Your Very Own Portable Field Microscope Buying Guide

Microscopes are used in a wide variety of fields of studies. They may have to be brought to the field, as in not inside the laboratory, for viewing when circumstances do not permit the specimen to be brought to the laboratory. For researchers, it is important that they purchase portable field microscopes so observations may be made right in the field. Other uses include educational, archeological, botanical and even criminal investigatory.

There are many advantages to having a portable field microscope. Of course, the convenience of having an easy-to-carry and light microscope is the primary reason why researchers need to have a microscope such as this. The compact yet modern design makes it very useful in field works or practically anywhere you want to take it.

A portable field microscope is usually a stereo microscope powered by a battery-operated illuminator. The batteries need to be rechargeable to save on battery cost. However, during field trips, it is necessary to bring disposable batteries in case the microscope runs out of power. But there’s really not much to worry about since batteries used for these types of microscopes are not costly at all, 3V or 2AA batteries, with very long bulb life yet very low consumption.

The LED illumination that this microscopes provide may come in handy when you come upon incidental lighting. Otherwise, the sun’s rays will be just fine. It may come in bright-field illumination or with phase contrast lighting.

A portable field microscope is small, compact with all the important features included. A carrying case made of aluminum and amply padded should be part of the package to be able to carry the whole set in convenience. To complete the set when going out in the field, you must also bring with you a set of containers in varying sizes. Also have with you specimen tubes with seal and fixatives for specimen fixation in the slide. Include also forceps, Petri dishes, pipettes and mounted needles to make sure your procedures are carried out well.

The objectives included in these types of microscopes usually have a magnification of 80x and 200x. Sometimes the zoom capacity is from 7.5-35 times. The eyepiece is usually fixed with a slide holder that seats a slide upside down and a selector for internal or external lighting. Illumination system may either be in bright-field illumination or with phase contrast lighting.

The portability and lightweightness of this kind of microscope is usually made of metal alloy that is chemical and moisture resistant. It is usually finished in enamel and comes with a fully-rotatable head. Lock on stage clips are included to make sure that slides don’t fall off during transit. Filters are also built in that comes in different colors, white, blue or green. Portable microscopes also come with either a monocular or a binocular, depending on what you prefer.

Another thing that is great about most portable field microscopes is that they come with removable eyepieces. These eyepieces can stand alone in cases where enormous specimems should b e viewed at their sources. The eyepiece can, thus, be taken out and held by the hand like a magnifying glass to look closer at specimens. This is also specifically used in crime scenes.

Originally, portable microscopes have been designed for students so they can take home their laboratory work. But of late, portable microscopes have been designed professionally so that even expert researchers can make use of their great features. Portable field microscopes now have all the features of full-sized microscopes.

When it comes to cost, portable microscopes are usually not that expensive. This makes it affordable even to hobbyists. The cost of the microscope increases as you add accessories. Second-hand microscopes are also available and may still be in very good condition. It’s just a matter of knowing what exact kind you need.

During what instances do these microscopes have an advantage? During times when researchers need to go on field nature trips or inspection, it is better to have a handy microscope to be able to get a view that is actual and fresh especially of live organisms. Most of the time, natural lighting from the sun is all that is needed to illuminate the sample.

To be sure that you do not regret buying your very own portable field microscope, list down all the features that you are looking for and narrow down your choices to only those that have the features you want. There are so many to choose from, bound to carry many great features with varying price ranges. It’s simply a matter of purchasing what you need, investing enough so that you have an instrument that you can use for a lifetime.