TOY Microscope v.s. "REAL" Microscope 🔬 Why magnification is not everything

How good are toy microscopes? Comparing different microscopes to each other. I collect a pond water sample and put it under three different microscopes.
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#microbehunter #amateurmicroscopy #microscope

[@Microbehunter]

🖂 E-MAIL MICROSCOPY NEWSLETTER - Keep yourself updated: www.microbehunter.com/newsletter-signup/

[@microman5024]

Hello microbe hunter! May I ask what microscope it is that you primarily use and if I can have the link?

[@SimonsAstronomy]

Nice video

[@fredashay]

What would you say are are the top three brands of high-end microscopes?

[@Microbehunter]

@@fredashay Olympus, Zeiss, Nikon, Leica (no specific order). These are the traditional brands. But also cheaper microscopes can get the job done well (eg Euromex). Much depends on the individual model

[@fredashay]

@@Microbehunter Thank you! Since I couldn't get any technical information about their products from those high-end brands without talking to a sales rep, I looked into the entry-level brands as they are more forthcoming with technical specs on their web sites. I finally decided on an OMAX M8333 trinocular scope with infinity optics. They're having a 15% Laborless Day sale right now so I got it brand new for a decent price direct from the OMAX web site! I really wanted a high-end instrument, but doctors and medical labs use OMAX (Dr. Glaucomflecken named his "Tabitha"). And if it's good enough for doctors and medical labs, it's good enough for me, lol. Once I get it and set it up next to my HO model railroad (don't ask, lol), I'll start searching for the correct adapter for my camera. I don't mind buying the adapter used from eBay or someplace like that. Or I might buy a USB camera made specifically for microscopes. AmScope makes a nice one that includes a monitor as long as it is compatible with OMAX. MicroSafari also makes a nice microscope camera that outputs 4K 60Hz HDMI video (though it's a bit pricey). Again, thank you very much for personally answering my questions and for making your educational videos!!! 🙂

[@shalahmadi]

I also started with a very similar toy microscope in my childhood. Now, I am a histopathologist. I miss looking to variable biological specimens for different species. I really like your content. Keep up the great work.

[@karlbuchanan1363]

You mean the wonder of discovery? Before you have seen it 500 times? The pleasurable meandering through following the mind's curiosity instead of the work order?

[@microscopyuniverse6286]

I am An other histopathologist which started his passion using a toy microscope !!

[@thebowinarrow8398]

@@microscopyuniverse6286 I have a question, I am fifteen and I’m looking for a career path to take, I wanted to be something related to music but that won’t give me a stable salary, what can you tell me about Histopathology, what are the pros and cons and is it hard to be a histopathologist

[@microscopyuniverse6286]

@@thebowinarrow8398 Hi, casually I also did my music career. I play cello and classical guitar but looking for a more stable job, I studied histopathology. In my case, Histopathology has a lot of pros and a few cons. For my colleagues principal cons may be to take a lot of hours looking at the microscope and may be hard to find a job place because our teams are short comparing with other specialities. But for your info, I don’t know any histopathologist without job. After hours, my colleagues may be tired but It is not my case because I usually end the day continuing using my personal microscope looking protists and some times, my own prepared slides with no humane tissues. Histopathology is fascinating because even looking same kind of tissue with same final diagnostic, details and images are different such as every year with its spring. Start you career if you want and with your vocation and dedication you will enjoy as nobody. Good luck

[@thebowinarrow8398]

@@microscopyuniverse6286 thank you, I really appreciate it, Have a great day or night.

[@Universal.G]

1:10, photo bomb lol!!

[@katherinegarber3956]

Ik right

[@donwheeler1545]

I received a Gilbert microscope set for Christmas when I was 12. The optics weren't great and focusing was touchy, but it opened up a whole new world for me. I didn't realize how marginal it was until I got to look through a real microscope in high school biology.

[@madden12]

marginal means there is no big difference, but there is a huge difference

[@missmisiowa]

Thank you for making the video. I find it very informative. As an experienced online seller, I would like to clarify that 5-star reviews are 'fake'. This is done by sellers in many ways; cross feedback, self feedback, purchase-review-cancel, hijacking listings, etc. I hope that this clarifies the reviews. Most buyers who fall for that trap, do not return purchase for many reasons.

