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Microscope Zoom

Tips For Buying A Quality Microscope

When buying a microscope there are several things to consider. Though price will always play an important role in a purchase decision, it should not be the first thing that you should look for when buying a microscope. A microscope purchase is a big investment for most people, so you want to get the most out of you money. One common mistake is buying a microscope based on what it looks like in the picture. A microscope may look interesting and modern but is actually constructed very poorly.

One thing that must be decided before going any further is what you are planning to be studying with this microscope. If you want to study things such as blood, bacteria, algae or any smaller specimen you will want to choose a compound microscope. These specimens require a higher power of magnification in order to see all the details. A compound microscope generally has 3 or 4 objective lenses that range in power from 4x to 100x. Providing that you are using a standard 10x eyepiece, this will give you 40x to 1000x magnification.  This is the standard in magnification for grades K-college.  Some cheaply made microscopes claim to have up to 1200X-1400X magnification.  These are microscopes to stay away from.

If you want to study specimens that are larger such as insects, leaves and rocks, you will want to choose a stereo microscope.  These specimens require less magnification to see their detail. A stereo microscope has at least two eyepieces and provides a three dimensional image off the specimen you are looking at. Two common forms of stereo microscopes are dual power and zoom magnification. A dual power stereo microscope has two set magnifications, such as 2x and 4x objectives. Providing you are using standard 10x eyepieces, you will get 20x and 40x magnification. A zoom stereo microscope there is a continuous zoom range from its lowest power to its highest power. One such configuration would give you continuous zoom from 10x to 45x.

Now that you have decided what you want to study and which type of microscope is right for you, it is now time to decide on what brand to purchase.  There are many sources of microscopes on the internet.  One safe rule of thumb is to research several microscope sites and try to find a common brand carried by many companies.  Many reputable manufacturers will not sell directly to the public but do have legitimate web sites where they can be contacted.  This will allow you to see that the microscope is backed by a real company in case warranty work is ever needed.   Many microscopes might meet the same specifications but if you want this instrument to last you will want to choose a reputable microscope manufacturer.

Metal construction, brass gears, approved electrical and glass optics is a must for any microscope.  

One way to make sure that you are getting the best quality microscope is to use a reputable supplier. You want to trust that they did their research when they picked the microscopes to be in their product line. Since 1989, Capital Microscope Services, Inc. has done just that. We are committed to providing our customers with quality products at very affordable prices. You can rest assured that every product that we show on our website meets our rigid standards before we ever put them out there for you, the customer to buy. You may find cheaper microscopes out there but we feel that the microscopes we offer will give you the best instrument for your money. If you should have any questions concerning buying a new microscope, please don't hesitate to contact us.

About the Author

Don Munns is the founder and current National Sales Manager of Capital Microscope Services, Inc. He has been with the company for 21 years. Please visit his website at https://www.microscopesandmore.com/.

Microscope Zpix $51.99 CARSON MM-640 ZPIX™ USB DIGITAL MICROSCOPE WITH 26X–130X OPTICAL ZOOM

Microscope: Illuminated Zoom Microscope 60x - 100x: J $15.72 A very powerful pocket microscope offers adjustable magnification from 60x - 100x. Identify even the smallest pests with this microscope. Includes set of 3 batteries & protective case. Actual size of microscope is 1 ¼'' wide by 3¼'' tall.

Monocular/Microscope 8-25X25 Zoom $29.99 BARSKA 8-25x25 Zoom Monocular/Microscope, 8-25x Zoom magnification, 25mm Objective lens, Strong plastic magnifying chamber attaches to monocular to view specimens, Large eyepiece for comfortable viewing, Includes wrist strap and case Specifications: Magnification 8x-25x Objective Lens 25mm Prism Glass BK-7 Exit Pupil 3.13mm@8x Optical Coating Fully Coated Focusing System Center Field of View (ft@1000yds/m@1000m) 249/76 @8x Close Focus (ft/m) .98/.3 Eye Relief 13mm@8X Weight 4.8 oz Included Accessories Plastic Chamber, carrying case, and lens cloth Warranty Limited Lifetime Warranty

National Geographic 101-piece Microscope Kit $59.95 Zoom on science with our beginner's microscope kit.

