For most people, compound microscopes are what easily come to mind when the word microscope is mentioned. They are the commonest types of microscopes and are considered one of the most important laboratory equipment. Compound microscopes perform the major task microscopes are normally associated with. They make use of dual-lens and can significantly magnify small and tiny objects to the extent that their components are visible for inspection and analysis. Microorganisms and such minute objects as plant cells, microstructures of rocks, metals, textiles and more can all be viewed and analyzed with compound microscopes.
Compound microscopes are primarily used in medicine but their usage has steadily expanded into several other industries. Asides from analyzing small biological matters, they can be used to study intricate structures of other objects of interest ranging from micro-structure of rocks to complex patterns in textiles and coins. While they look very much like stereo microscopes, compound microscopes offer more magnification power than stereo microscopes. This is why they are the right choice for most laboratory activities. In spite of the power they boast, compound microscopes are not the most popular in the pack. They are less powerful than electron microscopes (which are actually not available to the public). Compound microscopes are, therefore, the most powerful microscope you can buy.
Just like other types of microscopes, compound microscopes are of different types. There are different manufacturers releasing different models every other year. While this gives you a variety of options to consider, it also makes it pretty hard for you to find the best. You will have to dig deep to identify the best one to buy. To make the experience easier for you, we will review the best compound microscopes available on the market right now and provide more information to help you pick the right one for you.
Our Top 7 Picks
If you are ready to buy a compound microscope, these are the seven best options to consider right now:
1. OMAX 40X-2000X Lab LED Binocular Microscope
Coming from one of the known industry leaders, this OMAX Lab LED Binocular Microscope is one of the most versatile compound microscopes on the market right now. It is ideal for home use, school, teaching, demonstration, clinical examination, as well as laboratory and advanced applications. It is an award-winning instrument that represents the perfect balance between quality and value. It features a mechanical stage and adjustable handles to improve user experience. The coaxial coarse and fine focus knobs on both sides of the instrument will let the user adjust the focus easily for the desired result.
This fully-featured microscope offers distinct 8 levels of magnifications starting from 40X to 2000X. It has 5X, 10X, 40X, and 100X objectives too. It also features variable LED intensity transmitted illumination that the user can easily customize to fit any given condition. It has a solid metal frame construction which boosts durability. It also comes with 5 years warranty against manufacturing defects.
2. AmScope B120C Siedentopf Binocular Compound Microscope
Coming from one of the most respected names in the industry, this is an excellent compound microscope with an impressively affordable price tag. Like other AmScope instruments, it is well designed for durability and ease of use. It features a Siedentopf binocular head that has interchangeable pairs of 10X widefield and 25X widefield eyepieces. Other interesting things about the head include interpupillary adjustments, fixed 30-degree vertical inclination, and a 360-degree rotation capability. All these improve performance and make the instrument easier and more comfortable to use.
This AmScope compound microscope offers six distinct widefield magnification levels including 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X, and 2500X. There are also 4 achromatic objectives DIN including 4X, 10X, 40X, and 100X. Brightfield, LED illumination and 1.25 NA Abbe condenser and iris diaphragm ensure light control and clear examination of different kinds of specimens.
3. Swift SW380T Siedentopf Head Compound Microscope
This is a research-grade Trinocular compound microscope that is most ideal for laboratory investigations. It features a Siedentopf Head with interchangeable wide-field 10X and 25X eyepieces. This allows for quick adjustments to suit different interpupillary distances without loss of focus. It also comes with a dedicated camera port that works with the ultra-precise focusing system to deliver the best performance you can expect from a compound microscope.
This Swift compound microscope offers 6 powerful magnification levels (40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X, 2500X). It also comes with 4 achromatic DIN objectives including 4X, 10X, 40X, and 100X. The illumination system is also top-notch with the 1W LED bulb that provides steady brilliant illumination that can be adjusted through the dimmer wheel and focused through a powerful NA 1.25 Abbe condenser. This compound microscope can be used by clinicians, high school and university science students and hobbyists too. It comes in a valuable package that includes the different pairs of eyepieces, sample immersion oil, blue filter, dust cover, spare fuse, and user manual. It is also a durable instrument.
4. OMAX 40X-2000X Digital LED Compound Microscope
This is another excellent compound microscope from OMAX. It has all the features most users of compound microscopes need. It features a solid metal frame construction that obviously makes it durable. It also has a 45-degree inclined 360-degree swiveling binocular head that helps to make observing minute specimens easy and comfortable. It also has a 1.3MP USB Camera that is compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, as well as Mac computers. It is also a versatile compound microscope that can be used in clinics, laboratories, homes, and schools.
This top-quality lab compound microscope offers 8 levels of magnifications including 40X, 80X, 100X, 200X, 400X, 800X, 1000X, and 2000X. It also comes with 4 achromatic objectives DIN 4X, 10X, 40X, and 100X. Other features that help to get great performance from this compound microscope include ocular diopter adjustable at boy eye tubes, variable intensity illumination, coaxial coarse & fine focus adjustment, as well as focusing knobs on both sides.
5. Swift SW350B 40X-2500X Magnification Compound Microscope
This is quite similar to the first Swift compound microscope reviewed in this list. It is also a research-grade instrument with lots of incredible features that make it easier to view minute objects and analyze their components. It features a 30-degree Siedentopf binocular head that can be rotated 360-degree and makes quick adjustments to the eyepieces for different interpupillary distances possible and hassles-free. The head can also be locked in any position for additional stability.
