🔬 Choosing a (more expensive) microscope | Amateur Microscopy

There are several options and here I want to give you an overview.
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[@bobabela]

A nice, well-rounded answer. Like you, I think emphasis on a trinocular is most important. Lucky kid to have parents who are willing to support his interests like this. I think that’s great!

[@timothyds7453]

RE: don't forget about second hand high-end microscopes as a beginner As a biologist I had the fortune of training microscopy at university on the 'Olympus CX40'. It also had a 'drawing tube' // 'camera lucida' accessory which allows you to look at an object and at the same time see a "ghost image" of your pencil on the piece of paper you put beside the scope. So basically you can trace the lines of whatever it is you're observing and make decent drawing even if you, as myself, suck at drawing. The university also had them for the stereo microscopes. accessible Yet, I think there is a charm and fun to be had from "playing around" with them. I would love to find an affordable one that fits my current scope. But I'm going of topic. Around that same time I bought myself a personal microscope and was lucky to be able to buy a late 60's early 70's 'Olympus E binocular' microscope. It also came with the Kohler illumination and a giant transformer for that lamp. I've been able to compare the image quality of both the 'CX40' and my 'Olympus E'. I payed I think about 230 euro for the E. The objective lenses on the E are way smaller physically than the ones of the CX40, yet I didn't notice that much difference in the viewing quality of samples. The E was one of the ultimate scopes of its time, so that's not that big of a surprise. So to anyone starting out in microscopy: "don't forget to look at the second hand market for old high-end microscopes". Not only is the price/quality unbeatable, it will remain a nice collectible if you ever do decide to buy a modern one. Thanks to the good quality of this E, I will be able (if I ever so desire) to skip right to buying the high-end scope. You'll need to watch out online because many old scopes are still overpriced, but if you're lucky you can get something far superior to modern mass made medium-level scopes and that for a fraction of the price. It also adds some charm to have a full metal one which has a decades long story to tell vs a modern plastic one.

[@lotharmayring6063]

Zeiss is verry much better than this japanese Olympus

[@tomdaigon8707]

As someone involved in astrophotography, I decided to explore photomicrography on evenings when the skies were cloudy. As a life long photographer (Im 66) I decided to get what I thought would be a good microscope based on your suggestion of the OM 036. I got one (OM139) that had many problems and returned it. I found another company that also sold Chinese microscopes (Accu-scope 3001 LED trinoc)) BUT when they receive them in the US, they do extensive QC on them to make sure they were in tip top functioning condition. I added an expensive but excellent performing camera (3.1MP USB 3.0 Global-shutter Color CMOS ) and for around $2200 have a setup that takes wonderful still and moving images. Not a Leica or Zeiss system but a solid performer that produces professional looking results.

[@B01]

Amscope seems to have the most advanced "after purchase" options of the lower priced brands. Omax and swift don't even offer fluor objectives, while amscope offers all the way up to plan apo

[@fredashay]

That letter at 1:00 is exactly what prevented me from buying a high-end microscope! I just wanted to see the scopes listed on the page with prices with optional attachments. But the only way to get any information out of those people was to talk to sales reps. I *_HATE_* talking to sales reps!!! So I ended up buying an entry level OMAX M8333 because the site listed all their products and options with prices and so I could pick and choose what I wanted and pay for it and be on my way... Speaking of piano, when I was a little kid, I started "plinking" on our piano. My parents noticed and sent me to a private piano teacher -- a strict old lady who killed my interest in the piano 😞 And that ended that...

[@lodewijkvanwalraven2051]

Good suggestions, in this case I would suggest to buy a second hand trinocular model of one of the previous generations (e.g. around 200s) of the basic models of the premium brands, either one that has phase contrast or where the condensor can be exchanged for a phase contrast one. These will have infinity objectives which can be bought new if needed, and still lots of spare parts available. The money saved can then be invested in a nice camera/adapter.

