Top Microscopes for Every Budget: Best Picks for 2024

[@Argosh]

I don't have a microscope. I don't have plans for buying a microscope. I don't have even the remotest theoretical need for owning a microscope. I'm learning about microscopes today.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

They satisfy curiosity if nothing else. I see specks in drinking water, put a drop under the microscope and inspect it. Of course then there's the problem of interpreting the result of what you see, but at least you can usually tell if it is a mineral or if it is moving.

[@theqdie]

Keep that energy with your curiosity and you might need one sooner than you think if you wanna know more you will

[@SLURPZZZ4461]

The things you can see are so cool

[@Tirubix]

not to be rude, but do you have ADHD or ADD haha, beceause same for me, im a student IT, i'm supposed to be studing for exams, but i'm looking up microscopes haha

[@Argosh]

@@Tirubix totally. Been diagnosed decades ago 🤣

[@SCUBAdfq]

I purchased an Amscope M150C, alongside a Carson micro flip, and It's been pretty a pretty good choice for me. It was under $100 and it checks all the boxes for a part time hobby.

[@casiaschreyer1742]

This was really helpful and interesting. Thank you for taking the time to share this.

[@NicksStuff]

I didn't think you could get a decent stereomicroscope for $90. Can you install a barlow lens on it to increase the focal distance?

[@dyptorden]

Hi guys. Do you know where can I purchase the smarphone adapter for the Carson 60x-120x? I only found (in EU) the 120x-240x version to come with such adapter. I have the 60x so ... any info would be of great help!

[@cesurkarakus209]

Same... they sell the phone adapter seperately for 5 bucks.. I call this BS...

[@richcurren6888]

Excellent information expertly delivered … just in time for Christmas!

[@Kuba-um8xj]

Got the (one of the) Mega Chonkster(s) in 2022 from the basement as a start (I DO NOT RECOMEND for starters) and giving a try for the MicroBrite today - portability and giving it to your kids is a thing!

[@Sengwon4]

Question: I found a microscope called Sedumic XSP-112RT is it good? I wanna know it its worth buying it more than the swift SW200DL

[@tangerinetanglefish2229]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@cesurkarakus209]

I currently use the CARSON MM-300 60-120X LED MicroBrite Plus pocket microscope for examining tiny insects. However, its shallow depth of field makes it unsuitable for larger insects. So, I’m considering getting the CARSON MM-450 20-60X model. The specifications indicate that the MM-450 has a wider field of view, but there’s no mention of its depth of field. I’m wondering if the MM-450 also offers a greater depth of field?

[@pierre55347]

Hi, is a second hand Zeiss Primo Star binocular better than a Swift 380T or even than an AmScope T720? I plan to film with my phone or perhaps even set some adapter for a micro four third camera.

[@DanielDan-rg9zw]

I found another Carson model Microflip 100x-250x have you tested it? How does it compare to the Microbrite 60x-120x? Thanks!

[@micro_safari]

I have! The magnification was frustratingly high and pretty difficult to use.

[@KeillRandorr]

I would really appreciate it if you would review some of the digital microscopes from temu. You do an in-depth and comprehensive review and would like to know how good they are.

[@keyhole150]

I have tried the majority of digital microscopes from Temu and 97% of them were unusable, definitely avoid.

[@songfantasy670]

Great video! What's the difference between the Swift 350B and the 380B other than the 380B has focusing knobs on both sides?

[@rahan7664]

Hi. thank you for your video. What do you think about the MP-400 MicroPic™ 120x-240x? Is it better than the MM300 60x 120x or is it useless to magnify that much ? Thank you

[@SumAkwardDude]

4:34 can anyone please tell me how he made the background dark like that looks very like Darkfield but how do I do it with a pocket microscope?

[@VonKirda]

Just sent back a sv bony 201and digital camera. I am a complete novice and I failed to make it work. Never got anything focused with any lense. Objective stays the same: discovering the underworld, cells, bacteria and Hades. Also, with a digital camera, what is the point of a binocular ? Any recommendation for learning and choice ?

[@freeroamer9146]

Just what I was looking for. Thanks! 👍

[@josephdavis1426]

Thanks, very well done and informative presentation.

