Zoom Microscope Buying Guide
A zoom microscope is widely popular because of its distinct capability in providing continuous optical magnifications wherein you can select any type of magnification by merely adjusting the zoom part without the need of using a secondary lens. Its optical system has a zoom ration of one is to ten and two different kinds of objective lenses namely the 1.5x magnification to 15x magnification as well as the 5x magnification to 50x magnification. Because of these features, a microscope user can easily emphasize the image boundaries of his specimen. A three-dimensional observation becomes possible. It is light and dense incorporated with a field zoom lens that is much wider than ordinary microscopes. Zoom microscopes are most useful in semiconductor inspection and crystal board inspection. It is also utilized in image processing and factory mechanization.
If you intend to buy a zoom microscope, a lot of considerations have to be outlined. Some of these are your reason for use and availability of your money.
1. Ask yourself if you prefer a new one or a second hand.
There are many available brands in the market today. You can choose from a high end model to an average priced one. Affordability depends on the buyer. If you set a limit on your budget, you do not need to buy those with brand names. There are a few high quality zoom microscopes that come from minor brands. They are mostly Japan made. You just have to check out its particular features to ensure that your are buying your money’s worth.
You can also check out some second hand instruments. Most of these used instruments have good brand names. If you are lucky enough, you can find excellent scopes at the most reasonable cost. However, do not expect an almost brand new look from these second hand instruments. What really matters is its features. It should still have fine objectives. It should not be classified as an obsolete.
2. Call up dealers and online sellers.
When deciding to buy a brand new one, check out some known dealers of microscopes in your community and ask about zoom microscopes. You can also make use of online stores. Ask for the models that they can recommend and let them submit price quotations. If possible, have these companies send you a representative who can give demonstration of the product. This is the best way to confirm how viable their products are. You will be able to learn and compare the scope’s advantages and disadvantages and further assess its quality.
3. Check the type of lenses.
Objective lenses and other related parts are most vital as they do not make a sense to have a zoom microscope without the best magnification level. You definitely need a good one in terms of lens to achieve great resolution for finer details of your specimens. Most objectives available are 10x magnification, 20x magnification, and 40x magnification. Other models have as high as 100x magnification. But it does not mean that the higher the magnification, the better your microscope is. It really depends on a lot of other factors of consideration. Lower magnification can provide the best detail when examining your object. At other times, you might need a higher magnification too.
4. What about illumination?
Given the fact that a zoom microscope has the capability of a continuous optical magnifications, fine illumination is still another significant factor to consider. You can either opt for a built-in illumination or a Köhler illumination depending on your rationale of use. For photography purposes, a Köhler illumination is advised as it can make your work easier than you can imagine. Other scopes of this type also has built-in one alongside a Köhler illumination.
5. Condenser goes with the deal.
Condensers are important as it mainly gathers the ample amount of light needed to establish a good illumination. There are various illuminations that condensers can provide such as polarization, darkfield, interference contrast (differential), phase contrast, and Rheinberg. You can either close or open its diaphragm or adjust its height up and down. Light’s intensity has to be adapted to the most convenient level. It controls the resolution and contrast of the zoom microscope. It is often ruled out to open the scope’s condenser diaphragm up to only two thirds of its utmost opening. In addition, the condenser has to be always positioned in the highest level against the glass.
6. Verify other parts.
Ensuring the quality of all the zoom microscope’s parts is a headache but it can be easily done by asking for assistance. It will be better if you are properly oriented in this matter. Check the functions of its aperture diaphragm, body tube, coarse adjustment knob, condenser focus knob, draw tube, oculars, eyepiece tube, fine focus knob, filter holder, base, arm, internal lamp, nosepiece, stage, and stage clips.