The Swift SW350B compound microscope offers 6 distinct magnification levels including 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X, and 2500X. There are also 4 different objective lenses in a revolving nosepiece including 4X, 10X, 40X, and 100X. It also works with a single but powerful 1W LED bulb that offers bright cool light that can be adjusted as desired. The body is solid and super compact with a built-in handle for easy portability. It is also an affordable compound microscope.
6. AmScope M150C-I 40X-1000X All-Metal Student Biological Compound Microscope
This is one of the best compound microscopes you can buy for a student or a child. Coming from one of the biggest names in the industry, this is a reliable high-power student microscope that is perfect for learning science. It features full optical glass elements, metal framework, and 360-degrees rotatable monocular head. It also features a single-lens condenser and disc diaphragm, as well as focusing control knobs on both sides.
This powerful student compound microscope offers five different levels of magnification (40X, 100X, 250X, 400X and 1000X). It also comes with built-in contemporary LED illumination. It is a fully coated optical system with clips and stain-resistant finish. Just like other student instruments, this is a very affordable compound microscope that offers lots of value for the money.
7. TELMU Microscope 40X-1000X Magnification Eyepiece Compound Monocular Microscope
This is one of the most affordable compound microscopes you will find. The attractive price is not the only reason it is featured here, however. It is a well-designed instrument that is most ideal for engaging children in scientific observation and discovery. It is also a good choice for students and beginners who need compound microscopes but do not have a sizeable budget to buy the bigger and more powerful available options. It has a beautiful 45-degree inclined 360-degree Swiveling Monocular Head.
This TELMU microscope offers 5 magnification levels including 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, and 1000. It also comes with achromatic objective lenses including 4X, 10X, and 40X. There is also a built-in NA0.65 Concentrated LED illumination. This little instrument is also durable, thanks to its full metal optical glass elements, solid metal frame with stain-resistant enamel finish. It is just too good for the price.
How to choose the best compound microscope
As stated in the introductory part of this article, compound microscopes are the commonest types of microscopes on the market. The market is actually flooded with lots of brands and models. Choosing one from the many available options can be very daunting. With seven of the best available options reviewed above, you should find it easier to choose. This section of the article will concentrate on how to pick the specific one for your need.
Factors to consider when choosing a compound microscope
Though we have reviewed the top seven products in this category to make selection easier for you, it is still important that you understand how to choose the right one for you. Before picking any compound microscope, these are the most important factors to consider:
Your specific need
This is the first place to start. While they look very much alike and used mostly for similar tasks, compound microscopes are also designed differently to suit different applications. Before settling for any model, understand what the scope of works you are going to use it for and make sure it has all the features to perform in those categories.
Magnification power
This is one aspect of the microscope you should never joke with. The magnification levels offered by a compound microscope will significantly influence what it can be used for. Compound microscopes normally offer different levels of magnification and you must know these different levels and ascertain if they will be ideal for the kind of tasks you need the instrument for.
Ease of use
Compound microscopes should be easy to use. This is mostly determined by the design. Make sure the one you want to buy have the features you understand and is designed in a manner that makes it easy and comfortable to use.
Quality of construction
A compound microscope is an important investment that should stand the test of time. How long your device will last will be determined by the quality of construction and materials used. Metal frames are important and you should also consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Lenses
Different types of lenses are used in compound microscopes and they play prominent roles in the performance you will get from any model. Deutsche Industrie Norm, commonly called DIN lenses are considered the best options. You can also consider microscopes with Japanese standard lens.
Illumination system
Lightening is important in every microscope and you need to make sure that the one featured in a compound microscope is enough and very practical. LED bulbs with adjustable brightness is mostly preferred.
Manufacturer
It is also important that you consider the manufacturers of any particular product you want to buy. There are known brands when it comes to compound microscopes and it is always better to buy their products. When you are not sure about a brand, do a little background research on the company.
Price
The price will always be an important factor to consider when buying any instrument. Compound microscopes are not the cheapest types of microscopes but you can find affordable options. This doesn’t mean you should go for cheap inferior models. Just make sure that whatever price you are paying is justifiable by the quality of the product you are going to get.
Frequently asked questions
Are compound microscopes the most powerful options on the market?
Compound microscopes are not the most powerful microscopes in the world; electron microscopes are more powerful though they are not available to the public. Compound microscopes are therefore the most powerful microscopes you can find on the market.
Where can I find the perfect studio microscope?
You can buy top-quality compound microscopes online. In fact, the products reviewed here are the very best options for you to consider. They are available and you can buy directly from this website.
Do I need a compound microscope for learning and science projects?
Yes, compound microscopes are widely used for teaching and research purposes. They may also be necessary for many science projects you will need to complete. Some models are specially made for kids and students.
What is the ideal magnification power for a compound microscope?
Top-quality compound microscopes offer different levels of magnifications. The ideal range should be 40X to 2000X.
What are the most important features to look for in a compound microscope?
The most important features to look for in a compound microscope include the magnification power, the objective lenses, the illumination system, and adjustability.
Conclusion
Compound microscopes are primarily used in medicine and science. When you have a need for them, it is important that you buy the very best one for your specific need. To help you achieve this, we have reviewed seven of the top products for you to consider. These are top-ranking models from reputable manufacturers. They are products that have also been favorably rated by verified buyers and users. You can order them with confidence. We have also discussed how best to pick the right instrument for you and sincerely hope this piece will help you find the perfect compound microscope.
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