How to choose a microscope
The choice of a microscope depends on where and how you are going to use it. Optics made to observe organic objects at the cellular level will not come in handy when working with jewelry or in microelectronics. A review of laboratory microscopes will not help you choose a microscope for study, because simple elementary microscopes are enough for schoolwork. Moreover, professional types of microscopes will cost you much more. At the same time, the full capabilities of the device are unlikely to be used, and manipulations with it are difficult for an inexperienced user.
Overview of microscopes: what a microscope looks like and how it works
On a tripod, in which there is a mechanism for coarse and / or precise focusing, a nozzle with eyepieces is placed. It is fixed rigidly or can rotate around its axis - up to 360 °. The main types of ocular nozzles:
The best microscope: which microscope is better?
Before choosing a microscope, you need to understand the principle of its operation and find out what affects the quality of the device. The functionality of the microscope depends on two main parameters:
Overview of microscopes: what a microscope looks like and how it works
On a tripod, in which there is a mechanism for coarse and / or precise focusing, a nozzle with eyepieces is placed. It is fixed rigidly or can rotate around its axis - up to 360 °. The main types of ocular nozzles:
- monocular - for observation with one eye;
- binocular - designed to work with two eyes. In this case, stereo images do not occur, since the picture is projected onto both eyes from one lens;
- types of microscopes transmitting photo and video in digital format are equipped with a trinocular attachment.
The best microscope: which microscope is better?
Before choosing a microscope, you need to understand the principle of its operation and find out what affects the quality of the device. The functionality of the microscope depends on two main parameters:
- optical system
- focus mechanism
The appearance of the microscope is practically not related to its technical characteristics.
The main problem of precision optics is color and graphic aberration (defects) of the image. Achromatic lenses and standard eyepieces will be enough for beginners, but for professionals, especially those working with multiple magnifications, more powerful optics will be required. Professional models are equipped with planachromatic lenses and wide-field eyepieces. But do not chase the ultimate power of optical elements, if you do not plan to engage in serious clinical research.
We choose optics for a microscope
You can choose a suitable optical device using a review of microscopes, but how to choose optics under a microscope? To begin with, it is quite enough to purchase two eyepieces (or two pairs, if your microscope is binocular): 10 and 20 times. The total power (magnification) of the microscope is determined by the product of the multiplicity of the eyepiece and lens.
Lighting system
To illuminate the stage, natural light is used or, more often, artificial light sources: incandescent, halogen lamps or LEDs. Dependence on sunlight complicates research, and the use of an incandescent lamp distorts the color gamut of the image. LED backlighting is best. Some models, in addition to lower lighting, have additional overhead lighting. Visit this link to gain more ideas: best microscope for kids
How to work with focus
The focusing mechanism determines how clearly you can see the image of the studied object. Focusing usually occurs by moving the stage up and down. In stereo microscopes, another mechanism is used - it is the optical unit that moves. Basic microscope models use only one degree of focus adjustment - the so-called coarse focus.
How to buy the best microscope?
Do you need a microscope for a child, for a gift or for a hobby? Choose entry-level models. The presence of a digital camera is a big plus, because it will be possible to make colorful photos and exciting videos. They can be used in school or work, it is pleasant to share them with friends and in social networks, it is interesting to review them after a while.
The main problem of precision optics is color and graphic aberration (defects) of the image. Achromatic lenses and standard eyepieces will be enough for beginners, but for professionals, especially those working with multiple magnifications, more powerful optics will be required. Professional models are equipped with planachromatic lenses and wide-field eyepieces. But do not chase the ultimate power of optical elements, if you do not plan to engage in serious clinical research.
We choose optics for a microscope
You can choose a suitable optical device using a review of microscopes, but how to choose optics under a microscope? To begin with, it is quite enough to purchase two eyepieces (or two pairs, if your microscope is binocular): 10 and 20 times. The total power (magnification) of the microscope is determined by the product of the multiplicity of the eyepiece and lens.
Lighting system
To illuminate the stage, natural light is used or, more often, artificial light sources: incandescent, halogen lamps or LEDs. Dependence on sunlight complicates research, and the use of an incandescent lamp distorts the color gamut of the image. LED backlighting is best. Some models, in addition to lower lighting, have additional overhead lighting. Visit this link to gain more ideas: best microscope for kids
How to work with focus
The focusing mechanism determines how clearly you can see the image of the studied object. Focusing usually occurs by moving the stage up and down. In stereo microscopes, another mechanism is used - it is the optical unit that moves. Basic microscope models use only one degree of focus adjustment - the so-called coarse focus.
How to buy the best microscope?
Do you need a microscope for a child, for a gift or for a hobby? Choose entry-level models. The presence of a digital camera is a big plus, because it will be possible to make colorful photos and exciting videos. They can be used in school or work, it is pleasant to share them with friends and in social networks, it is interesting to review them after a while.