Rational approach for specifying a Microscope

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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.
 
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)