+bre,aps,98&sr=8-14 Thank you
If you have a reduction lens like the one /u/John1976mtl shows it should screw directly into the cam (yes, C-mount) and then pop directly into the trinoc tube on your stereoscope. You don't need the other accessories in your photos. This is the one that comes on cameras like yours.
I use my phone camera. It's much easier with a holder for the phone. This is the one I have.
Swift Microscope Lens Adapter,Smartphone Camera Adapter Mount, Microscope Accessory (Fits 28mm Eyepieces) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RY4YL3H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_i_DZDK3VTNSEWDCKJSH2N1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hi! I'm trying to take digital images that come from an old microscope. I'm looking for any gadgets that can make that happen. Any ideas are super welcome! The only thing I've seen aside an over $300+ usd camera objective, are cell phone universal microscope mounts on Amazon like this one:
Gosky Microscope Lens Adapter, Microscope Smartphone Camera Adaptor - for Microscope Eyepiece Tube 23.2mm, Built-in WF 16mm Eyepiece - Capture and Record The Beauty in The Micro World https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07412S738/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_35QC6JCR5951R3Y2S9D9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Seriously. This UV flashlight has been SO fun. This is one I've been using and recommend: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085W7B5V3
It uses 365nm UV instead of the normal 375nm - 390nm UV that most UV flashlights use. Because it is a shorter wavelength it makes WAY more stuff fluoresce than a normal blacklight. It also has a bandpass filter that blocks out any stray visible light from the flashlight and make everything fluoresce in its beam super vibrantly. It will turn lettuce red btw.
We are currently using this little scope:
ESAKO 40-1000X Microscope with Mechanical Stage Smartphone Adapter & Slides Metal Body Microscope Kits for Science Education School Laboratory Gift for Christmas https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BR41W6N/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_M04CCW2M330SN5EGCEQ5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The unusual thing about it is that it comes with a mechanical stage! It's very small and cute, and runs on AA batteries. I upgraded it with a wider field eyepiece and better phone mount. It's quite usable. However, I wish the image quality were nicer with the 40x objective.
The microscope is for me, too. With all these kids I don't have as much opportunity to tinker. And space is limited so I don't want to accumulate too many starter scopes...
Pelican case with pick-out foam? Something like the Pelican 1560 might work. That's a little expensive but those are basically indestructible. You might find similar ones that are less expensive though and you could cut your own foam or styrofoam to go inside. If you find a case but no foam, you could try instant foam packs like this: https://www.amazon.com/Shipping-Handy-Temperature-Expanding-Packaging/dp/B091J5KZLY/ Or maybe this pick apart foam stuff, but I find it falls apart eventually: https://www.amazon.com/Feldherr-FS100R-Bundle-Customizable-Separate-Bottom/dp/B06W5BM2FN/
I honestly dont know a lot about different microscopes, someone with more experience can try to steer you that way if they happen to read the post, but for under 350 bucks you can find decent scopes that would be fine for school
https://www.amazon.com/AmScope-B120B-Magnification-Illumination-Double-Layer/dp/B009JPXTNW
For scopes in this price range they are going to use the same achromatic objective lenses on them. I have the amscope b490b, feel free to look at my profile posts to get an idea what can be seen with it, the b120 microscope will look pretty much the same (not much different on it other than its more compact)
This was just some MSG dissolved in water then spread on a slide and dried. I might have added a few drops of Kodak Photo-Flo, a wetting agent that makes liquids spread out more evenly, I use that occasionally. A drop of liquid dish soap can accomplish the same thing, but it creates more soapy foam.
In addition to normal polarization, I used a retarder, a filter that effectively messes up the polarization by retarding certain wavelengths. While you can get precision lab retarder filters, this was just a thin sheet of mica from Amazon placed over the lower polarizer. Rotating the polarizer and retarder relative to each other produces different effects.
Hi there, most eyepieces on scopes like this are standardized to a 23mm diameter - if you measure the diameter of the tube and it's close to 23mm, then that's what you need.
Vintage high end microscopes often have proprietary eyepieces, but this one will not have that. You just need a single generic 10x eyepiece such as this one.
You are correct that this is a rotifer: a good defining charectoristic to rely on when trying to tell whether or not it is is its corona, telescopic body and its spurs.
What you pointed out looked like little hands are actually the rotifer's antennae(annotation Alpha). Those cilia on its head are currently retracted into what is called a "Buccal Field" which is essentially a fancy microbio term for "mouth/jaw pocket"- you usually see their beautiful suspension-feeding cilia whirling around, but it is currently not feeding so it does not have them extended. Here is a cool diagram of what it looks like when their coronae are open/closed.
