Thread: Microscope recommendation

I've been using the Radio Shack 60X-100X microscope for the last year or so, but recently randydance mentioned that he uses a 30X model. I don't really like the Radio Shack microscope, so I thought I'd try the one Randy uses.

It arrived on Saturday, and I paid about $15 shipped on eBay.

This thing is much, much better than the RS microscope. The little LED light is brighter than the RS scope, and you can change the angle of the light to get a better reflection off the bevel.

The unit is heavier, which makes it more stable. And even though it's only 30X, the view is much clearer than the RS scope, so I find I'm able to see more detail in the edge.

Here's a link to the one I'm talking about:

http://www.amazon.com/Great-Wall-Opt.../dp/B0006VSV90

There are a lot of them on eBay, too.

I'm glad I gave this a try; I think I'll use it more than I've been using my RS model.

Just thought I'd share!

Josh

I agree with everything that you said. The resolution on Randy's microscope is much better than the RS version which makes it much more useful for me.

i never really got along wih my scopes (i've tried two different ones) and promptly returned them

anyone ever try a jeweler's loupe?

There are many options out there. There are loupes with compound lenses that go to about 36x but with excellent resolution. Edmunds Scientifics has a bunch of magnifiers at all prices. Like I've always said its the resolution that counts. The magnification is worthless if you can't see the details.

Just bought one there on ebay

£6.98 all in all.

Approx 14 dollars.

Awhile back, I got an inexpensive eBay scope, an old Sears "student special" from about 1960, I'm guessing. I usually set it at about 100X, and use both the lamp beneath the stage (black & white gadget visible in none-too-clear photo), and also a little goose-neck LED flashlight from Fry's which I attached to the body of the scope to provide illumination from above. The results are quite satisfactory for examining razor edges. Not that I can do much about them, yet...

-denis

if a person could get there hands on a dissecting scope, then that would probably be pretty stellar.

Originally Posted by edk442

if a person could get there hands on a dissecting scope, then that would probably be pretty stellar.

Just do a search on ebay for stereo microscopes and you'll find some, often ex-school ones that are pretty basic but cheap.

most are extremly expensive. the ones that are cheap are lower magnification and shipping is probably more expensive than the scope

You get the cheap rubbish ones like ebay: 170130707313 for around $20 plus shipping or you can pick up the odd old american optical, baush and lomb either complete or just the head for around $50 if you're willing to bide your time. We also get the odd old British make for the same sort of price over here that aren't great but would still be easier than using those little hand held ones.
I guess it depends if you are willing to drop some change on one because you might have other uses for it or have kids that could benefit from it.