Microscope $11.95 Microscope

MICroscope $7.99 MICroscope

TRI ZOOM STEREO MICROSCOPE 7X-45X $479.99 Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope, 7x- 45x, Zoom Magnification, Trinocular tube for viewing or can be used with an adapter for digital imaging, Adjustable interpupiliary distance, 10x Wide Field Eyepiece, Head Rotates 360°, Transmitted and Oblique Illumination, Coarse Adjustments, Includes Spare Bulb and Fuse, Power Cord, Specimen Plate and Plastic Dust Cover, Barska's 1-Yr Limited Warranty Specifications: Model # AY11234 Microscope Type Stereo Magnification 7x-45x Objective Lens 0.7x-4.5x Eyepiece System WF10x, 20mm Adjustment Knob Coarse Working Distance 95mm Body Material Aluminum Alloy & Copper Weight 13 lbs Included Accessories Spare Bulb and Fuse, Power Cord, Specimen Plate and Plastic Dust Cover Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty

60-100X Zoom-Lens Microscope with Light $7.89 Type: Microscopes Magnification Ratio: 60-100 Material: Plastic Color: Black Dimensions (cm): 16 x 7.2 x 4.5 Weight (kg): 0.101 Package Contents: 1 Microscope

BINO ZOOM STEREO MICROSCOPE 7X-45X $429.99 Binocular Zoom Stereo Microscope, 7x- 45x, Head rotates 360° 10x Wide field eyepiece. Trasmitted and oblique illumination, coarse adjustments, interpupilary adjustment. Includes spare bulb, fuse, power cord specimen plate and Plastic Dust Cover, Barska's 1-Yr Limited Warranty Specifications: Model # AY11232 Microscope Type Stereo Magnification 7x-45x Objective Lens 0.7x-4.5x Eyepiece System WF10x, 20mm Adjustment Knob Coarse Working Distance 95mm Body Material Aluminum Alloy & Copper Weight 11 lbs Included Accessories Spare Bulb and Fuse, Power Cord, Specimen Plate and Plastic Dust Cover Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty

AmScope 6.7X-45X Binocular Embryo Transplant Zoom Microscope $798.98 This top quality binocular stereo zoom microscope is designed for animal breeders, veterinarians and scientists for the application of artificial insemination. With extreme widefield high-eyepoint&nbspfully coated optics, it offers super high resolution and crystal clear sharp images with great flatness &amp contrast.&nbspComing with 6.7X-45X large zoom magnification range,&nbspit meets all of your embryo microscope specifications. This microscope is perfect for checking equine embryos condition and seeing if they are ready to be transplanted into the equine mare. It is an ideal instrument for scientists studying embryology to analyze in detail the formation and development of a certain embryo. It is also a right microscope for any application where a hot stage glass is unacceptable. This microscope is made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It comes brand new in original box. Its retail value is $3600. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 3.5X-45X Ultimate Zoom Microscope with Two Lights $759.5 This binocular extreme widefield stereo microscope is a fully coated optical system with super high resolution, giving sharp and crystal clear images. With extreme widefield high-eyepoint 10x eyepieces, it offers 3.5X-45X continuous zoom magnification with extremely good flatness and contrast. It provides large zoom range and long working distance. This microscope comes with both Epi-illuminator and transmitted illumination systems. It is an ideal instrument for biological research, semiconductor and other industries that require precision-oriented observation. This stereo microscope is brand new in original box. Its retail value is about $3,000. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 6.7X-90X Ultimate Zoom Microscope with Two Lights $759.5 This binocular extreme widefield stereo microscope is a fully coated optical system with super high resolution, giving sharp and crystal clear images. With extreme widefield high-eyepoint 10x eyepieces, it offers 6.7X-90X continuous zoom magnification with extremely good flatness and contrast. It provides large zoom range and long working distance. This microscope comes with both Epi-illuminator and transmitted illumination systems. It is an ideal instrument for biological research, semiconductor and other industries that require precision-oriented observation. This stereo microscope is brand new in original box. Its retail value is about $3,000. Type: Microscopes

Microscope Blue Zorb $43.99 CARSON MM-480B ZORB™ USB DIGITAL MICROSCOPE WITH 35X OPTICAL ZOOM (SURF BLUE)

Microscope Green Zorb $43.99 CARSON MM-480G ZORB™ USB DIGITAL MICROSCOPE WITH 35X OPTICAL ZOOM (SAFARI GREEN )