[@jimzielinski946]

All good advice. I would add that for any instrument that has electronics, the electrical components don't age as well as the mechanical and optical components. For old microscopes, you can find replacement light bulbs, but if the instrument has a transformer in its lighting system, it can go bad. Transformers, guaranteed to work, for old microscopes can be hard to obtain. I would also not recommend buying any used advanced system that requires a computer. Frequently on eBay, the old microscopes may be just fine, but the included computer systems are way obsolete. The seller may not even have the required passwords and software keys even if the computer works. "Less is more".

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

There are also some microscopes with built-in monitor that I would avoid, because this also becomes obsolete quickly (low resolution camera etc).

[@johnharvey4496]

Good explanation, I agree - don't be afraid to buy a 2nd hand microscope of a quality brand, such as Zeiss Std 16 possibly with the Phase condensor and objectives. It might be 50 years old, but if it was used in a laboratory environment, for example asbestos fibre counting it will be in good condition. You'll save heaps and furthermore, these are solid pieces of equipment, with the image quality ultimately dependent on the objectives and they will usually have a binocular or trinocular head. I have two Zeiss's like this myself and they are well ahead of any cheap Indian or Chinese 'scope - you know the units that advertise as having 2000x magnification (that "feature" unfortunately catches the eye of the novice) Oh, if you cannot find a trinocular, the cheap eyepiece adaptors to fit your mobile phone work well for photography. Finally, not wanting to be too critical, may I suggest that you don't cut your hair yourself - that fringe is a shocker.

[@bariseker4193]

My budget is about max 5K euros as a hobby microscober. Does Motic BA 410E make sense? As a child, I had a standard microscope, which I used several years, so I am into microscoby.

[@stevelevitt]

Do you know of a way (hopefully not too expensive) that I can attach an infrared spectrometer (including a slit and diffraction grating) to the vertical tube of a trinocular microscope along with a digital camera and associated software that can produce the infrared spectra of the specimen being viewed through the binocular eyepiece? This allows identification and study of the elements and molecular components (infrared vibrational spectra) of a specific portion of the specimen. The field of microspectrophotometry is facinating but the mainstream instruments are prohibitively expensive for the individual hobbyist microscopist.

[@conceptSde]

Just my 2 cents: Here in Germany one of the most popular microscopes among hobby mycologists is the Olympus CH-2, which is a well expandable model more than 30 years old. There is a quite huge market for used microscopes as well as add-on equipment like phase contrast, objectives etc. I own one Ch-2 that I use for phase contrast only and have the slightly newer CH30 model with Plan objectives and trino head for everything else. All together this cost me little more than 1.000 Euros - for two complete devices! Yes, no Koehler illumination on both. But at least 90 per cent of very experienced microscopists I know say that there are only very few use cases where it makes a visible difference even in photography. With the CH2 you should only look it is the version with halogen or retrofit LED lighting. The tungsten lighting has many drawbacks like extremely expensive bulbs (50 Euros each). Even for educational use in colleges and universities these old CH2, BH2 (even more expandable) or CH30/40 models are still common work horses. They are built to last a human lifespan.

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

I have the Olympus CH40 since 1998 and can confirm that it's a great microscope.

[@steprob11]

I bought a second hand Olympus BH which is from 1962. I didn't have much success with it playing around with it on my own and have been thinking I would buy a new one. However, thanks to a couple of your videos on using microscopes (and others) , I have been able to use it properly and am now so happy with it that I have given up the plans for a new one. Many thanks!!One of the most useful things you taught me was about the purpose and operation of the condenser. I am still rather confused about the field iris diaphragm ring. It is very stiff too and I'm wondering if I can squirt something around the ring to loosen it up. Do you have a video on it?

[@MrApokalipse666]

I can highly recomend the youtube channel of "Carl Hunsinger", he has a lot of videos how to clean and service the Olympus BH-2 microscopes, also you can find the service manuals and general manuals for a lot of old microscopes as pdf online.

[@hurdurdur7rl696]

Not disclosing price list has only 1 possible reason - to milk the customer for what ever they can.

[@ti62bu54]

very considered and useful general advice. I think too cautious by alot. you should also recommend a few 2nd hand specialists.

