You must have come across a microscope when you were a student. Back then, it would have seemed like a toy, which could let you see minute things, very clearly. However, a microscope is not just any toy, but a useful scientific tool, used in many industries, laboratories and universities to conduct various research works. Even though there are several types of microscopes, a simple or a compound or a stereo microscope is more than enough to observe elements at high school level. In case you need to buy microscope for a research facility, a computer microscope would be more suitable. For studying and examining ultimate niceties of pathogens, nuclear matter and other such delicate or complicated stuff, an electron microscope is used. As the sophistication or technology of the microscope proliferates, the price of the piece also increases. Nevertheless, there are few things, other than the model of microscope, which you should consider before buying a microscope.
As you already know that microscope is an optical instrument, it goes without saying that the light source plays a pivotal role in calibrating the quality of the microscope. Some microscopes have mirror to reflect the light from surroundings towards the specimen under study. Others employ a small bulb, while a few of them imbibe an intensified light source. If the light source is good, you will be able to distinctly see the object. In short, the light source enables you to contrast between the object and its background. Having said that, the light source used should not be too bright to dominate the view, or too low to make it impossible for view; it should be able maintained at an optimum level, throughout the observation. It is recommended to buy microscopes with a bulb or any other electric illumination, as mirrors are outdated and not entirely reliable. Moreover, buying a microscope with mirror light source, will trouble you with the alignment for every observation.
The second most important feature to look for when buying microscopes is magnification. A microscope is as good as its magnification power. The greater the magnification, the clearer would be the image. A high magnification microscope will enable you to watch specimen’s utmost details, effortlessly. The magnification factor for microscope can range anywhere between 10X to 1000X. But, it is better to buy microscope with 20X-40X magnification, when your mode of study does not exceed observing flowers, bugs and other small objects. If you want to study more intricate objects, such as pollen grains or bacteria, it is advisable to buy compound microscope with a magnification power above 500X. As the magnification increases, the price of the microscope also escalates.
After checking the above two criterions, individually, it is essential to divert the attention towards the types of microscopes available in the local market. Depending on the brand, technology, specifications and the quality of the optical equipment used in the manufacturing of the microscope, the prices of commonly used microscopes such a simple, compound or stereo microscope lie anywhere between $70 to $200.
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