Microscope Orange Zorb $43.99 CARSON MM-480O ZORB™ USB DIGITAL MICROSCOPE WITH 35X OPTICAL ZOOM (LAVA ORANGE)

Microscope Zpix 1.3 $56.99 CARSON MM-740 ZPIX™ 200 USB DIGITAL MICROSCOPE WITH 26X–130X OPTICAL ZOOM

Talking Microscope $39.95 Award Winner InformationThe Ideal First Microscope. Zoom in on learning! The Talking Microscope engages kids in the awe of discovery at an early age. Twelve prepared slides reveal close-up views of insects as the "talking" microscope explains fun facts and tests new knowledge with the Bug IQ quiz. Features 5X focusing magnifier and a light for easy viewing. Uses 3 C batteries (sold separately). Family Fun Toy of the Year Award. Ages 5+.

60X~100X Zoom Microscope with LED Illumination Light $11.9 - A mini sized illuminated zoom microscope- Ideal for electronic engineers, hobbyists, collectors, scientists and students- Powered by 3LR 1130 batteries (included)- Comes with a leather protective pouchSpecificationsDimensions: 3.31 in x 1.34 in x 0.79 inWeight: 1.59 oz

Carson MM24 MicroBrite 20x40x Zoom Pocket Microscope LED Lighted $23.79 The Carson MicroBrite 20x40x Zoom Pocket Microscope with Builtin LED MM24 is a small and compact microscope with a builtin LED illumination. 20x 40x zoom magnification that will give you close up views of small objects. Allows for slides to be placed over the base making it great for viewing leaves and other flat objects. The Microscope s built in LED light will illuminate objects enabling for a clear and bright view. Portable and fits easily in your pocket to bring with you anywhere. Quality microscope that is fun for all ages.

AmScope 7X-45X Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope Head $284.18 This is a 7X-45X zoom magnification trinocular stereo microscope head. It includes a pair of super widefield high-eyepoint 10X eyepieces and foldable eyeguards. It comes with 45-degree inclined 30mm eyetubes with diopter. Its trinocular port enables to add photo or video capability. The microscope provides sharp clear erect stereo images over a large zoom magnification range. Its super widefield optics and high-eyepiont design ensure an easy and comfortable observation. This microscope head fits all the stands with a 3" (76mm in diameter) O-ring holder. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line that makes optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Its retail value is $950. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 3.5X-180X Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope Head $362 This is a 3.5X-180X zoom magnification trinocular stereo microscope head. It includes two Barlow lenses (0.5X & 2.0x), two pairs of super widefield high-eyepoint eyepieces (10X & 20X) and foldable eyeguards. It comes with 45-degree inclined 30mm eyetubes with diopter. Its trinocular port enables to add photo or video capability. The microscope provides sharp clear erect stereo images over a large zoom magnification range. Its super widefield optics and high-eyepiont design ensure an easy and comfortable observation. This microscope head fits all the stands with a 3" (76mm in diameter) O-ring holder. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line that makes optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Its retail value is $1250. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 7X-90X Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope Head $293.98 This is a 7X-90X zoom magnification trinocular stereo microscope head. It includes a 2.0X Barlow lens, a pair of super widefield high-eyepoint 10X eyepieces and foldable eyeguards. It comes with 45-degree inclined 30mm eyetubes with diopter. Its trinocular port enables to add photo or video capability. The microscope provides sharp clear erect stereo images over a large zoom magnification range. Its super widefield optics and high-eyepiont design ensure an easy and comfortable observation. This microscope head fits all the stands with a 3" (76mm in diameter) O-ring holder. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line that makes optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Its retail value is $1050. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 3.5X-90X Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope Head $312 This is a 3.5X-90X zoom magnification trinocular stereo microscope head. It includes two Barlow lenses (0.5X & 2.0X), a pair of super widefield high-eyepoint 10X eyepieces and foldable eyeguards. It comes with 45-degree inclined 30mm eyetubes with diopter. Its trinocular port enables to add photo or video capability. The microscope provides sharp clear erect stereo images over a large zoom magnification range. Its super widefield optics and high-eyepiont design ensure an easy and comfortable observation. This microscope head fits all the stands with a 3" (76mm in diameter) O-ring holder. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line that makes optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Its retail value is $1050. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 7X-180X Trinocular Zoom Stereo Microscope Head $312 This is a 7X-180X zoom magnification trinocular stereo microscope head. It includes a 2.0X Barlow lens, two pairs of super widefield high-eyepoint eyepieces (10X & 20X) and foldable eyeguards. It comes with 45-degree inclined 30mm eyetubes with diopter. Its trinocular port enables to add photo or video capability. The microscope provides sharp clear erect stereo images over a large zoom magnification range. Its super widefield optics and high-eyepiont design ensure an easy and comfortable observation. This microscope head fits all the stands with a 3" (76mm in diameter) O-ring holder. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line that makes optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Its retail value is $1050. Type: Microscopes