[@crazyaz7161]

Your vids are so helpful with microscopy :D

[@negamerisltu299]

Hey Oliver, nice video! I love your videos!

[@Sgyozo]

I'd NEVER buy expensive new stuff for a 12 years old. Or, maybe, some exceptions, if they are really talented and dedicated. But way under 1000 eur we can get a big brand microscope from the 80's 90's with Köhler, phase contrast, trino head, etc. Get it serviced, cleaned, buy a photo adapter, and still under 1000. Resell value is going to be the same. But i'd wait for a couple of weeks, months for a good deal, that has everything already in it, with matching objectives, etc. It's hard to find accessories, and a lot more expensive that way. A complete unit is maybe 500 EUR, but a trino head alone is 200, objectives are also 100-300.

[@KaladinStormBlessed190]

Nice video like always, i have a question but is not related to this video, i purchased a microscope a few days ago and i tried to purchase some canada balsam but I live on uruguay and here all of this microscopy thing is like something only for scientists or professors so the lack of shops of microscopy stuff its a real problem, anyway i find a shop which sells things for microscopy and purchased "Canada balsam" but in the bottle it says "immersion oil" so i asked to the shop dealers and they say its the same thing, its this true? 🤔 And please can u tell me some mounting mediums easily to get or where can i find information about different mounting mediums because here is nowhere to find "mounting mediums" and i'm really lost about how can i get some mounting mediums. Hope u see this message u can save me Oliver 🙏🙏😇 thanks for all ur hard work and for spread this beautiful hobby among us, im sure im not the only one which had purchased a microscope because of ur videos. Anyway thanks for all sir!

[@MicrobehunterMicroscopy]

They are NOT the same. Don't confuse Immersion oil with Canada Balsam. Don't get Canada Balsam on your objective lens. Generally Canada Balsam is a "traditional" mounting medium, but difficult to use, because the specimen has to be completely dehydrated and in Xylene (hazard). I like Euparal a lot (good for insect slides) and other things. www.microbehunter.com/different-types-of-mounting-medium-for-microscopy/ To practice, you might try clear nail polish (nitrocellulose) but it shrinks quite a bit, so allow it to become thicker and don't use too much of it. Here is more information: www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artjun04/wdmtmedia.html

[@KaladinStormBlessed190]

@@MicrobehunterMicroscopy thanks you very much! I will check the links, figure out how microscopy it's so poor extended on my country that the shop keeper from microscopes and related stuff tells me canada balsam and immersion oil are the same 😂

[@Spacecomber]

I would tend to encourage someone buying a microscope for a twelve year old not to jump to a laboratory quality model with a lot of advanced features. I am assuming that this youngster likely will be learning to use the instrument as they go along, probably self-taught and depending on a fair amount of trial and error to build up their skills. I think everyone would be more comfortable if there were some allowances made for mistakes and things getting damaged by accident during this early phase of learning microscopy. Of course, if he or she has a mentor who can provide regular hands on guidance, it might be a different matter. Just my 2 cents.

[@peterc5512]

I concur. Better to set a specification that best serves near term practical needs, like trinocular infinity corrected plan optics instead of DIN length 160mm due easier expandability, phase contrast to avoid having to stain transparent specimen of your own, but leave the option for the youngster to build up the skills and allow him to eventually upgrade to a fuller system once he specialises, when he can consider the technologies of the time. Definitely a separate camera, not built in.

[@johnrobinson4445]

You are kind of amazing, dude. Much respect.

[@fireball890]

I guess 400 dollar microscope is just very enough for him if it's first microscope. He will learn from mistake. That is good but we dont want the mistake is 4000 dollar.

[@evilchocolatedoge155]

Nice

[@renderuthis]

Im 3.5 minutes in and have so far zero information, should i continue?

[@Crumbed304]

yes

[@lolmetyuri]

Yes

[@lotharmayring6063]

none of this microscops have a variable tubus langth and they cannot bend the condensor, so on my opinion all are bullshit. Every microscoper knows that Zeiss makes the best microscops there is no doubt. And only the best microscope for my childs !!!!!!!!!!!!