How to Shop for a Research USB Microscope

A research USB microscope may still be a behemoth in design and size compared to microscopes designed for student and non-professional use, but it is one you should invest in if you are truly serious about whichever field in science you’re currently studying. A research USB microscope is designed to give you all the help you’d need but at the same time flexible for indoor and outdoor use.

With the updated technological features provided by a research USB microscope, the user will have an easier time observing and analyzing his samples or specimens. With this type of microscope, one can make more efficient use of time and effort and become more productive.

How to Shop for a Research USB Microscope
Camera and Video Capabilities – Never buy a research USB microscope without a built-in or integrated camera. A built-in camera will work better than a camera attachment or accessory because it comes from the same manufacturer, providing seamless integration and performance with the microscope. A built-in camera provides also less hassle, since there’s nothing to attach and detach. Lastly, a built-in camera is usually more enduring and durable.

Take note of the features of the built-in camera as well. First, check the maximum image resolution it can provide for its photos. Unlike actual stand-alone digital cameras, microscope cameras are rarely able to produce mega pixel (MP) resolution. Thus, it’s good enough if your camera has 1280 x 960 image resolution. Also, see if it’s using a reduction lens system; this allows the camera to take photos that would still appear realistic, for instance, even if they’ve been magnified up to 1,000x.

What kind of controls or options is provided for you to adjust image capturing settings? Does it offer both automatic and manual exposure control? How about settings for white balance, image contrast, sharpness, and color? Are all these adjustable and up to what degree?

How about image editing? A built-in camera rarely allows you to edit your photo with the use of actual camera buttons, but they do come with image editing software. If it does, try using it before buying the whole package. Is it simple to use? What kind of editing options are allowed? While microscope users rarely care for artistic features, they do care about being allowed to add graphics, symbols, lines, and charts as overlays. They also care about having to add text overlays and providing captions and notes attached to the photos. Will the software help you view and organize your photos with better ease? It must! What about its video capabilities? Does it have one for that matter? If so, will it be able to capture full motion or will it lag every few seconds?

Eyepiece – Firstly, is your research USB microscope monocular, binocular, dual view, or trinocular? Keep in mind that a binocular microscope is still meant for a singular user but utilizing both eyes this time. If you’re working with a partner you might want to invest in something providing either dual view or trinocular eyepiece holes. Lastly, check the range of eyepiece magnification and it offers widefield view as well.

Objectives – Always look for high-quality objectives. It’s better to go with a research USB microscope offering fewer objectives of extremely good quality than the other way around. Look for the usual characteristics: achromatic, PLAN, and so forth. And lastly, check the range of magnification, too. While the eyepiece is mainly responsible for increasing the size of an image, it’s the objective’s responsibility to improve image resolution. And as clarity is very important when studying images, make sure to obtain maximum objective magnification from your microscope.

Filters, Iris, and Condenser – These are probably the most overlooked parts of a microscope. But if you want great images coming from your microscope, you have to make sure that your microscope’s using at least two filters, an iris diaphragm, and a 1.25 N.A. Abbe condenser. Check if it offers condenser alignment mechanism. Lastly, always look for a rack and pinion frame to let you enjoy smooth movement from the condenser.

Illumination – First, check the type of light bulb used in your light box or light source. It’s better to have halogen light bulbs in place than incandescent ones as they’re less prone to overheating and provide better performance.

Secondly, what kind of illumination techniques does it offer? Can your microscope view samples and specimens in bright field, dark field, phase contrast, and fluorescent illumination? Does it utilize Koehler illumination system for easier alignment? Take care when shopping for a research USB microscope. As it’s more expensive than other microscope models, you might not be able to afford making a mistake in your shopping choice!

For more information, please visit http://www.usb-microscope.com/