Best microscope?

[miranda0331]

I’m looking to buy a microscope, but wondered if you guys had any suggestions on which one you think is best?

 

[Colorado Ts]

The purpose of the microscope would have a lot to do with which I would consider to be best. Is this for looking at pond water? Is the device going to be used for dissections? Would you want an added aperture for adding a camera and collecting images?

In general terms with little to go on...I would recommend Bausch & Lomb as a very good quality micro scope. But it won't be cheap.

There are also digital micro scopes to consider.....Probably need more information.

 

[miranda0331]

The purpose of the microscope would have a lot to do with which I would consider to be best. Is this for looking at pond water? Is the device going to be used for dissections? Would you want an added aperture for adding a camera and collecting images?

In general terms with little to go on...I would recommend Bausch & Lomb as a very good quality micro scope. But it won't be cheap.

There are also digital micro scopes to consider.....Probably need more information.

Mainly for the purpose of sexing molts

 

[Colorado Ts]

You might consider just getting an inexpensive digital that has 50x magnification. Plug it into your computer, capture images and do it all. That will run you $50.00 to $80.00. Much less expensive than a high end micro scope or a dissecting scope....and you'll have images to share with others.

So you could take an exuviae, examine it and determine the sex...then post the image of the exuviae...state your opinion and then others will support or argue. Great way to learn how to sex moults....then you can teach me.

 

[miranda0331]

You might consider just getting an inexpensive digital that has 50x magnification. Plug it into your computer, capture images and do it all. That will run you $50.00 to $80.00. Much less expensive than a high end micro scope or a dissecting scope....and you'll have images to share with others.

So you could take an exuviae, examine it and determine the sex...then post the image of the exuviae...state your opinion and then others will support or argue. Great way to learn how to sex moults....then you can teach me.

Thank you! It’s something I want to get comfortable with, and that way I can give advice to other people if need be

 

[Tentacle Toast]

What's your budget, & how much microscopy do you do in general? I personally love my AXIO A1 (Ziess), but it'd probably be a little overkill if all you're wishing to accomplish is sexing spiders...
What all do you need it for?

 

[miranda0331]

What's your budget, & how much microscopy do you do in general? I personally love my AXIO A1 (Ziess), but it'd probably be a little overkill if all you're wishing to accomplish is sexing spiders...
What all do you need it for?

Just for sexing, I’m not sure what else I could use it for in the hobby. Is there anything else I’m missing?

 

[Tentacle Toast]

Just for sexing, I’m not sure what else I could use it for in the hobby. Is there anything else I’m missing?

Not for hobby
Meade makes some entry level models, but you could probably manage that task with a child's starter scope from a big box retailer. My daughter got one for Christmas one year, & it was actually surprisingly effective.

 

[mjzheng]

This looks like the most sketchy thing ever but works great for molts, I've sexed 1.25 inch slings, you do need a backlight. I use my phone flashlight :
Digital microscope

 

[miranda0331]

This looks like the most sketchy thing ever but works great for molts, I've sexed 1.25 inch slings, you do need a backlight. I use my phone flashlight :
Digital microscope

Sweet! Thank you

 

[Reezelbeezelbug]

I bought the "Plugable USB 2.0 Digital Microscope" off amazon for about $40 and it does a decent job for sexing small molts. You can also do time lapses with it, but the focus can be tricky to get right.

 

[CJJon]

There is no substitute to looking with your eyes. Cheap USB scopes are garbage.

Something like this:

 

[sdsnybny]

A decent USB scope with true HD and 200x magnification will do fine for sexing molts. they can be had for $35-$60 all over Amazon. 1st Pic of molt taken with just my phone for size, 2nd pic is the USB scope attached to my phone.

used t

 

[miranda0331]

thank you guys for all the suggestions I have a decision to make. I think I would like the usb scope more, especially since I can take pictures with it. But you can’t beat a traditional scope

 

[viper69]

I’m looking to buy a microscope, but wondered if you guys had any suggestions on which one you think is best?

The more important question to ask is "What's your budget"

The best microscopes cost over 30,000$ with software/hardware and that's only for basic stereo work.

Leica makes the best stereo scopes. If you can find an old Leitz with good optics on a scientific surplus site, scoop it up. Faculty keep these for well over 50 years because they are the best for stereo microscopes. Leica bought eons ago.

 

[miranda0331]

The more important question to ask is "What's your budget"

The best microscopes cost over 30,000$ with software/hardware and that's only for basic stereo work.

Leica makes the best stereo scopes. If you can find an old Leitz with good optics on a scientific surplus site, scoop it up. Faculty keep these for well over 50 years because they are the best for stereo microscopes. Leica bought eons ago.

I mean, if I had $30,000 I totally would. Buuuuut.....

 

[miranda0331]

I mean, if I had $30,000 I totally would. Buuuuut.....

I would say something within $100, that just gets the job done.

 

[viper69]

I would say something within $100, that just gets the job done.

Understood. I can tell you from experience there is no substitute for a stereo microscope or glass for optics. However, I looked very carefully at some people's images and after seeing some great results a few years ago. I bought one of those USB scopes. I'm pleased with mine.

 

[miranda0331]

Understood. I can tell you from experience there is no substitute for a stereo microscope or glass for optics. However, I looked very carefully at some people's images and after seeing some great results a few years ago. I bought one of those USB scopes. I'm pleased with mine.

Thanks for responding, I’ll look into one of those, what brand is it?

 

[viper69]

Thanks for responding, I’ll look into one of those, what brand is it?

Celestron they make ones with higher mag than mine now, you'll be fine.