[@suvidani]

I have to say the toy scope was not at all that bad. The chromatic aberration was far not as bad as on my old (~20 years) toy microscope. As a child it's already amazing. I think what matters more than the image quality is some kind of mentorship a child can get with the scope.

[@karlbuchanan1363]

Wonder. A sense of joy in wonder is very human, powerful and drives whole careers

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

I remember when I was given a microscope just like that one for Christmas. I loved it!

[@zedsanimations2242]

@Damon Tsekos he has a fundraiser for the microscope so he can use it for youtube educating more people. and his job is teaching students. and he most likely makes more money than you stop bitching and if you don't like him then dont watch him

[@hornstrompgames2946]

@@zedsanimations2242 nooo it is a scam toy microscopes suck Hard to focus, chromatic aperation Very blurry!, and makes kids hate science, please buy amscope Or omano junior scope or any student microscope nooo toys

[@zedsanimations2242]

@@hornstrompgames2946 im not talking about a shitty microscope. im talking about the guys fundraiser

[@hornstrompgames2946]

@@zedsanimations2242 ok

[@zeusafoos1369]

I still have it and just cleaned it

[@josseyt]

Hi. I just want to say thank you. Me and my son just get our first microscope. And you provide great source of knowledge👏👏👏

[@Lewisman-wn6zk]

This video is very enjoyable and informative. As someone wanting to get into Amateur microscopy, I thank you for putting time and thought into it.

[@CesarGarcia-hu3hc]

I wish my parents gave me a microscope instead of remote control cars

[@mikb4372]

Hi after your video i remember my first toy microscope i bought it when i was 12 year old it was at 1983 i make i sample same like you but the result it was different i found it better than my real binocular microscope i will send you video about that i am very surprised

[@kunjibiharisoni2933]

1:10 some one is waving hand behind you

[@RonnieMcNutt_Mindblowing]

3:38

[@jvon3885]

So I went to Goodwill yesterday and found 3 of these type microscopes. I got them all for 15 USD and my daughter who is 5 is ecstatic. I'm going to 3D print a piece that can be attached and I'll ad some lenses from a few CD players and lasers I've taken apart. I've found some really good glass lenses and even made my own makeshift microscope from these. I just can't afford a good quality microscope so these will work for now.

[@microbemaniac7372]

Great video Oliver!

[@DarthVader999]

Thanks! Cool video and informative!

[@pythonhighadder7982]

Those microscopes are epic and for the price -- comes with labs/experiments w/case. But, what sets these models apart is the option of mirror == no power needed. Therefore great for primitive field trips/camp trips.

[@killerzweg509]

I just started with a euromex xlr. I really enjoy it!

[@paulabcdefg]

Thanks for the video!

[@PootaurStuff]

I'm glad you did this review! I have 2 super expensive lab scopes, a Celstron Flipview, and 2 that have the 7" LCD screens. I'm giving my sister one of the 7" ones, but I want to get her a cheap microscope like the one in your video. I havent decided yet which one to get her. Your review sure gives me an idea of what price range to go in. Thanks!

[@TDMstevo]

I took college for granted as my eyes peered through microscopes worth more than my car.

[@karlbuchanan1363]

True. The gear is good

[@powertube5671]

I was lucky. When I was 6 or 7 years old I got a Leitz Wetzler brass microscope with 10X and 50X objectives and a 10X Ocular. I saved up for a 95X objective and also saved up for a new nose piece that would take four objectives. I was able to remove and replace the nosepiece and eventually bought an extra 10X objective and 15X ocular. I saw the toy ones and they weren't even as good as the one you showed. They were all-plastic junk! That was around 1955. I was also fortunate enough to have a mother who played the piano, so I had a real piano available rather than one of those clinky toy ones with a little over one octave. I realize many families were poorer than ours, but, to be honest, kids are more inspired when they have the "Real Thing." The $70 one you showed would be more appropriate. I took good care of my microscope and had it into adulthood and gave it to my niece after buying a more modern microscope.

