Identifying the best types of field microscopes for you is easy…as long as you are already sure of what you want or need from a microscope!

How to Identify the Best Types of Field Microscopes for You

Budget – Unless you can afford to burn money – and not even Bill Gates does this – your shopping process would either start or end with your budget considerations. We’ll discuss this first but it’s still up to you if you’d rather have this as the first or last factor to consider. There are two ways to do this. You can either set a budget limit for yourself then just choose the best field microscope within your means or you can scour the market, choose the models that appeal to you the most then getting the least expensive.

Application – Field microscopes have different features mostly because of the application they’re designed for. A portable inspection microscope might have features that you don’t need and wouldn’t find in a field metallurgical microscope. If you’re unsure of the applications of a particular microscope model, don’t hesitate to ask for more information from the manufacturer, dealer, or retailer.

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Eyepieces – Price normally goes up in proportion to eyepiece magnification. Eyepiece makes up one half of the total magnification of your field microscope. If you’re not studying exceptionally small objects then there’s no need to purchase eyepieces with high magnification. The second factor to consider with eyepieces is the number of eyepiece ports available. A monocular field microscope only has one port, a binocular field microscope has two ports but they’re designed only for one user. A dual view eyepiece, on the other hand, may have one vertical and another inclined port, allowing for two people to simultaneously view the images, or the port can be rotated up to 360 degrees. A trinocular port usually has a binocular pair of eyepieces then another port which can be used for viewing or attaching a microscope accessory.

Objectives – This is the other half of your field microscope’s total magnification. Again, if you don’t need high power magnification then don’t shop for models that can accommodate or offers them. Secondly, make sure that the lenses used are of DIN standards, achromatic, parfocaled, parcentered, and color-coded. Oil-immersion lenses are unnecessary if you don’t need high power magnification. Thirdly, check how many objective lenses the nosepiece can accommodate simultaneously. If you don’t need a lot of objective lenses to be ready for use then of course, don’t opt for a field microscope with a high number nosepiece. Lastly, see if it can handle different sets of objective lenses like those used for phase contrast.

Battery and Power – What kind of batteries are used for the field microscope? Are they the type you can buy anywhere or is it something you need to go to a special store for? Do they require special maintenance? Are they expensive? Are they rechargeable? If so, is the charger offered together with the unit? Is it built-in or internal? How long can you expect the batteries to last? What is its average lifespan? Lastly, it’s better to buy a field microscope that utilizes a LED light system to let you know if your batteries are running low on power and indicate if they’re still charging or already completely recharged.

Illumination System – Most field microscopes use LED lights as its illumination system and this may or may not be adequate depending on the types of samples you’re using. In any case, check if there are other illumination systems offered as well.

Control – Avoid purchasing field microscopes offering two-in-one or combined adjustments with just one pair of knobs. It’s still better if your microscope has both coarse and fine focus knobs. Secondly, check the unit if all pertinent parts of the microscope are able to move smoothly and immediately.

Diaphragm – Look for one with an iris diaphragm since this offers better control over light levels. Make sure it’s also using an Abbe condenser!

Design and Built – Durability is very crucial! This is a field microscope, after all, and that means it’s going to be subjected to more wear and jarring than desktop microscopes. Look for an all-metal body as this will provide the best protection for the sensitive parts within. Secondly, see if the design is ergonomic. Are the controls easy to reach? Is the microscope easy to set up and operate? How big is it? Will it fit the usual bag or case you bring with you in trips? How heavy is it? Will you be able to conveniently carry it wherever you go?

Consider all these factors and you’re sure to end up with a few candidates for the best field microscopes. Choose one and enjoy!