There are many different fascinating species of rotifer around the world: if you'd like to see another cool one, I've got a video (a tad old) I did on a telescoping rotifer species called _, and they can extent absurdly far. I was perplexed when I first saw it and literally dropped my jaw!
Started out microscopy by using a cheap digital scope and just pointing it inside jars of pond/river water. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07DVFBVPF
Incredibly challenging to use and focus in on things due to it being all pretty flimsy in design and focus/zoom being manual control on the scope.
Took a lot of patience to view anything with, but i still had a lot of fun recognizing my first microbes in person with it. Probably easier to use cheap digital scopes out there.
You’ve been putting out some really good videos lately! Can you remind me what scope you’re using and what your camera setup is?
You definitely want to use #1 or #1.5 coverglass! Image performance under the 40x will be substantially better using a thin specimen under .17 glass. Going significantly away from that will add a lot of spherical aberration and rob your effective NA :(. Alternatively, a somewhat thicker sample with #1 coverglass, while not ideal, might be better than using #1.5 for the same. I just ordered some of these and will let you know how they turn out. I haven’t had any issues with my Leitz or Olympus 40x objectives touching the coverslips during rotation on my JttM scope or my Swift so I have to imagine the extra thickness is playing a role there.
The high end objectives really are super nice when you finally get to them. The 10x/20x PlanApos in particular are awesome! It’s like going from SD to 4K. Honestly it’s really worth considering saving up just to buy one - especially if you can snag a 10x for less than 250 bucks (possible, if you’re diligent about checking eBay daily).
And Thanks for your kind words! I’ve only been at this video editing thing for a few months now and, while I’ve come a long way, there’s still a lot more for me to improve! Even right after I uploaded this video I learned that I had been doing my color correction slightly wrong the whole time 🤦♂️
Most adapters made for a microscope or telescope will probably work, as long as your phone size is within the supported range. I guess its possible for there to be incompatibility due to camera position, but most of them are adjustable to fit many different phones.
This is the one I have and it works well for me despite its relatively low rating: https://www.amazon.com/Vankey-Cellphone-Telescope-Universal-Microscope/dp/B07JW9KHZ2
At far as getting a live view of the phone camera through your computer, I've never done it but it looks like there are apps to use a cell-phone as a web-cam which would probably work for this case
Hey, i have a amscope b490b and just use my samsung s10e phone looking down the eyepiece, with this mount adapter https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01DZ45CPA
I hook it up to my TV and do my viewing that way usually. :) https://imgur.com/rrW9Ule
I got a cheap one because I didn’t know how much I was going to use it.
Hey, i have a amscope b490b and just use my samsung s10e phone looking down the eyepiece, with this mount adapter https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01DZ45CPA
I hook it up to my TV and do my viewing that way usually. :) https://imgur.com/rrW9Ule
The objectives on the scope are 0.7-4.5x ; you multiply this by the eyepieces, which are normally 10x. You can buy another eyepieces that are either 15x or 20x .
You can further add to the magnification range and working distance with Barlow lenses.
Looks like the prisms maybe misaligned. How is the view through the eyepieces?
If you’re going to return I would check out this Parco option. Same microscope head at a fraction of the cost.
I found a different microscope that looks like it has a thingy under the stage.
Hello! At my old company, we had a joke:
>What is the fastest way to make a lens dirty? Clean it!
You shouldn't clean your lenses (besides cleaning oil off the 100x) unless you got them very dirty (muddy water on them or something). A couple spots of dust on the lens will not impact image quality in most conditions.
Good news: The objectives on the 350B are not very delicate - don't worry much about scratching them - you can use a little pressure.
Easiest way to view dust is to hold objective up to bright light and look in through the back with your eye. The 40x may be dust like the 10x just out of focus in your picture.
Your cleaning materials may be contaminated with dust. Buy cotton swabs on wooden sticks like this: https://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Handles-Applicators-Cleaning-Electronics/dp/B07NJVMK12/ref=pd_lpo_3?pd_rd_i=B07NJVMK12&th=1. Kimwipes are good too - the box keeps dust out.
Cleaning technique: Inspect lens like above. Dip cotton swab in solvent, touch gently to lens and then twist between fingers one rotation. Throw swab away. Inspect to see if dust was removed/moved around. Try to get center of lens fairly clean - don't worry about dust on edges.