[@Zodliness]

I recently acquired a pre-owned BestScope x1600 compound biological microscope and after a good clean, I was pretty impressed with it's solid build quality and optical clarity, for a mid-priced Chinese microscope, with the ability to mount a digital camera the kids don't have to take turns. Microscopes give curious kids and adults a unique opportunity to peer deep into a fascinating microscopic universe. Thanks for the informative review. 👍

[@dalekcat]

I have a love n hate relationship with made in China stuff. It's has nothing to do with quality and everything to do with do you trust this company. China's capable of offering absolute top quality, but they're also known for faking absolutely anything. So are you getting the quality from a reputable company or an identical knockoff for the same price from a different company

[@micro_safari]

Prefer to see this video as a blog-style webpage where you can compare images from the microscopes side by side? I made that here: microsafari.org/pages/what-microscope-to-buy-in-2024

[@JT7868]

I think your links for the stereo microscopes might be swapped from what you meant them to be

[@straightup7up]

Very helpful, ty!

[@cesurkarakus209]

I didn't get smartphone clip with carson 60-120x?

[@guloguloguy]

THANK YOU, FOR THIS VERY HELPFUL PRODUCT COMPARISON!!!! MUCH APPRECIATED!!!!

[@MaartenVanTongel]

Do I see a Bresser Biolux microscope? (On the far left in the beginning of the video) How does that compare to the Swift SW200DL?

[@epilator3506]

Where can i buy the recommended Phone holder? Or whats the Name?

[@abdullahihussein3034]

Hi thank you for understanding so I need to know which best micro to gemeston

[@ada5447]

I wonder what would you think about carson's MicroFlip (MP-250) which is 100x-250x

[@micro_safari]

We tried it and were not super impressed. The Microbrite Plus is already arguably too much magnification at 60x - 120x. When you start talking about high magnifications in a mobile microscope it becomes impossible to move the samples around by just your hands a small enough distance and is pretty frustrating. There's a reason why high magnification microscope have a mechanical stage.

[@lukelamade6019]

What app should I use for the Digital microscope

[@Romanscii]

This is really helpful. I'm an ant keeper and a microscope would be really useful for identifying different ant species.

[@zachkeck6683]

I’m trying to find a microscope that will let me view the surface of different rubber materials. I’m lost on where to start. I tried a cheap digital microscope that claims to hit 1000x magnification on Amazon but it didn’t do the trick. Should I continue going higher mag on the same digital microscope field, or is there a different category that might be better for these materials?

[@micro_safari]

Ignore the magnification numbers on digital microscopes! They are meaningless. In your case its probably an illumination issue more than anything. I'd start with a digital microscope that has adjustable gooseneck lights at a minimum.

[@zachkeck6683]

@@micro_safari appreciate the quick feedback! I bought a better digital microscope and hope that works out

[@DP-qb1zw]

No inverted microscopes?

[@keyhole150]

This video features mobile, digital, compound and stereo microscopes. Hope that helps

[@oeil6750]

I use AOPICK's coin microscope to look at a collection of coins, and the removable holder market is taken by my kids to look at leaves.

[@jonmichaelgalindo]

I feel like I could just attach any "reflected light illuminator" AKA flashlight if the microscope doesn't include one... I think it'll work.

[@fredlada1634]

I’m looking for a microscope, but it needs all these attributes : - the most compact - most affordable - excellent quality - up to real 1000x magnification - allows Dslr adapter on either a monocular or binocular (No triocular obviously because they are huge microscopes) Seems to be the place where people could help me find what I’m looking for.. *Edited : I just finished watching the video and actually using a Dslr camera to make photographs through a microscope is not it ?

[@bonniehayward9996]

They need to sell parts for this. I have a XClifes and its too short, need a longer arm to take pictures of coins.

[@specktoscope]

thanks for the great information =)

[@juliaroeding]

Best 160 mm din dry lens microscope?

[@Gianma89]

Hi, nice job in going through all the differences of these microscope types. Just for completeness, you can have the same image quality of the Zeiss Axio Imager at a small fraction of the price by using a Zeiss Labscope or Primostar 😉

[@angaglia]

What illuminator comes in the horizon kit?

[@micro_safari]

It is a gooseneck, point source, cool white, 5v LED!

