Tips on Microscopes
- Microscopes are powerful tools for studying the microscopic world. They are used in dozens of scientific fields, including biology, and can also be used at home for your own personal science studies. Though many different types of microscopes are on the market, the basic principles behind microscopes remain similar. There are many important things to keep in mind when choosing, using and caring for your microscope.
- Plastic microscopes are usually of extremely low-quality construction. They are designed more for "fun" or for use by children. While they can serve this purpose well, they don't suit serious scientific needs. Buy metal microscopes instead. They may be more expensive than plastic microscopes, but they will be better constructed, meaning they can last much longer than plastic microscopes.
- Microscopes can be expensive, so it is important to take special care to understand why you are buying a microscope. Different microscopes have different purposes and will suit different needs.
Stereo microscopes have two eyepieces and can be used to look at insects, flowers, dragon fly wings, small electronic parts and other small but not tiny objects. The power of stereo microscopes is generally fairly small at about 10x to 40x magnification. No slides are required.
Viewing smaller objects, like cells, mold, bacteria or anything tiny, requires a monocular microscope. These powerful microscopes require the use of slides. Powerful microscopes can see up to around 100x magnification. These are useful for more serious scientific study and take careful focusing, including fine focusing to experience their full power. These microscopes also need an immersion oil to keep the slides damp. The oil helps focus the lens and increases its magnification. - Looking into a microscope requires an unnatural sitting position that can be harmful to your body. While using your microscope, it is important to keep a nice, comfortable posture and position. Sitting crouched over a microscope for hours can hurt your back and strain your eyes. Make sure to take eye breaks every 15 minutes, and stand up and move around every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how your body feels. Use a nice, comfortable chair, and use padding under your arms to avoid elbow and back pain. Make sure to do neck stretches and rolls to avoid straining your neck. Adjust your seat until your neck is at as slight an angle to the microscope as possible. This will avoid further neck strain. Carefully focus your microscope before attempting to use for long periods of time. Spend 5 to 10 minutes focusing or however long it takes to bring your microscope into fine focus. Take a break after focusing to rest your eyes. Don't waste valuable observation time focusing your microscope.
- Microscopes are expensive, so take special care of them. When moving your microscope, grab the base of the microscope with one hand, supporting the weight of the microscope fully with this hand. Hold the microscope neck with your other hand to stabilize it in both hands. Never hold it up by the neck. When done with your microscope, shorten any lens and pull your microscope lenses as close to the body of the microscope as you can. This will help avoid any breaking during storage. Carefully clean your microscope body at least once a week to avoid dust buildup, and take care to clean any spilled chemicals or immersion oil from the viewing area. This buildup can create ugly stains. Use static-free cleaning papers to clean the lenses, and store any extra lenses in their storage containers at all times.