An Introduction To Light Microscopy For Younger People and Beginners
by Mol Smith

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  The Microscope
Page 3

Almost all microscopes now are manufactured in China. They are usually 'cap-badged' by the retailer, meaning many models by different sellers are often the same basic Chinese-made microscope. The quality of them can vary from unusable to acceptable. Key points to watch out for:  ensure the lenses are glass optics and not plastic, the microscope should be made of metal with a sturdy heavy base. It is an advantage to have 2 illumination systems for a stereo or binocular microscope - a light below the stage and one to shine downwards onto the stage. A monocular microscope may also have both but in most instances a light below the stage is all that is needed. One of the eyepiece lenses on a stereo or binocular microscope  should be independently focusable to allow for differences between a person's eyes and their vision accuracy. Often, our eyes do not share equal accuracy of focus as can be witnessed when having spectacles made.

Microscopes are now predominantly sold on line via the Internet. Read any reviews by other buyers. Ensure the retailer has a good returns and refund policy in case you receive a poor quality instrument. Never buy a microscope from a toy shop. Such instruments are full of promise and virtually useless in every instance. Most miniature microscopes for use on smart phones are useless too.