Need a microscope

[Manose]

I need a microscope to view various algae amongst other things, something that is inexpensive and will view things like dinos and various critters that we encounter in the reef.
Being able to hook it up to my laptop or phone would be a huge plus

 

[Peace River]

Hey @Manose ! I hope that you are doing well!!!

It (at least partially) depends on what you mean by inexpensive. There are a number of truly inexpensive digital microscopes on Amazon (or comparable) and I have had mixed results (most poor). I finally when with a student model of an Amscope that has a USB camera that I use with a laptop and this works for me. I'm sure others will jump in soon with other viable options.

 

[Manose]

Hey @Manose ! I hope that you are doing well!!!

It (at least partially) depends on what you mean by inexpensive. There are a number of truly inexpensive digital microscopes on Amazon (or comparable) and I have had mixed results (most poor). I finally when with a student model of an Amscope that has a USB camera that I use with a laptop and this works for me. I'm sure others will jump in soon with other viable options.

What model did you get? I am happy to pay a couple hundred to get something decent.

 

[Peace River]

I bought it about 4 years ago so there may be a better model, but here is the link:

Amscope m150c-e5

Search the reviews, but I think that you will find that Amscope is a solid microscope brand for entry level "real" microscopes.

 

[Fish Fan]

A scope is on my shopping list, just not at the top currently lol!

That AmScope gets a lot of love here at R2R.

I've been looking at Swift brand on Amazon, they seem like they might be a good value for an aquarist:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/SWIFT...ef_=ast_bln&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto
And if you want to observe macro algae and critters in your tank, don't go overboard with the magnification. Consider a Stereo microscope with something like a 4-40X magnification would be excellent for ID'ing critters. Greater magnifications are for viewing truly microscopic organisms, like single cell algae, fungi, bacteria, etc.

Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Eric R.]

@Manose If you're still looking for a microscope recommendation, this one has a lot of good basic features and is pretty affordable. https://omaxmicroscope.com/products/m82e
Coupon code honey15 gets you 15% off, and free shipping, so it's $161.50 + tax.