Binocular microscopes

[Chris Raper]

On 8 Feb 2001 12:51:56 -0800, dylansteven at europe14.freeserve.co.uk
(Dylan Lloyd) wrote:

Hi Dylan

Of course it all really depends on what you are wanting to look at.
40x is good enough to ID most flies, wasps or beetles but you will
always come across areas where you need more power (and therefore more
light too) and some things that require slide preparations need a
different kind of scope alltogether. I have just made up my mind that
these areas are out of my reach for the moment - there are plenty of
things I can study with my 7x - 45x zoom scope.

The bottom line is - save up and buy the highest quality one you can
afford. The key to identification is often clarity rather than just
magnification. You can put the same specimen under two microscopes
having the same magnification - but if the lighting rig is under
powered or the quality is poor on one microscope you *will* see the
difference and you will notice the eye-strain after prolonged use.

>Do any readers have advice on the best options for purchasing a stereo
>binocular microscope for entomological use in the UK.

http://www.meijitechno.co.uk/

I have one of their EMZ scopes and a Mini-Fluor light - very good 

Also have a look at: http://www.brunelmicroscopes.co.uk/

I have no experience of them but they seem to be pretty good and cater
for the slightly cheeper end of the market.

My advice is to go down to both of their premises and try them out -
take specimens of varying sizes and types and compare different
scopes. Look at cheep ones and expensive ones and see if you can see
the difference. If they aren't local ask them which shows they will be
exhibiting at - Meiji usually do the AES (Kempton Park) show in the
autumn but you may find they also go to others in your area.

Best wishes,
Chris R.

 
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