[@thefortnitecuh4900]

thank you for the link to the microscope!

[@abcd_1234_7]

Great video!

[@ivangirondracovan956]

que genial video ¡¡ I still own my childhood microscope a monolux 900x

[@guoanwen1981]

Thank you for the review. I am looking for a microscope for a 6 yr old. the one you reviewed is the one i was considering. I will take your advice and go for the one in your link.

[@RolandNSI]

I ended up on your channel because i want to buy a microscope that i intend to use for mushroom growing, so it has to be of a good enough quality to track individual spores. Also i saw some of your videos a while back, maybe one or two years, and i know you are a good source of information regarding microscopy. Thank you for sharing the knowledge with us :)

[@ngonidzashemwanjira208]

I really love your videos

[@alexevans7916]

I bought one when I was 10 years old and had a great time with it..used lower magnification...and after your favourable review of the swift I bought one with a camera (actually a gift see later comment)..I now will have two microscopes and two cameras..it's like astronomy you need one and a spare...been getting interesting specimens from the inside of decomposing water Lilly stems...still waiting for my slides and covers. I am using toy plastic slides which are not good at all. Thanks for a great channel.

[@alexevans7916]

It actually was a gift from someone who heard me talking about it's review here.

[@SimonsAstronomy]

I Also had this microscope Nostalgia

[@sgtbrown4273]

When I was building my lab, several friends told me that you definitely need to get a microscope. I didn't really see a reason other than they looked cool😂 I did anyway, And let me tell you they were not cheap! 6,500$ for one of them. But WOW the microscopic world is mind blowing 🤯

[@princewurst]

Wow, i did not expect that the quality difference is soo huge. As a child I also got a toy microscope as a christmas gift and never used and looked through better microscpes since then. My uncle mixed up the microscope with the wished telescope because I was interested in astronomy :)

[@luigiolivobozzano5944]

I started with a microscope like it... A lot of difference between it and a most (very very very most) advanced microscope ;-)

[@asmolbean9300]

The smooth music was so funny to me for some reason

[@savkavaldivia4998]

Thank you 🖤

[@CyBeRTRoNFLuX]

toy microscopes are great for making wall decorations, like a shadow box.

[@Nunley10]

I received a sears 75-300-600 Microscope (similar to that one) for Christmas when I was 8 years old, 47 years ago and I still have it. I've recently purchased a Telmu microscope because of the review you did on it and my granddaughter was really excited over the old Sears microscope. I was going to send pictures of it but couldn't find anywhere to send them. We really enjoy your videos. Thank You

[@DP-qb1zw]

Put a real eyepiece on the Sears one and you will get much better images if you give it to your granddaughter

[@antopac4067]

I had this toy during the early 90's (really brings back the memories)

[@thenightraven60]

I have a very similar set to your toy microscope but I don't get anywhere near the CA as yours. Mine starts at 100x and work a treat for something I got from a charity shop.

[@davewinch7677]

My very first microscope was made of metal and had a maximum power of 300X, which is reasonable and it really worked well for many years.

[@tobe3940]

Thank you! Good vid. My info on microscopes are really outdated so please excuse me if I sound funny when I ask, is getting an electronic microscope still impossible for private individuals both regarding price and the space they need? even for scholars?

[@sebaseduardo16]

I got a microscope like that when I was a kid and I loved it Found it again recently and I was wondering if it is possible to mod it

[@davidswift9120]

Ha!. This is brilliant. I love the elevator music! By the way, I had a delivery arrive today... An Eakins binocular microscope. I wouldn't have known the kind of thing to get without studying your videos. Big thanks!

[@brain.eating.amoeba]

I remember when I got my first microscope; i want to say I was maybe around 8. It wasn't a toy microscope, but it wasn't super high-quality either. When I was 12 I got a really nice microscope- not as nice as the huge one in the video but still very nice. Now I'm 16 and really want to figure out how to use the oil so I can see in the highest magnification

[@Microbehunter]

For oil you also need the right specimen (thin). Only use objectives for oil that have the word "oil" written on it, usually the 100x.

