Choosing a microscope

[Ferret]

I wonder if someone on WAB could help me.
I am looking to buy a microscope for use in assisting with the identification of invertebrates and plants, the only problem is I don’t know an awful lot about microscopes.

Research has led me to believe that a stereomicroscope would be best, am I correct?

I don’t have a vast amount of money to spend, £150 absolute tops. Looking around I have decided that Brunel Microscopes MX-3 would be a good buy, Stereomicroscopes , does anybody have experience with this company and/or model?

Does any body have any other recommendations or suggestions that would help me make a final decision.

Thanks in anticipation, Ferret

[roundwood123]

I am no expert on Microscopes but i recently brought this one and its brilliant.
Steve.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Apex-Exp...426340&sr=8-26

[Jason Green]

Yes, stereo-microscopy will be the way to go for most insects, though if you ever get into dissection and studying genitalia then a cheap and pretty high-mag. compound microscope would make a nice complementary purchase.

For the money, I have to agree with Steve - 80x mag. should be great. I have the Apex Examiner (£35) with native 20x mag., but I've just purchased a pair of 25x eye-pieces from them (£21 inc. p&p). I often see the case for better lighting and more magnification, and if I had the money I'd go for the Explorer too.

[Matt Smith]

With microscopes you get what you pay for - more expensive scopes have better optics, which means you see the details better.

If you want to look at invert specimens then a stereo mocroscope is the way to go, so you can see things in "3D".

Two companies I would recommend are:

GX Microscopes: Stereo Microscopes

Brunel Microscopes: Microscopes from Brunel UK Ltd

I have bought from both in the past. Check their catalogues and see if there is anything within your budgetthat might suit.

[tinca]

hi i have both compound and stereo the stereo is the most used i purchased it from brunel second hand and am delighted with it i have purchased items from them many times and have always found them helpful my scope has continous zoom from 7 thru 32
if you can afford it get one with the zoom also check the working distance from the objectives to the specimen the longer the better gives you more room for manipulating objects under the scope and positioning lights also dont worry about inbuilt lighting spend more on the scope a desk lamp and small led gooseneck are just as good if not better