Cheap Hobbyist’s Microscope
The microscope’s putative origins can be traced back to Netherlands in 1600’s and back then, microscopes used to be considered big toys for big science lovers. But as time passed by, the importance of microscopes soon came to light. The help they’ve contributed in curing diseases is immeasurable. Today, however, old school thoughts on microscopes are beginning to gain popularity once more as science hobbyists get the chance to own one with the increasing production of affordably priced microscopes.
Tips on Buying a Cheap Hobbyist’s Microscope
Tip #1 Be prepared to spend at least $200 for a cheap hobbyist’s microscope and quite a basic one at that. Anything lower and you’re just buying a toy with a fancier name. Of course, you can spend less for the same quality just as long as you’re willing to risk buying a secondhand hobbyist’s microscope. Evaluating the condition of used microscopes is difficult, however, so do buy a brand new microscope if you can afford one!
Tip #2 Say no to plastic! Besides the fact that they’re non-biodegradable material and therefore with a strong ability to harm the environment, plastic parts also mean lower quality and durability for your hobbyist’s microscope. At the very least, make sure that the screw fasteners, focusing system, and frame of your microscope are not made of plastic!
Tip #3 Brand names matter, of course. But since you’re only interested in buying a cheap hobbyist’s microscope, you might not be able to afford or find anything you like in the product lineup of well-known microscope brands like Olympus and Nikon. But never you worry because lesser-known names can still produce items of good quality. You just have to make sure you research sufficiently for product reviews in the Internet. Check with the Better Business Bureau as well and see if they’ve received any complaints about the products. Lastly, do buy only from reputable retailers and dealers! For more information about buying affordable microscopes, http://www.cheap-microscope.com can help.
Tip #4 Never buy any microscope that doesn’t adhere to DIN standard. Yes, you’re only interested in cheap hobbyist’s microscopes but if you want to be able to replace parts of your microscope with ease, you better find one that’s up to DIN standard.
Tip #5 Many cheap hobbyist’s microscopes will come with two-in-one adjustment and maybe even market it as a benefit because you’ll have a simpler adjustment process. Wrong! A combined adjustment control or anything that doesn’t offer coarse and fine adjustment separately isn’t good at all. Besides being unable to produce images of excellent quality, it also doesn’t give you the chance to practice and hone adjusting skills you’ll need when you’re using a more advanced microscope in the future.
Tip #6 Go for fluorescent illumination than an incandescent one. And speaking of lighting, see if you can buy a cheap hobbyist’s microscope that’s equipped with halogen bulbs as its light source. White light coming from halogen bulbs is stronger and brighter, allowing you to view numerous kinds of samples at half-power. With that, you get to save even more money with lower electricity consumption! If you’re going to use halogen, consider looking for a unit with dimming controls to prevent your light source from overheating.
Tip #7 Since you’re only in the hobbyist level for now and you’re not yet earning money from your scientific pursuits, any microscope using glass achromatic lenses should do the trick. There are of course better lenses but they’re more expensive. Don’t buy special lenses like water or oil immersion lenses if it’s not yet needed. Speaking of lenses, your cheap hobbyist’s microscope doesn’t have to be able to accommodate eight or even twelve lenses at the same time. Three would easily do just as long as you’re ready to work harder on adjusting and choosing the right objective lens.
Tip #8 Slip clutches and mechanical stages are not offered all the time but if you can find a cheap hobbyist’s microscope offering both, so much the better! The former allows you to adjust focus more easily while the latter lets you position your slides more securely and favorably.
Tip #9 Don’t buy a hobbyist’s microscope using a disk diaphragm. Go for the one using an iris diaphragm instead. This will make it easier for you to control the amount of light reaching your sample or specimen.
Tip #10 Last but not the least, don’t hesitate to ask for as many benefits as you can. Microscope purchases usually come with free covers and cleaning kits so ask if yours comes with one, too! And don’t forget to evaluate their after-sales support before you pay for anything!