Binocular Stereo Zoom 7x-45x Microscope $937.5 7x-45x Zoom magnification10x wide field eyepieceHead rotates 360 degreesTransmitted and Oblique illuminationCoarse adjustmentsIncludes spare bulb and fuse, power cord, specimen plate and plastic dust cover

Trinocular Stereo Zoom 7x-45x Microscope $1046.9 7x-45x Zoom magnification10x wide field eyepieceHead rotates 360 degreesTransmitted and Oblique illuminationCoarse adjustmentsIncludes spare bulb and fuse, power cord, specimen plate and plastic dust coverTrinocular tube for viewing or can be used with an adapter for digital imaging

zPix™ USB Digital Microscope with 26x-130x Optical Zoom $76.49 The zPix™ from Carson Optical is a powerful Zoom Digital Microscope that displays the magnified image right on your computer screen. The impressive 26x-130x Zoom magnification allows you to see details of ordinary objects you never knew existed! Capture an image to keep using the built-in 640 x 480 resolution digital camera. You can even capture close-focus video! A USB 2.0 port is required. Includes a specimen base, 3 blank slides, 1 prepared slide, forceps, eyedropper, USB cable, and CD ROM software.

Carson zPix MM-640 Digital Microscope $59.95 Carson zPix Digital Microscope MM 640 with Integrated Camera 26x to 130x Digital Zoom

AmScope 7X-45X Articulating Trinocular Zoom Microscope + Ring Light $685.98 This trinocular 7X-45X zoom stereo microscope with an articulating stand gives sharp and crystal clear images with high resolution. It comes with 30mm super widefield high-eye-point 10X eyepieces, a fluorescent ring light, a versatile articulating arm stand, and a trinocular port for photo or video attachment. This microscope provides 6.5:1 large zoom range and 4" (100mm) large working distance. It is an ideal instrument for research labs, gemologists, collectors, engravers, and anyone in semiconductor and/or electronic industry. This stereo zoom microscope is brand new in box. Its retail value is above $2,200. Type: Microscopes

Ultra Mini 60x-100x Zoom Microscope with LED Light(3x Button Cell) $6.86 - A mini sized illuminated zoom microscope- Ideal for electronic engineers, hobbyists, collectors, scientists and students- Powered by 3¡ÁLR 1130 batteries (included)- Comes with a leather protective pouch

60X-100X Zoom Focus LED Illuminated Microscope Pocket Magnifier Jewelry Loupe $16.98 - 60X-100X glass lens pocket microscope - Provides a bright, stable and clear image of an object - With LED light for a longer lasting light - Portable design, fits easily in your pocket - Easy-to-use control wheels allow for adjustable focus and zoom - Identify even the smallest pests with this microscope! - Has on/off switch - Package included: - 1 x Microscope - 1 x Back Case Cover - 1 x Cleaning Cloth - 1 x Pouch

AmScope 7X-45X Stereo Zoom Inspection Microscope with 80 LED Ring Light $420.42 You are bidding on a stereo inspection microscope with intensity-adjustable 80-LED ring light. It offers super widefield optics, 7X-45X (6.5:1) zoom magnification power and cool light illumination. It is a perfect inspection system for industrial inspection and biological applications that require low heat release. This microscope is an ideal instrument for gemologists, collectors, manufacturing engineers, and anyone in semiconductor and electronic industries. It is also the right microscope for biological laboratory applications that require low heat release. Its Retail Value is $1,300. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 6.7X-180X Trinocular Zoom Stereo Embryo Transplant Microscope $1126.98 This top quality trinocular stereo zoom microscope is designed for animal breeders, veterinarians and scientists for the application of artificial insemination. With extreme widefield high-eyepoint fully coated optics, it offers super high resolution and crystal clear sharp images with great flatness &amp contrast. Coming with 6.7X-180X large zoom magnification range, it meets all of your embryo microscope specifications. The trinocular port enables to add photo or video capability. This microscope is perfect for checking equine embryos condition and seeing if they are ready to be transplanted into the equine mare. It is an ideal instrument for scientists studying embryology to analyze in detail the formation and development of a certain embryo. It is also a right microscope for any application where a hot stage glass is unacceptable. This microscope is made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It comes brand new in original box. I Type: Microscopes

