Looking for a quality microscope that wont break the bank

[Tbg299]

I'm just looking for a basic binocular microscope, no more than 1000x magnification, just to ID dinoflagellates, cyano, and diatoms. Any suggestions?

 

[Pistondog]

Had another reefer mention omax, quite a few models listed on Amazon.
A camera would be a nice option.
OMAX 40X-2500X LED Digital Trinocular Lab Compound Microscope with 5MP Camera and Mechanical Stage

 

[Tbg299]

Had another reefer mention omax, quite a few models listed on Amazon.
A camera would be a nice option.
OMAX 40X-2500X LED Digital Trinocular Lab Compound Microscope with 5MP Camera and Mechanical Stage

What about Swift microscopes? Are they good? I don't need a digital camera

 

[Malcontent]

Most people just get an Amscope. I tried to find cheaper options (Aliexpress, etc.) but there really weren't any. Wait for a 10+% sale.

 

[Pistondog]

What about Swift microscopes? Are they good? I don't need a digital camera

Swift stellar 1 is solid, the pro has better optics, more money.
Yes swift is another brand to consider.
I think microscope quality has come a long way in the last 5 years.
You can always get an eyepiece camera if you find the need for one.

 

[homer1475]

If your just looking to ID dino's.....

The kids amscope is decent enough to identify. Think I payed like $30 for mine. The only problem I had with it, it's plastic, and as such it tends to be a bit shaky. For the price I wasn't expecting much, but worked to ID my dino's.

 

[RicanKing]

Had another reefer mention omax, quite a few models listed on Amazon.
A camera would be a nice option.
OMAX 40X-2500X LED Digital Trinocular Lab Compound Microscope with 5MP Camera and Mechanical Stage

This breakes the bank

 

[SPS2020]

There are a number of detailed threads on this topic on R2R. Try doing a search and you will find TONS of references and information.

 

[Tbg299]

I ended up getting this one for $239

 

[Flameback Pair]

@Tbg299 I wouldn’t buy a microscope you might use once a year. What I do when I’m in need of a microscope is take what I need to look at to my veterinarian. He puts it under his scope and helps me troubleshoot for free.

 

[ClownWrangler]

Whatever you do avoid the cheap Chinese digital microscopes on Amazon. The vast majority of them are only in the 80x to 100x range and straight up lie that they are much higher. I reported this to Amazon and they did nothing about it.