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Microscope Buying Basics
Many scientific disciplines find microscopes
to be very useful. The most obvious one is
Biology. The image of doctors and biologists
looking through a microscope and watching
cells divide is very common. They are also
highly common in Botany and Geology.
Physicists can be seen using an electron
microscope to peer into the unseen world
that is their domain. Scientists of all
stripes have a need to look at the world
more closely than they can with the naked
eye. A microscope allows them to enter into
the world of that which they are studying
and observe.
Choosing from Your Options for Microscopes
As you are shopping for microscopes, you
should remember that the power of the
microscope is only one factor in their
optics. The optics include the lenses and
mirrors that deliver the image to the
eyepiece. It also includes the coatings used
to keep the light from scattering and being
distorted within the microscope.
Digital Microscopes
Digital microscopes have increased power by
sending the images through to a computer
monitor, which has great impacts in
education. Stereomicroscopes have two
eyepieces which allow the user to see a
three-dimensional image rather than a
two-dimensional one. With these pieces of
equipment, you should definitely buy for
quality instead of trying to penny-pinch.
For educational purposes, digital
microscopes represent a huge step forward in
functionality when compared to cost. You can
now plug your microscope into your PC or
Notebook and the microscope's image is shown
on the monitor. You can usually increase the
magnification capability above that of the
microscope itself.
Now a classroom can see the image together
instead of one at a time. Now children can
discuss what they see, as they see it and
teachers can bring more life into the
classroom. Interested students are much
better learners. Aside from the
possibilities for formal education, prices
have come down to where students can own a
decent microscope.
We Recommend:
Stereomicroscopes
The main advantage that stereomicroscopes
have over regular microscopes is their
ability to deliver a three dimensional
image. They are usually more expensive due
to the added optics and materials. Splitting
the light too deliver it to both lenses
requires a bit more infrastructure. The
stereoscopic image is a bit easier on the
eyes so they can be worth the added expense.
Microscopes are very useful for many
scientific applications in several
disciplines. Much knowledge can be gained
from the unseen world. Looking closely at
fibers or minerals can give as much
information as looking at blood or water
samples. The optical requirements are very
similar to those for telescopic imaging.
Affordable Stereomicroscopes
Stereomicroscopes, also called stereoscopes,
usually do cost a little more but the price
difference between them and similar
mono-scopes, even digital microscopes, is
relatively small. Just make sure that the
optical elements are well-made, highly-tuned
and powerful enough for your needs. Make
certain that the lenses are all-glass, fully
multi-coated and, if you can, look through
it before you buy it.
If you are ordering through the mail or
online, try and find a retailer where you
can at least inspect it, beforehand. If not,
most any respected manufacturer's products
will be as good as advertised, within reason
of course. Most importantly, look for
something offering a warranty or a guarantee
on the product. Science Kit offers a
lifetime warranty on their entire line of
Boreal microscopes.
We Recommend:
<a href=”http://sciencekit.com/category.asp_Q_c_E_506112”>Student
Stereomicroscope</a>
<a href=”http://sciencekit.com/category.asp_Q_c_E_506114”>Boreal
Inclined Stereomicroscope with In-Base and
Incident Illumination</a>
<a href=”http://sciencekit.com/category.asp_Q_c_E_506119”>Boreal
Advanced Stereomicroscope with Fluorescent
Ring Light</a>
Stereo Zoom Microscopes
Stereo zoom microscopes are usually going to
be a little more expensive than a similar
microscope of similar quality. There is a
slight advantage to working with
stereomicroscopes and it comes from
binocular vision. They allow you to see a
three dimensional image as opposed to a two
dimensional image.
This has a greater effect on eye strain,
usually, than on image quality. Try using
one eye for long periods of time and you
will know just how valuable it is to you.
Often things viewed under a microscope are
flattened by plates so three dimensions is
not a huge bonus as far as image quality. It
all depends on your own personal
requirements.
Working with Stereo Zoom Microscopes
Your main concern in working with stereo
zoom microscopes will be the quality of your
image. The optics are the key elements
involved. This holds true for telescopes and
binoculars as well. The term optics refers
to the lenses, of course, but also to any
mirrors involved in directing, focusing or
splitting the image. It also applies to the
lens coating and collimation.
Collimation is the precision with which the
optical components have been aligned and
adjusted. Construction also plays a large
part in your final image quality. Only spend
the money on a microscope that is well made
with high quality parts. Optics should be
all glass and fully multi-coated for best
performance.
We Recommend:
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