Rational approach for specifying a Microscope

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting an appropriate microscope for academic microbiological and research applications, specifically excluding scanning electron microscopes. Participants explore various technical specifications, brand options, and budget considerations, with a focus on phase contrast microscopes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about a parametric chart for choosing microscopes, emphasizing the need for a camera and computer interface.
  • Another participant notes that while optical designs have remained largely unchanged, pricing is influenced by brand reputation and dealer relationships.
  • Concerns are raised about the pricing differentials among premium brands and cost-efficient manufacturers, questioning what justifies higher prices.
  • Participants highlight the importance of specifying the intended use of the microscope, such as brightfield, fluorescence, or live cell imaging, to guide selection.
  • One participant mentions a specific budget of around $2000 for a phase contrast microscope and seeks advice on features and vendor differences.
  • Another participant suggests that finding a phase contrast microscope within the stated budget may be challenging and recommends specific brands like Nikon, Leica, and Zeiss.
  • Discussion includes inquiries about the availability of Chinese clone microscopes that mimic premium brands at lower prices.
  • Concerns are expressed about the quality and support of off-brand microscopes, with a caution against low-quality options that may lack adequate service.
  • One participant advises against using DIN standard objectives unless necessary, based on their experience with off-brand equipment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the viability of budget options and the quality of off-brand microscopes. There is no consensus on the best approach to selecting a microscope, with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific use cases provided by the original poster, which affects the ability to recommend suitable models. The discussion also reflects varying levels of experience among participants regarding microscope selection and usage.

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Has anyone worked out a functional Parametric chart that enables one to choose a appropriate Microscope (exclude Scanning electron MicroScopes(MS)) amongst the multitude of choices for a modern academic micro-biological & research lab, hence formulated a general guideline? The MS should feature a Camera and computer interface as a requirement.Please highlight some IMPORTANT Technical Spec's,constructs and feature options to be considered for a judicious choice.
 
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mgb_phys: Thanks !
I suppose the list you have provided is from "premium" brands/vendors, who have established branding and sophistication of manufacturing style and systems.Any ideas on what contributes to pricing differentials if the technology/ design has not changed radically to provide for some significant scientific benefits. How about cost efficient manufacturers like : www.alltion-microscope.com[/url] oR [url]http://www.meijitechno.com/[/URL]
 
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You gave us no clues about what you want to use the microscope forbrightfield, fluorescence, stereo, live cells, immunostaining, tissue slices, needed magnifications (or frame rates for dynamic imaging)...

There's a lot of things a good microscope can do. In all honesty, at the high end, it's less about the specific instrument and more about the sales/support person who will help you when you get stuck.

If you have absolutely no idea, I recommend at least browsing through 'MicroscopyU' to see all the different techiques available.
 
Andy R Thanks, actually I was looking for some clue to get started. Actually the requirement is a Phase contrast Microscope with a stipulated budget (say around US$2000.- (+/-)6% permissible allowance [@ 1US$=47,50 and inclusive of applicable Customs]. I am presently getting to know principles and pertinent aspects - Anyone who has got some deep experience to sharing any thing (however trivial) in a relevant context (accessories, features & functionality differences between vendors,etc) will be appreciated gratefully.
 
You will have a hard time finding a phase contrast microscope for $2k. Is this for cell/tissue culture (i.e. live cell imaging)? The Nikon TMS is decent, and Lecia and Zeiss make comparable models.
 
Andy, are there chinese clone microscopes out yet?
In theodolites you can buy exact copies of Nikon, Leica etc from China-optical for 1/2-1/4 the price.

Not even clones - they are made on the same production line that Nikon outsourced to, they even advertise on facing pages in the surveying magazines.
 
I don't know much about the chinese clones, but I'm sure they exist. The Russian (LOMO) and Polish (PZO) microscope optics are reasonable. My experience with off-brands is not good. Yes, they are cheaper and generally sort-of work ok, but I have a lot of experience building and modifying microscopes so I can deal with (for example) poor sample stages and flake-y light sources.

Since the OP sounds very inexperienced, I wouldn't recommend dealing with a company that does not provide some support service.

Edit: also, a lot of the (American) low-quality microscopes still use DIN standard objectives, which should really be avoided unless there is a good reason not to (i.e. legacy equipment)