AmScope 3.5X-45X Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope on Single Arm Boom Stand $430.22 This trinocular 3.5X-45X zoom stereo microscope on a single-arm boom stand gives crystal clear sharp images. It comes with a trinocular head with super widefield optics and a sturdy single-arm boom stand. The trinocular port enables to add photographic or video capability to the microscope. Its 45 degree inclined trinocular oculars and high-eyepoint optical design ensures a comfortable observation for all kinds of users including eyeglass wearers. The single-arm boom stand allows to turn the microscope head around two different axes, allowing you to point microscope head in various directions. This microscope offers high resolution, super widefield of view, large magnifying zoom range and long working distance. It is an ideal instrument for researchers, gemologists, engravers, and anyone in semiconductor and/or electronics industry. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 3.5X-90X Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope on Single Arm Boom Stand $455.7 This trinocular 3.5X-90X zoom stereo microscope on a single-arm boom stand gives crystal clear sharp images. It comes with a trinocular head with super widefield optics and a sturdy single-arm boom stand. The trinocular port enables to add photographic or video capability to the microscope. Its 45 degree inclined trinocular oculars and high-eyepoint optical design ensures a comfortable observation for all kinds of users including eyeglass wearers. The single-arm boom stand allows to turn the microscope head around two different axes, allowing you to point microscope head in various directions. This microscope offers high resolution, super widefield of view, large magnifying zoom range and long working distance. It is an ideal instrument for researchers, gemologists, engravers, and anyone in semiconductor and/or electronics industry. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 7X-180X Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope on Single Arm Boom Stand $465.5 This trinocular 7X-180X zoom stereo microscope on a single-arm boom stand gives crystal clear sharp images. It comes with a trinocular head with super widefield optics and a sturdy single-arm boom stand. The trinocular port enables to add photographic or video capability to the microscope. Its 45 degree inclined trinocular oculars and high-eyepoint optical design ensures a comfortable observation for all kinds of users including eyeglass wearers. The single-arm boom stand allows to turn the microscope head around two different axes, allowing you to point microscope head in various directions. This microscope offers high resolution, super widefield of view, large magnifying zoom range and long working distance. It is an ideal instrument for researchers, gemologists, engravers, and anyone in semiconductor and/or electronics industry. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 7X-90X Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope on Single Arm Boom Stand $430.22 This trinocular 7X-90X zoom stereo microscope on a single-arm boom stand gives crystal clear sharp images. It comes with a trinocular head with super widefield optics and a sturdy single-arm boom stand. The trinocular port enables to add photographic or video capability to the microscope. Its 45 degree inclined trinocular oculars and high-eyepoint optical design ensures a comfortable observation for all kinds of users including eyeglass wearers. The single-arm boom stand allows to turn the microscope head around two different axes, allowing you to point microscope head in various directions. This microscope offers high resolution, super widefield of view, large magnifying zoom range and long working distance. It is an ideal instrument for researchers, gemologists, engravers, and anyone in semiconductor and/or electronics industry. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Type: Microscopes

AmScope 7X-45X Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope on Single Arm Boom Stand $367.5 This trinocular 7X-45X zoom stereo microscope on a single-arm boom stand gives crystal clear sharp images. It comes with a trinocular head with super widefield optics and a sturdy single-arm boom stand. The trinocular port enables to add photographic or video capability to the microscope. Its 45 degree inclined trinocular oculars and high-eyepoint optical design ensures a comfortable observation for all kinds of users including eyeglass wearers. The single-arm boom stand allows to turn the microscope head around two different axes, allowing you to point microscope head in various directions. This microscope offers high resolution, super widefield of view, large magnifying zoom range and long working distance. It is an ideal instrument for researchers, gemologists, engravers, and anyone in semiconductor and/or electronics industry. It is made by the same technicians and on the same production line as optical instruments for Leica, Zeiss, Nikon and Olympus. It is brand new in factory box. Type: Microscopes