We are seeking a microscope with camera for use in microbiology with different organisms from bacteria to human cells, which is good enough, but not too expensive. We're looking at a price not exceeding $ 2000 or 2500. It'll be mainly used for counting cells and visualization of membranes. Any suggestions?
Hello Zaira,
you require a microscope that has high magnification/resolution (for visualising bacteria), phase contrast (for studying membranes) and is also equipped with a camera. It will be difficult to find a robust microscope meeting your requirements in the price range you mention. Zeiss offers a student microscope with camera for roughly 3700 Euro (without VAT). You can find more details here: http://www.zeiss.com/microscopy/en_de/products/light-microscopes/primo-star.html
Maybe you can find such a microscope in used but good condition for a significantly reduced price in the internet. Good luck!
Regards, Christian
Thank you very much for your answer, Christian!
Maybe we could acquire a trinocular microscope without camera and buy it in the future. I know that Zeiss is a very good brand for microscopy, so we think that it could be a good option.
Best regards,
Zaira G.
If you are interested in good price/quality ratio, I advise you to search for Delta Optical microscope. Maybe the optics is not as good as in Zeiss, but I think that it is definitely enough. Last year I bought light microscope with phase conrast for the public engagement project, and I think its very good. You may see some photos and movies from the microscope on my facebook site here: https://www.facebook.com/leeuwenhoekxxi/ The microscope is Delta Optical L-1000 (LED), equipped with 14MP camera.
I suggest you the type what I have bought for myself: an "old timer". A really good and robust universal research microscope from the last phase of the Eastern German branch of Zeiss: from Jena. The name of it is Jenaval. Specialty of it is the broad picture, by using it with phase contrast 100x immersion (planachromat) objective, you are able to see even the chromosomes in yeast during multiplication. Also for bacteria, the quality is exceptional. Completely renewed ones are expensive, but here in the eastern part of Europe you can find second hand ones in very good shape. My other choice is the Jenamed series, from these my favorite is the "Cytology" type. It is also good for your purpose, handling is quicker, image quality = same but with less versatility. As an example for Jenaval in the upper row, in the middle: http://elektro-optika.hu/termekkategoria/second-hand-products/?lang=en
True, older microscopes made by companies with an excellent reputation are usually more affordable. Furthermore, the quality of the optics (e. g., lenses) is sometimes much better than what is sold today.
Cheers, Christian
For the last 10+ years, there has been a push for "infinity" optics, as opposed to 160mm standards (previous iteration) or thereabouts. Not that the Infiniti optics does not have certain advantages but because many labs (with ample funds) have switched to the newer optics, the older microscopes with 160mm optics can be found for very affordable prices- in the range of 20% of the original price, some times even less. The issue is the availability in your area. If you would need to buy one from another country, cost of shipping etc eats away on savings. It may still be worthwhile to look in your area to find a relatively high quality microscope - you may be pleasantly surprised.
There are many cheap new microscopes with all sorts of labels/names that are coming from China. So far, I've not seen any worth spending any money. You will be better off buying a used one from a well-established maker with good optics - Zeiss, Nikon, Olympus - all have their own hierarchy in optical quality. Look for Plan-Apo objectives with high NA.
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