[@brain.eating.amoeba]

@@Microbehunter got it! My highest mag has oil written on it

[@annfambeck2132]

True....king of microscopes...we need a thin membrane and also u can check his video(microbehunter) about oil immersion which was a great video👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@bearsoundzMusic]

@@brain.eating.amoeba Be *very* careful when you turn your objective-head! Oil-immersion is only meant to be used with speciments made with a *proper* microtome! You need a speciment of only 1-3 cell-layers thickness! If the item under your cover-glass is thicker that that, you risk damaging the oil-immersion-objective!!!

[@rickmarkgraf2617]

If you accidentally get oil on the dry objectives, clean it off with a cotton stop and a clean solvent such as xylene. Some older objectives are damaged using alcohol (Leitz) and some American Optical have a paired mask that is dissolved by acetone. In a pinch, use lots of windex. Unscrew the objective and clean the front lens under magnification (use an inverted eyepiece). Use a dry qtip to finish.

[@scirockalot8v]

I always like the tasco 750 I had when I was a 80's kid.

[@dernernernerbuna3072]

1:03 That kid in the background grass 😂

[@tobe3940]

Honestly the reason I ended up never really working much with my microscopes as a kid was that my expectations were indeed too high and optimistically and wishfully unrealistic. I was a kid who was a dreamer, you see, and I guess I expected to see something really great like looking into the microscope and seeing the cure for cancer just waving at me from the other side of the tube and such, so I ended up bored and hopeless with these devices when all I was seeing as a kid in a metropolitan area surrounded by cement and bricks and metals, was commonly somewhat gross zoomed in images of my own hair and at best the leg of a dead mosquito. My head was too much in the clouds for taking my baby steps with the microscope. lol

[@roberthernandez4399]

hello, I bought a very nice vintage American Optical AO 1034 Microscope, it appears that the stage knobs are lock, so my question is what key or lever should I move to unlock the stage so it can move?

[@LISTEDGames]

Hey, I want to buy a microscope that can zoom into solid things, that don't require a transparent slide, which type of microscope is that? Thank you

[@davesmith5656]

The distinction you make between magnification and resolution (clarity of image) confirmed what I had begun to notice, but still was not sure about, comparing USB microscopes to "real" microscopes. I got a USB hand-held for $29.xx, and it gives an image, takes photos, etc.. Then I got a $300 (approximate) compound microscope (I did not know I wanted a "metallurgical" one). I can only get 100x magnification on the compound with reflected light, but what I see is MUCH more clear. Too bad metallurgical scopes are so expensive!

[@rickmarkgraf2617]

Metallurgical microscopes are the same as any compound microscope, but just use reflected light, which you can provide with a desk lamp. If you want polarized light, trash some polarized glasses. Put one over the incoming light and another over the eyepiece (or lower in the path if you wish. Turn one of the pols until the field is darkest. Don't make it complicated.

[@somasishghosal4159]

How good is it to observe maggots fine cephalic skeletons under monocular compound microscope at 5X objective? Your suggestion will really help me. I don't have the option for stereo what can be done?

[@leandrocermelli1540]

How can I clean the lens of the toy micoscope?

[@Microbehunter]

Best not to clean it. The lens seems to be further in (not on top) and can therefore not be reached so easily. Clenaing usually not necessary. The eyepiece can be cleaned with cotton. No solvent as it might attack the plastic.

[@leandrocermelli1540]

@@Microbehunter Gracias!

[@danieloconnor7387]

Thanks. I just bought a microscope for I can test out from cleaning dirty water before purifying water and after I purify water. Thanks for the advice.

[@amera8210]

Thank you for videos, I did buy my daughter her Christmas 🎁 based on your review! Did not eat to with the plasticy ones.

[@thebestplayerdead956]

I just bought my first microscope. It was around $390 with a starter kit. Its an AmScope B120 I believe

[@silvionovais2504]

only after my question did I realize that you had made some suggestions. What is the real? difference between the SW350T and the SW380T

[@Universal.G]

great video

[@hazzardoutdoors]

I have a very simple need to try to spot koi parasites, would this be possible in a cheap national geographic microscope for example....?

