Microscopes

There are three types of microscopes: Stereoscopes  (low-power), Student Compound Microscopes  (high-power), and High-Power Professional Microscopes.  For the general consumer, you will probably be looking at one of the first two types.

• Stereoscopes  are microscopes with low power, capable of seeing things like coins, jewelry, insects, germs, rocks, and more. They are easy to use because they require no preparation of the specimen or object. The light shines down from above and not up from under the object, so there is no need for it to be translucent. They have limited magnification (10x, 20x, 30x, and 40x) and only some models offer a zoom. Usually these models are binocular, meaning that they have two eyepieces for 3D viewing.
• Prices start at around $100 and go above $500 for a zoom lens.

• Student Microscopes,  as the name implies, are perfect for students studying science or biology. These high-power microscopes with higher magnification (40x, 100x, 400x, 1000x) are great for seeing cells, microscopic organisms, pond life, blood samples, and more. The eyepieces are often monocular, although some are binocular. In order to see the specimens, special preparation of the object is required because this type of microscope uses light that comes up from underneath and it must be able to pass through the specimen.
• Prices start at around $230.

• Digital Microscopes  are for the professional who wants the high power of a compound microscope, but who also wants the technological superiority of digital imaging built in to the microscope. Usually they are binocular with a third (triocular) piece that is used for the camera. They come with a wide magnification range, optional zoom, adjustable focus on the eye piece, and a progressive scan, low MP digital sensor, with an estimated 1024x768 resolution on many models.
• Prices start at around $750.

• Lab Microscopes  for the professional come with an anti-fungal coating, optional head type (monocular, binocular, triocular), and more.
• Prices start in the $500 range.

• Microscope Kits  are perfect for children. They are small, simple, and inexpensive ($50+). Plus, they offer a way to get familiar with scientific procedures and spur their interest in science and nature.

• Cordless Microscopes  are the newest thing. You can use them anywhere -- field trips or camping. A single charge will supply up to about forty hours of use. Most of them are targetted towards a student audience.
• Prices start at around $300.

Major Brands

• Baytronix 
• C&A Scientific 
• Celestron 
• Discovery Channel 
• Educational Insights 
• Konus 
• Meade 
• Microscope World 
• Newcon Optik 
• Nikon 
• Olympus 
• RadioShack 
• Swift Instruments 
• Zeiss 

External Links

• GreatScopes -- An in depth downloadable guide to buying microscopes that goes way into detail on the specifications.
• Olympus Microscopy Resource Center -- designed to provide an Internet-based educational forum on all aspects of optical microscopy.
• DoITPoMS Micrograph Library -- The Micrograph Library is a fully searchable collection of over 700 (and growing) materials micrographs intended for use in teaching and learning.
• Microscopy.Info -- A list of resources and a guide to microscopy and microanalysis websites on the internet.
• Microscopy UK -- A visual feast of 2-D and 3-D microscopic images, fractals, and movies. Be sure to visit their online magazine, Micscape which contains articles about bacteria from Antarctica to Kombucha to tooth cracks... all with stunning images!
• Microscopy Primer -- A freely accessible, comprehensive primer in microscopy designed to be used on the web or downloaded to your computer. Hosted by Micscape, the monthly magazine of Microscopy-UK .
• Molecular Expressions: Images from the Microscope -- Check out the Photo Gallery for images ranging from amino acids to DNA to dyes and more. Their interactive Microscopy Primer: Virtual Microscopy section has a number of interactive tutorials on Scanning Electron Microscopy, Translational Microscopy, Magnifying Microscopy and more.
• The Protist Image Data -- A collection of microscopic images of algae and protozoa amassed by Charles J. O'Kelly and Tim Littlejohn. Links to additional sources of information about protists are also available on this site.
• Selected Microscopy Resources for K-12 Education -- A rich collection of web resources tailored to K-12 teachers and students interested in bringing the microworld into the classroom.
• Virtual Microscope -- This interactive Web program allows you to learn some basics of microscope use before entering a lab. You can view one of four slides, change the magnification, adjust the focus and light. A seven-minute web-based movie introduces the program.