Best thing for dust is to make/buy dust cover for microscope and put it on when not using. Don't clean the objectives unless they are so dirty that it's ruining the image.
I think some people here have put together some guides that would help you. When I look at the microscope you linked, I see at least one thing that would make me look at other options. You'll have a lot less frustration if you get one with a mechanical stage. This one just has two slide clips that hold the slide down. You have to push the slide around with your fingers with this design. A mechanical stage will have two knobs that you rotate to move the slide side to side and front to back. When you're viewing something at high magnification, and you want to move the slide just a little bit, the mechanical stage makes this easy. Without the mechanical stage, you'll lose what you were looking at and you'll have a devil of a time finding it again without going back to low magnification to get it back into the field of view.
I won't say this one is the best option but you get a mechanical stage on it at a similar price point. https://www.amazon.com/Parco-Scientific-Magnification-Illumination-Rechargeable/dp/B00KQ2G60U/ref=sr\_1\_5?crid=3NK9POV6PLBGO&keywords=microscope+with+mechanical+stage
Look for around $400 aud, found one on Amazon but unsure if it will do what we want it to do
AmScope 40X-1000X Biology Science Metal Glass Student Microscope with 3MP Digital Camera https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X4LNBZI/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_HH1ACCNWSJKA9BQHB8AR
In my opinion, if you are buying an ultra-budget microscope, you shouldn't pay $261 for it. Just glancing around, I see the same basic scope for half price? Probably with a little shopping around you could do better.
If you are willing/able to spend $261, I'm sure I can find a better microscope.
And you also need a T2 adapter ring for your camera (to replace the one in the link above) and this one will be difficult to find.
Haha thanks, I want to make my own soft drink some day. "Diet Tom's - The only soda sweetened with silaceous ooze!" I think it'll be a huge hit until people realize they're drinking glassy mud water.
This is my main freshwater jar - you can see the little shrimps running around in it too. They seem to be propagating themselves just fine! I throw in a couple tiny bits of bread now and then which they munch on but I don't think it's strictly necessary.
These bad boys will probably work well if you want to try them out. You can get deeper ones too but they don't work as well with an upright microscope due to the extra thickness.
In order of difference importance:
- The amscope uses a halogen lamp instead of LED - probably brighter overall but it will change color temperature dramatically depending on the brightness setting. This can be a little annoying for photo/video. Will also burn out eventually but replacements are reasonably cheap. Heats up a lot more as well.
- The Swift has a Siedentopf head which is angled at 30 deg versus 45 deg for the Amscope. 30 deg is generally a bit more comfortable for typical seating/table heights
- The Amscope has a rack-and-pinion condenser positioner which is superior to the Swift helical positioner since you can't accidentally change the condenser height while changing the condenser iris.
If you're getting a trinocular scope and want to use it with a cell phone, you must either get an adapter with an included lens or pop an additional eyepiece onto the trinocular tube. I suspect you might get better image quality with a standard eyepiece but I haven't tested that.
You can get a B120C with or without an included camera. If you have a fairly decent cell phone camera (especially a dedicated telephoto lens), your best bet for quality imaging will be a cell phone camera adapter.
In general, a few hundred dollars is more than enough for a quality scope. There isn't a whole lot of difference until you spend more or get into advanced hobbyist territory buying older clinical microscopes on eBay. If you skip to the "product positioning" section in this review I talk about how there really isn't a big difference in what scope you buy.
Maybe something like this? Sorry I'm not familiar with US/EU microscope market because I don't live there. Basically you would want:
Abbe condenser
Mechanical stage
160mm DIN objectives, at least four objective nosepiece
Binocular head
Preferably increased eye relief eyepieces
I have a amscope b490b and use my phone (samsung s10e) looking down the eyepiece, with this mount adapter https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01DZ45CPA
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I hook it up to my TV and do my viewing that way usually. :)
Okay, fair enough - probably one of the first things a lot of early microscopists did. I don't know if that's going to get you £200 worth of fun, though.
Generally speaking this is the kind of scope I'd recommend for anyone starting out at your price point. You can get a cell phone adapter to hold your phone up to the eyepiece which will get you way better photos most likely. Sperm are pretty tiny and not very contrasty, so having the 100x objective and a condenser to tune contrast are probably going to be helpful.
Absolutely would suggest a USB digital microscope and a set of prepared slides.
Note: The USB corded-only ones do not work with iOS (iPhone/iPad), only android/linux/windows/mac. The wireless ones will work with iOS just fine, and work with everything else too. Linux/windows/mac only work over the cord though.
