Monday, June 09, 2008

A lens is a molded piece of glass, plastic or other transparent material with opposite surfaces either or both of which are curved, by means of which light rays are refracted so that they converge or diverge to form an image. A combination of two or more pieces sometimes with other optical devices such as prisms, used to form an image for viewing or photographing. A lens system consisting of two systems combined so that the back focal point of the first ( the objective) coincides with the front focal point of the second (the ocular) is called a telescope. There are many different items that we use on a daily basis that require lenses, eye glasses, sun glasses, goggles, binoculars, telescopes, cameras, microscopes and more! Did you ever think about exactly how many items require lenses? The list could go on. Many different activities require us to use these items in our daily lives. I need glasses to see because I am nearsighted. Some people need glasses because they are farsighted. Some people need bi-focals to see both near and far. Each type of eyeglass takes the same technology to make the specific type of lens, we just tweak it a bit for each style of lens that is required by the patient. Some people like to purchase by brand, and others are not so picky. Some brand name examples are D&G, Bolle, Serengeti, Anne Klein, Puma and the list goes on. What about our dads, brothers, uncles, sons, and grandfathers who like to hunt? They might require a rifle scope to mount to their deer rifle for hunting the white tail deer. What about moms, daughters, aunts and grandmothers who like to Bird Watch? They will need a birding binocular or a birding spotting scope. Bird watching is one of the fastest growing activities today. Anyone can be a birdwatcher, from the young to the old. Microscopes, are used by very knowledgeable research scientists to the young and inquisitive natured. Microscopes are used by parents, to share an early education with a child of what a bug or a plant cell might look like under the scope. Microscopes are used by teachers in the classroom, for the first dissecting lab projects. A Dissecting Microscope or Stereo Microscope would work in both situations. Some brands that would be good for the hobbyist or beginner would be Lomo, Meade, or Nikon. These microscopes will do much more than just dissect. They will provide you with a lifelong time of memories. Whoever you might be, the hunter, birdwatcher, researcher or hobbyist, be sure to do your homework. Research what it is you want to look at. That will determine what type of microscope you will want to purchase. Will you need a glass slide and a stage to set your specimen on? Take everything into consideration before purchasing a microscope. Remember to consult a specialist, if you are not sure which type of microscope you will need. Please don't waste your money on a microscope that will not do the job you expect it to. Cutting corners is not always the best option for all situations!