[@sterpumihai]

I'm relatively happy with this microscope, I decided to buy it to see if this hobby "gets" me.. it did, for a couple of days :) Then I rarely used it. So in the end the deal was great for me, not too much money invested in something I don't use that frequently. If, however, I'll change my mind in the future, I plan on buying a Levenhuk D870T. The major problem I'm facing is that I don't know how to recognize what I'm seeing and that there is no purpose behind this.

[@lroberge0]

I am looking at a OMAX 40X-2500X Digital Lab Trinocular Compound LED Microscope with USB Digital Camera and Double Layer Mechanical Stage (M83EZ-C02) via amazon. what do you think about that?

[@Peter_Cetera]

Das ist wirklich sehr interessant. Ich habe noch nie gesehen, dass die Einheit NA bei Mikroskopen (bis 1000€) angegeben wird, wo sie doch fast wichtiger als die Vergrößerung ist.... Oder?

[@reedwischhusen5376]

I am currently bidding on a Bresser Microscope Biolux NV 20x-1280x as my first microscope :D want something half decent. better to pay once then end up buy 2 or 3 microscopes cheaper ones not getting the results I wanted. I am surprised how far microscopes and other lab gear has come over the past 10years.

[@massimo790]

I've just bought an Olympus CHA from Germany in pristine condition. I've paid €400. I really love the image quality and contrast. Surely better than this new models on the market.

[@Francois_Dupont]

did you ever make a video about the carson keychain microscope?

[@annfambeck2132]

I dont think sooo

[@Bildgesmythe]

My favorite toy as a kid.

[@supafly6290]

Is KEYENCE a nice brand of microscope? I'm looking for a really good one. Which brand would you prefer?

[@eaglepointtactical8532]

wow what a diffrence !!

[@msgucci6634]

I remember my fist microscope is a toy microscope

[@baryonyx3913]

is a bresser biolux NV 20x-1280x good?

[@mikesmicroworlds4566]

I got a entry level one for about 125$ and it’s pretty darn good haha, but I do plan on spending a little more money, the introductory scopes are great when just starting out :) basically the same one as your introductory one.

[@stargazer4574]

I can't believe a microscope (even a toy one) can get so cheap.

[@karlbuchanan1363]

"Made in ....."

[@stargazer4574]

@@karlbuchanan1363 Obviously the cheaper you go the closer you get to that country, but normal microscopes like the one I own come from Germany and other European countries.

[@rickmarkgraf2617]

Don't buy a toy. They only serve to discourage kids from biology

[@rwharrington87]

1:11 someone is hiding in the bushes 😂

[@jafinch78]

I used toothpicks to shim my focus slide rails and help stabilize the focal area on the cheap Vivitar one I just got. Man, was wobbly... especially changing objectives. Found another that I'll get, hopefully within a few days.

[@jafinch78]

Thanks for sharing!

[@abdulkadirabdirasak3644]

Sir, I'm from Somali i watched much more about your KZbin on microscopic suggestions, and learned many topics how setting up the microscopic, by the way, i wanna buy a new microscopic so, which one will you recommend me to buy. Though i dont want microscopic with camer, but i wanna microscopic with out camera. Pls help me with issue.

[@nejcstepancic8125]

You know what, if I ever have a kid, I'm buying them one as soon as they're capable of using it. I had one and I loved it, even if it wasn't the best. And no, from my experience you can learn proper microscope practice with one of those. I was the go-to for my schoolmates when it came to help with microscopy troughout middleschool and I own a 5000€ microscope at the moment, and I blame it all on that little suitcase with that crappy 20€ toy microscope... 100% the best "i want it, i want it, i want it" I've ever pulled in a toy store as a kid

[@vorox7658]

I hope its fix

[@uno2326]

Very nice

[@DP-qb1zw]

The biggest improvement I could get from a toy microscope was to adapt a real microscope eyepiece onto it. I got usable but not super sharp images all the way up to 600x but much better than with the toy eyepieces.

[@jeffdom123]

Thinking about getting a graduate level amscope for this Christmas to replace my childhood one.

[@laniloveaj]

I have small children toy microscope is a great way especially in childcare

[@jeremyjohnston3615]

my question is why are we not able to see the glass particles ? thank you for sharing and i would be grateful for your answer(:

[@Microbehunter]

Because they are transparent. You can see them a bit if there is a difference in refractive index. To see transparent objects well you need a different technique like phase contrast microscopy.

