The invention of the microscope changed the way we look at our world. By allowing us to see what we could not with our naked eye, it was as though a new universe were unveiled. In our modern world, we now have entire fields of science devoted to studying this tiny world, with a multitude of microscope types to help view it. With microscopes nowadays being more accessible than ever, with several affordable options and applications, you too can get a glimpse of the microscopic world.
When looking at microscopes, it is helpful to know what makes it work. Typically, one looks through an eyepiece, which is linked to an objective lens, the component which does the magnifying. Microscopes can come in compound, stereo, or digital varieties, which differ in how these pieces are arranged. In compound microscopes, there are either one or two eyepieces that look through the same objective lens. They are the most common type of microscope, many allowing for very high magnification, mostly suited to viewing items on glass slides or petri/culture dishes. Stereo microscopes use two objective lenses, one for each eyepiece, giving you depth perception you can’t get with a compound microscope. Stereo microscopes are also known as dissecting microscopes, as their low magnification and dual-objective perspective makes them ideal for magnifying larger objects which you’d like to see in more detail. Digital microscopes are used to display an image on a monitor, rather than looking through a lens.
Here we compiled a some great options for entry-level microscopes that will allow you to look at the world on the tiniest of levels.
My First Lab Duo-Scope Microscope – MFL-06
Purchase on Amazon
The Duo-Scope from My First Lab is a compound microscope that comes with 3 objective lenses allowing for different levels of magnification (40x, 100x, 400x). It can be converted to function like a dissecting scope (like stereo microscopes), allowing you to view larger, whole objects not on slides. With no cords, it offers portability and it also comes with several accessor
ies such as blank slides and cover slips, along with stains, and more to allowing you to prepare your own samples for viewing under the microscope. Makes a great microscope starter.
My girls absolutely loved it! Purchased it as a birthday gift and it was the hit of the party!
AMSCOPE-KIDS M30-ABS-KT2-W Microscope Kit with Metal Arm and Base, 6 Magnifications from 20x to 1200x, Includes 52-Piece Accessory Set and Case, Awarded The 2016 Top Pick of Microscopes For Beginners
Purchase on Amazon
The Kids M30-ABS-KT2-W Microscope from AmScope is a compound microscope with 3 available objectives allowing for magnification up to 300x, 600x, and 1200x. This microscope, along with providing levels of high magnification, also comes with a huge amount of accessories to expand your use of the microscope. From blank slides, already prepared slides with stained samples, and even brine shrimp (Sea Monkeys!) eggs for you to watch hatch and grow, it provides several ways for you to enjoy your microscope. A fantastic value.
AMSCOPE-KIDS M30-ABS-KT51 120x-1200x 6-Powers Metal Frame & Base with 52-pc Accessories, Among the TOP 3 PICKS of the Best Student Beginner Microscope Kit in 2016, Recommended by Multi Organizations
Purchase on Amazon
And it also comes in black!
AmScope AWARDED 2016 BEST STUDENT MICROSCOPE 40X-1000X Dual Light Optical Glass Lens All-Metal Framework Student Microscope + Microscope Prepared and Blank Slides
Purchase on Amazon
Another entry level compound microscope, this kit comes with 3 objective lenses, and two levels of eyepiece magnification, giving you up to 5 levels of magnification (40x, 100x, 250x, 400x, & 1000x). In addition, has several accessories, such as 5 blank and 5 prepared sample slides, to allow you full enjoyment of your microscope. It also comes with a book with information about microscopes to help spur your imagination and open the microscopic possibilities available to you.
AMSCOPE-KIDS SE100ZZ-LED Portable LED Stereo Microscope with 20X and 50X Magnifications
So far all the microscopes we have presented have been of the compound variety, with a single objective, although some also come with lighting options to allow you to use them as in a manner similar to stereo microscopes. However, the AmScope SE100ZZ is a true stereo microscope, with two objective lenses, and 2 levels of magnification (20x and 50x), allowing you to view greater detail of objects that aren’t suited to being mounted under a slide coverslip. Take just about anything that fits on the microscope stage and get a new perspective that you’d is sure to expand your mind. Ideal for those with high levels of curiosity about the world around them, this quality microscope is a great entry level alternative to a compound scope.
