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.
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