[@raulmunoz2296]

what microscope is the one in 1:18 ? or at least how much does it cost a basic good one?

[@Microbehunter]

It is not made anymore. But here are related ones: www.amazon.com/-/de/shop/microbehunter/list/1YPPTVIUMJE1C

[@Rufus1524]

Just bought the same one for my little brother, he’s 6, I’m 23. For a 6 year old, I think $30 isn’t bad, if he breaks it I won’t care. But I think it’s cool for him to learn on.

[@narimanjoshi1162]

What stops the toy USB microscopes manufacturers (which shows picture on mobile/laptop screen via USB cable), from adding a focusing knob in addition to the zoom knob? I like those microscopes a lot, as they are available even for as low as $10 and featurewise are very convenient to use directly over the object without the need for a slide. You can also save a snapshot or video easily on your mobile and share. Except for the issue of non existent focussing knob, they seems to be the next generation. Yes, their optics are not good quality and may be using plastic lenses, but can you tell me why they can't add a focussing knob?

[@hunterc7679]

I have that toy microscope and I don’t know how to turn it on does anyone know

[@Myrslokstok]

You should recomend the intermediete ones, that is basicly true about everything. Ex buy the 2:nd cheepest guitar at the musicstore insted oc the plastic one at the toystore for half the prize.

[@flamingotemprist9925]

Thank you for making the video I’m planing to ask my mother for Christmas a microscope for 119 euros it has 40x-2000x and I think it is a little bit better than you showed in the video (for 70 euros…).

[@missymelis27]

Hello, would you be able to see the structure of blood cells with an introductory Microscope?

[@rickmarkgraf2617]

Imagine looking at them through crumpled plastic wrap. Instead buy an older used microscope of good quality, American Optical, Zeiss, Leitz, Bausch &Lomb, Nikon, Olympus, Tiyoda, lastly, Swift or Wolfe. Search and you will find low prices. Avoid toys like the plague.

[@pratappohare6771]

Do you recommend a metzer company microscope for amateur.

[@Microbehunter]

Checked their website. The 77X series seems to make a good impression. I personally don't like the small focus knobs and the fact that the coarse and fine focus knob are separate, but this is a question of taste.

[@karlbuchanan1363]

Thank you. I was just checking blood cells and trying to be cheap - but that won't do

[@douglaspinsak1246]

What would you recommend as the best microscope under $500?

[@dannymusta]

That kid in the tall grass scared me.

[@6p1p]

I found the toy microscope like your sell in Taobao for USD5 .. I bought one slightly better toy microscope for USD10 . I hope have better quality . If i watch your video earlier i will get that one the Euro 80 one.

[@dionfolaa8102]

Hi im from the UK send me a a link for a kids microscope that you recommend, i will buy it

[@holdyourhorses9842]

I bought a Nat. Geo. toy microscope today. I did a test flotation test for parasite eggs in horse manure. It was extremely interesting and I will look for a better quality microscope ASAP. I'm hooked!

[@michaelsorrell9922]

BOUGHT MY DAUGHTER ONE, ALL METAL AND IT WORKS WITH SUNLIGHT AND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATION

[@Ranveer_Singh_Kahani]

Well for someone who never use microscope before..the toy one make me happy...after seeing your video damn...i should contribute something for your channel.

[@Id1ot_sandwhich]

I got the toy microscope a long time ago and I cant see anything through it

[@timy101]

I have that exact model just different kit It belongs to my middle brother. I stole it an I had it for so long it partially belongs to me. For some reason the it I can only see 1 thing with both lenes idk why

[@peterjonesdelacruz]

I'm 36 years old but this just brings back the nerdy child in me who wanted to own a microscope

[@Nikko_0905]

I have both of the cheap microscopes now I gotta complete my collection with an expensive microscope

[@albread]

What microscope magnification is best for a 10 year old? Will A 900x work?

[@Microbehunter]

I rarely use more than 600x. The higher the magnification, the more difficult to see (less light, lower depth of field).