And a good pack of prepared slides will get them started. The quality is low, but a set of plastic slides won't easily break, so are safer for the little ones. Something like this pack I got for my grandson. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GRN4H38/
Those pocket microscopes can be pretty cool to easily carry around and look at things quick. The digital ones are less portable as you need something to view it on, but offer greater magnification and are so much easier to share and view together with others.
I just bought one of these for a kid the same age as yours… They are a lot of fun. The stand is a little wonky at times, but it is GREAT to use out and about. Really happy with the purchase, because you can actually take photographs and video.
What's your budget? You can actually find pretty cheap quality compound microscopes. I would recommend amscope. This one seems to be pretty cheap. I'm sure there's cheaper.
Another really cool and I think an even better option is a hand lens/jewelers loop! I've used 10-30x to examine very small structures in the field. It's portable and she could take it around and look at anything she wanted. Like a mini microscope. Plants, rocks, insects anything. Here's a 10x similar to what I've used here. I've seen really good results with them and would wear mine like a necklace which I feel is even cooler for her maybe.
I use a small, old Tupperware to put used slides in. After a while, I wash all of them at the same time. I would discard the cover glass, IMO. They are too fragile and can be a hazard if it breaks or chips. They are cheap anyway. $10-$15 worth of cover glass should last a really long time if you are just doing this as a hobby.
I have a small soap spray bottle to wash the slides with. It's just basic unscented soap that I shred using a cheese grater. I mix about 1 TBSP in my spray bottle with warm water. I spray down all the slides and rinse it at the sink. I'll use a paper towel to get off any stubborn crusty build up. But soaking in soapy water for a few minutes does most of the work.
I use coffee filters as my lint free cloth to wipe down the slides to get most of the water off. I did buy kimwipes to try out, but honestly the coffee filters work just a good in a pinch and they are thicker too. I also bought a cheap staining rack on Amazon to air dry the slides to prevent water stains and it doubles as my clean slides container.
I JUST got the Amscope M620 series for $125. Normally around 250-300. It's basically the monocular head on the B120. Heck of a deal. Watch Amscope's website on the deals section for "open box" scopes. You'll see 'em at 60% off.
I wrote a review on it. Arrived in perfect shape and images are clear as all get out.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X6IGQU6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I tell ya, it's a damn fine scope. I'm loving it. You'll dig that B120. Decent price point. Absolutely watch their website for deals.
https://amscope.com/collections/open-box-compound-microscopes
Also check the overstocks as well.
You can definitely go with an older used scope like the other user recommended - but you may need to do a little or a lot of maintenance on it (even if the seller says the condition is excellent).
If you want to buy something brand new. This scope is very solid within your budget. The camera is not going to be very impressive, but if you have a decent cell phone camera then you can use a cell phone microscope adapter and it will work very well. Or you could step up to this one which has the 5MP camera which would be pretty okay. Amscope is a reasonably reputable brand that provides a lot of lower end microscopes/accessories to industry here in the US.
In general, you want to make sure you get a binocular head, an X/Y stage, a substage condenser, and 4x/10x/40x/100x objectives. Don't worry about differences in the magnification claimed by different scopes - just make sure it has all those things.
What I will say is that you're at an excellent budget to have a lot of fun with microscopy. Once you get to a scope with the features I listed above, you're probably 80% of the way to the best there is. The last 20% takes a lot more money and time, but you'll be extremely satisfied I think with what a modest scope can get you.
If you can talk yourself into spending a little more, the standard nice "starter" microscope is probably the Swift 350B. It's got the main things that make a microscope nice to use: a binocular head, a condenser, an X/Y stage, and a standard 4, 10, 40, 100 compliment of objective lenses. Having all of those together is a huge leap from microscopes that omit one or more to reduce cost. There are also some off-brand scopes with similar outfits. Here's one that's a bit cheaper and has all those same things but I can't speak to the quality. It is nice that it comes with the phone mount though so that you can use a cell phone to record videos through one eyepiece. It might also be worth checking craigslist for one.
Most scopes will come with a set of slides and coverslips as well as some other accessories so that you can get started right away.
You got lots of great advice already. A cheap, great quality cleaner for optics is Sparkle glass cleaner. It works really well, is gentle, and is ammonia free. A bottle will last forever. That dripped onto lens tissue is usually enough.
https://www.amazon.com/Sparkle-FUN20345CT-FUN20345-Glass-Cleaner/dp/B00814ME24