Tuesday, May 01, 2007

If you're in need of a microscope, and are now searching all optic stores and websites, please be sure that you know enough in order to make a wise decision. Remember that sturdiness is a very important quality when considering buying a microscope. The microscope you purchase should be solidly constructed and composed of a sturdy metal alloy. Don't even look at plastic microscopes, because they do not last, so it would be best to avoid them. There are two the most popular types of microscopes: stereo microscope and compound microscope. A stereo microscope uses two different paths of light. Stereo microscopes have high depth perception but at the same time low resolution and magnification. These microscopes are great for dissecting as well as for viewing fossils and insect specimens. As for compound microscopes, they use a single light path. They can either have a single eyepiece, so called monocular microscopes, or a dual eyepiece, the so called binocular microscopes. Compared to stereo microscope, compound microscopes on the contrary have low depth perception but high resolution and magnification. They are used for viewing very small specimens such as cells, pond life samples and other microscopic life forms. So, good luck in your choice!