[@EweTubio]

Question please: Can I use a compound microscope without immersion oil? And generally are they better than digital? I want to see garden microorganisms and plant viruses etc. also record onto computer. Any assistance would be appreciated. Also thank you for the time and effort making this 110 hour video

[@Fodp]

You can use a microscope with full clarity without immersion oil but only up to a certain magnification. Usually you only need oil for 1000x magnification. The compound microscopes im used to usually have 40x, 100x, 400x, and 1000x magnifications. For bacterial samples you can clearly differentiate most at around 400x but if you need to observe more specific structures or features then going to 1000x definitely helps. Most modern compound microscopes can connect to a display monitor through a cable and you can view the organisms and record them through the monitor. TL;DR for viruses and bacteria you most likely would need immersion oil for full clarity. As someone who works in a lab with environmental samples I recommend compound microscopes

[@EweTubio]

@@Fodp Hey Mate First of all Thank You kindly for taking the time to explain to me in detail, really do appreciate it. So now in short, from what you have stated, I can buy a compound microscope and it will work as normal up to 1000x anything over I would need immersion oil. (I think I would definitely go for that) Amazon has a HSL for $199.99AU 40x-2500x

[@DP-qb1zw]

Which viruses can you see at 1000x with a light microscope?

[@Fodp]

@@DP-qb1zw mb meant bacteria only

[@creeypiensa]

PLEASEE HELP!!!!! I bought the AmScope T720 only to learn that AmScope doesn’t carry any dark field condenser for this type of microscope. Is there any type of dark field condenser that you think might be compatible with it?

[@micro_safari]

Have you reached out to Amscope directly? It's hard for me to say which of their inventory is compatible.

[@creeypiensa]

@@micro_safari Yes, I did. I’ve actually emailed them a few times and they just say that it is “discontinued” or “we no longer carry those”. However, I do have reason to believe that the ones compatible with the B690, T660, T690 series are compatible with mine, since they are listed elsewhere as compatible with it, but Amscope keeps telling me they are only compatible with those, and not with the T720. Not sure what to do at this point. It’s just terrible that a relatively expensive microscope can’t be upgraded to something as relatively simple as dry/oil darkfield.

[@creeypiensa]

@@micro_safari Are there any other microscopes in the $1000 range that you would recommend besides the T720?

[@micro_safari]

@@creeypiensa Message us through the contact page on our website microsafari.org. I found a handful of darkfield condensers that we purchased from our supplier to do a test run of a "Horizons Pro" kit. I'm 90% sure that it is exactly what you need. You can try it and if it doesn't work you can send it back to us. We also have some polarizing filters for it if you'd like those too.

[@Zonniezonnie_A]

The worst using the phones camera is when it goes in and out of focus and bounces. Even when you disable the option to auto focus I have it happen at the most critical moments and miss the shot

[@cathalmire]

I bought a microscope but has no model name just composite 3 eye microscope 40 x5000. Trying to find reviews

[@marklawrence343]

You did an awesome ❤job my friend 🧡 and you have a great voice for presentation. Thanks a lot. 🎉

[@sharymens8187]

Thank you!

[@theblackswan2373]

Food for thought. Thank you.

[@dominiccooray2667]

Thanks so much for this!

[@garycroftsmicroscopy]

Don’t underestimate the digital microscopes over a stereoscopic microscope if your aim is to film the digiscopes are good, I had a £380 stereoscopic microscope and viewing wise it was amazing but filming through it wasn’t great a sub £200 tomlov was better for filming at least.

[@eloimumford5247]

If i had to buy a microscope for sure this is your site i will come back , very instructive and well built to the details , nice job.

[@HussainFu]

Thank you very much sir 😊❤

[@hussainbel1898]

I was just seeing the 2022 version and was hoping you would release a new one then I looked to the side and saw you just posted a 2024 version That was less than one week old by the way, the videos were amazing. Keep it up.❤

[@johnnypommer7123]

I’m a hobbiest that wants to see up to blood cells and microorganisms that size and be able to film it to show to my family and friends. What microscope should I buy? I apparently need something that magnifies up to 1000x but I don’t want to spend more than $100

[@w8lvradio]

What is the most portable microscope which must be economical that can see bacteria, is highly portable and can be used in the field, for third world use by medical professionals?

[@OhioBiker-l7y]

Just want to study water bears. Would a $200 one work?

[@bariseker4193]

They would absolutely work. Those creatures are up to 500 micrometers. More than enough to see with a 100 $ microscope. I would suggest Bresser biolux nv 20x-1280x microscope.

[@Otsutsuki-Clan-Nation]

Can you post a link in replies to this comment where to buy a light microscope?

