Microscope recommendations!

Microscope recommendations!

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Discussion

Steve vRS

Original Poster:

5,040 posts

248 months

Monday 26th November 2018
quotequote all
My 12 year old daughter has asked for a microscope for Christmas.

I don’t want to buy a toy one as they will be rubbish but what would the recommendation be for a useable instrument that won’t break the bank? Ideally one that can be purchased online.

Ta!

Steve

CrutyRammers

13,735 posts

205 months

Monday 26th November 2018
quotequote all
Tricky as the interest probably won't last that long.
I'd be tempted to look for a used school or college lab one on ebay, the optics will be decent and you should lose to much if you want to sell it later. As with anything optical, high magnification is easy, it's the quality of the resulting image which costs. A cheap one may do 400x but it'll be virtually useless. It's also hard to prepare a sample which will work under very high mags, they are rarely used even in labs. A nice binocular with 100x would be much better. Do you know what she's interesting in looking at?

Steve vRS

Original Poster:

5,040 posts

248 months

Monday 26th November 2018
quotequote all
No idea!

There are a few Apex ones on amazon. I’d look at buying the prepared slides as well to get her started.

Appreciate the eBay comments but as it’s a Christmas present, I’m looking at new.

Monty Python

4,813 posts

204 months

Monday 26th November 2018
quotequote all
What sort - transmission or reflective? Budget?

Steve vRS

Original Poster:

5,040 posts

248 months

Monday 26th November 2018
quotequote all
Ermmm No idea!

Less than £150. I know in PH land, this will not get me anything remotely sufficient but it is for a 13 year old girl biggrin

Monty Python

4,813 posts

204 months

Monday 26th November 2018
quotequote all

Steve vRS

Original Poster:

5,040 posts

248 months

Monday 26th November 2018
quotequote all