Microscope Recommendation

[PharmrJohn]

So I realize I'll have to get a microscope at some point. I also realize you can spend between $20 and $1000 as a range. Currently, I have a $20 one I bought my kids when they were small. I do not plan on using it. I am not afraid to spend money on this, so disregard cost. I just want something that'll do a good job. Also, HOW do you take pics of that which you are viewing? TIA.

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

I've been wondering about this too. Following along!

 

[AlyciaMarie]

This is the one I have! It's been good for me. Not too expensive either.

AmScope on Amazon!

 

[stewy14]

this seems pretty good too: +1 for what Alycia said

 

[Tcook]

A nice microscope would be the Nikon Alphaphot. These are about $900 new but you can find them all day long for about $200-250. Used by medical students for the first 2 years then unloaded. Just something to consider.

 

[Reefer Matt]

This is the one I use. I recommend every Reefer get a scope. It saves a lot of guesswork. Plus it’s cool to see all the microscopic creepy crawlies in the tanks!

Amazon.com

 

[PharmrJohn]

I've been wondering about this too. Following along!

LOL, really is too bad your name isn't Robert!

 

[Dread Pirate Dave]

LOL, really is too bad your name isn't Robert!

That's my twin brother's name. LOL

 

[PharmrJohn]

A nice microscope would be the Nikon Alphaphot. These are about $900 new but you can find them all day long for about $200-250. Used by medical students for the first 2 years then unloaded. Just something to consider.

Looked into. You're right. $200 to $250 all day. There are quite a few very nice scopes out there. And I NEVER considered an actual hookup for a camera phone. I am constantly amazed at what is considered Usual and Customary technologies. I'm still stuck in the past about 40 years!

 

[Tcook]

Looked into. You're right. $200 to $250 all day. There are quite a few very nice scopes out there. And I NEVER considered an actual hookup for a camera phone. I am constantly amazed at what is considered Usual and Customary technologies. I'm still stuck in the past about 40 years!

You can add a cell phone adapter to one of the ocular tubes. If you really get into it you can pick up a trinocular head for about $150. The lenses that come with the alphaphot are decent quality too.

 

[RoanokeReef]

This is the one recommended by the Dino Support group on Facebook -

 

[rhitee93]

I got this one on sale for less than $300 last fall:


It came with a usb camera that fits in place of one of the eye-pieces.

I'm not much of an expert with microscopy, but as a plug-n-play system it seems to work well.

 

[PharmrJohn]

This is the one recommended by the Dino Support group on Facebook -

I got this one on sale for less than $300 last fall:


It came with a usb camera that fits in place of one of the eye-pieces.

I'm not much of an expert with microscopy, but as a plug-n-play system it seems to work well.

Neither hyperlinks worked for me. Do y'all show a valid path?

 

[rhitee93]

AmScope - 40X-2500X LED Digital Binocular Compound Microscope with 3D Stage + 5MP USB Camera​

I can't get it to work now. The above text pasted into the amazon search bar will probably get you there. Sorry...

 

[RoanokeReef]

Both links working here but I've clicked others links and they are hit or miss lately - search for this B00VTUD8GS . I use my iPhone held up to eye piece to than take videos and pictures. However a phone adapter is really cheap for it.

 

[west co reefer]

I'd suggest the Amscope as well. Solid microscope and all you would need. You'll find them usually used in classrooms.

 

[PharmrJohn]

AmScope - 40X-2500X LED Digital Binocular Compound Microscope with 3D Stage + 5MP USB Camera​

I can't get it to work now. The above text pasted into the amazon search bar will probably get you there. Sorry...

Both links working here but I've clicked others links and they are hit or miss lately - search for this B00VTUD8GS . I use my iPhone held up to eye piece to than take videos and pictures. However a phone adapter is really cheap for it.

Worked great. Thanks a lot! I truly appreciate your collective patience with this old man!

 

[Reef By Steele]

This is one I have gotten. It has two features one for long distance so I can count pods etc for density checks and another for high magnification for $190

https://a.co/d/40GJlUz

 

[vahegan]

You can get a used American Opticals very cheaply on eBay. I bought a Series 10 trinocular in great shape and showing no wear with 4 decent lenses for less than $200. Very sturdy and heavy built, I am very happy to have it. When new, they were around $2K in 1970-es money

 

[Solo McReefer]

I bought this one

And an eyepiece adapter for my phone

SWIFT SW350T 40X-2500X Magnification, Siedentopf Head, Research-Grade Trinocular Compound Lab Microscope with Wide-Field 10X and 25X Eyepieces, Mechanical Stage, Abbe Condenser, Camera-Compatible https://a.co/d/bI5bLzw