For hobbyists, students, and researchers alike, the quality of microscopes can be vital for many types of jobs. They are an instrument that magnifies and allows you to see objects that are too small for the naked eye. There are several factors to consider when purchasing a microscope.

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The first thing you should think about is what type of work you require. Different tasks will require different magnification ranges. For example, for high school level biology, 400x will be sufficient, whereas 1000x will be necessary for post-secondary education and further academic study. You will want to look for an instrument that has standard high-quality glass optics that have dual focus adjustment settings.

Coarse adjustment works in larger increments, while the fine adjustment is for fine-tuning. Sturdy metal frames are important as well to ensure long-term use. Units with binocular heads can be more comfortable to use. With that in mind, here are the top 10 best microscopes. Celestron 5 MP Handheld Digital Microscope Pro If you’re looking for an affordable microscope with modern digital integration, check out this unit by Celestron. It has a true 5MP sensor that will capture and save high-resolution videos and images of your specimens.

This feature is especially useful for recording data and examining changes over time with your specimen. It features a 5-element infrared cut glass lens with a magnification range between 20x and 200x.

The stand has hands-free adjustable height, making it convenient to use. It features a 4′ USB 2.0 cable to connect to your computer and software that is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. OMAX Awarded Best Compound Microscope – Lab LED Binocular Microscope If you need a high-end microscope with all the standard features, this instrument will get the job done. The optical lens is made from a professional quality glass.

The binocular head is 45 degrees inclined and can be swivelled a full 360 degrees for convenient viewing. It also comes with an easy mount electronic eyepiece. It features 8 magnification levels: the standard 40x to 200x levels, as well as the higher level of 400x, 800x, 1000x, and 2000x. This makes it versatile enough for any range of tasks that require low or high power magnification. There are several features included, such as adjustable ocular diopter on both eyepieces, variable illumination intensity, and coarse/fine focus adjustment.

AmScope 40X-2500X LED Biological Binocular Microscope With its digital integration and large magnification range, this is a good high-end pickup that is versatile. Photoshop for mac 10.9.5. It features 5 magnification settings of up to a whopping 2500x and increments down to 40x. The binocular head has a full 360-degree range of motion for swivelling and sits at a fixed 30-degree incline for comfortable viewing. The framework is built sturdy with a coaxial focusing dial with coarse and fine settings, dual-layer mechanical stage, and built-in LED illumination. Its best feature though is its included 1.3MP digital imager which can capture images/videos straight to your computer. AmScope 10X-20X Widefield Binocular Inspection Stereo Microscope For one of the best-rated lab stereo microscopes on the market, AmScope doesn’t disappoint with this model. The best feature about this microscope lies in its design.