[@micro_safari]

Sure thing! microsafari.org ;)

[@bgoode2903]

Thanks for creating this content, nice presentation and very informative, I’m in the market for something that can help me study ‘skin scrapes’ I have sensitive skin and sometimes feel as though there are mites feeding on me…one of these would help me identify what is causing the irritation..!😇

[@CitizenMio]

Just remember, the world is truly a jungle at that scale and most of what you'll see is completely normal and often even vital for us to be there. So don't be getting creeped out too quickly xD

[@sfkeepay]

This is incredibly helpful information…shopping for a microscope requires slogging through an ocean of unclear, misleading, and even deliberately deceptive marketing claims.

[@melgross]

I’d like to buy this model. I’m wondering whether anyone has any experience with the optics of this model. One thing I need it for is to examine phono cartridge styli. The other is to measure parts I machine. So I need the high mag for that. It’s at a good price right now.AmScope ZM-4 Series Advanced Trinocular Stereo Microscope 2X-225X Magnification on Double Arm Boom Stand with Fiber Optic Ring Light and 18MP USB 3.0 Camera Model No: ZM-4TW3-FOR-18M3

[@thehumancondition5764]

Mobile microscopes are an awesome alternative to a magnifying glass for image recovery.

[@retroaries12]

What is the best for seeing viruses?

[@robertvarner9519]

You need a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to observe viruses. A light microscope described in this video will not allow you to see viruses. 🔬🔬🔬🔬

[@Menkii]

Wow, thanks this video is sooo informative truly, I really appreciate putting this video out very informative, especially for free!!

[@bluegizmo1983]

I want to see Quarks, Leptons and Zeptoseconds... What microscope do I need? 😂

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Something from China would work great. There's probably an ebay seller with just what you are looking for!

[@davegeorge7094]

Very good, I love scopes with a view screen, so much better then peeping though optics exactly as needed.

[@robertkat]

Buy the most expensive one you can afford.

[@ZarlanTheGreen]

You mention that the magnification on the digital microscopes are lies ...but make no mention of what the actual range of magnification is, on the ones you mention here. Why is that?

[@micro_safari]

I think I put the magnification numbers overlayed on the B-roll which are an approximate equivalent to optical magnification numbers. Generally though magnifications for digital microscopes don't hold as much value since the final quality of the image also greatly depends on the quality and system integration of the image sensor. If it's 2x more magnified but is 3x worse image quality then there's not much point to the 2x more magnification.

[@ZarlanTheGreen]

@@micro_safari The B-roll indicates the magnification used, in those specific instances. Not the actual possible range, that the microscope can manage. This is especially clear, in the cases of two or more different stated magnifications, from different views, from an individual microscope. You do not show any numbers, for the actual magnification of them. (the optical magnification, that is. Not digital "magnification", by cropping the image and having a fuzzy/pixelated image. Real magnification, where you still have a decently clear image)

[@jonmichaelgalindo]

I want to see a microtubule though... It's just so tiny.

[@SynSauce]

Pretends to be a thorough review of all microscope types, tell you nothing about anything except the cheap $20 microscope the video was designed to push.

[@abmbarry]

I have reported the Click-Bait scammer.

[@bariseker4193]

​@@abmbarry wow

[@AnweshaHaldar]

Stopped watching

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

In case no one's mentioned it yet, you got your Amscope stereo microscope links reversed...

[@Diamondhunter555]

Yes I need best microscope

[@FedeFaCose]

Can you do a cameras review compared with some found online like on Amazon, etc? I would love to have one to use and see good movement like for stuff small like sperm

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"stuff small like sperm" You'll need about 100x (or more) magnification for that.

[@VonKirda]

The last 20 seconds spoil a lot. Before, kudos

[@scottgust9709]

your not reputable if you dont include Dinolite

[@charliechimp6917]

100 000 Dollars and you drop it like it's hot

[@carlosduben6629]

Thank you so much for the great video. I dont want to be one of those complaining trolls lol but almost of the microscopes from the first half of the video wobbled when you handled them, I think you might need a flatter table...

[@abmbarry]

Hate the Stupid adds! .... KZbin scammers!

[@maytronix7201]

Lol... I have never heard this question asked in my lifetime. Telescopes... yes Rifle scopes... yes Spotting scopes...yes Bore scopes. Yes Any other scopes but this one

[@dantangelo]

Omuhgawsh. Ty for the carson whatchamacsllit tip im snaggin one of them newfangled thingermajiggers right nerr. hahaaa

[@chiose2904]

Did " Pluggable USB Microscope" works without a battery ? i mean if it work without battery ! its WOW ! and which one is better and " Cheap" 💵💵for " Watches "