Microscopes are essential tools for scientific research and education. They allow us to see the world at a much smaller scale, and to explore the inner workings of cells and other tiny objects. In recent years, microscope technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, and there are now many excellent microscopes available for under $500.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the best microscopes under $500. We will discuss the features and benefits of each microscope, and Besttechsmart will help you choose the one that is best suited for your needs. So let’s get started!
1. TOMLOV 1000X Error Coin Microscope
The TOMLOV 1000X Error Coin Microscope is a versatile video microscope that is easy-to-use and powerful enough for any teen or adult who shows mild interest in science or engineering. It is also ideal for providing great details for coin collectors. The 43-inch liquid crystal display does not rely on WiFi or signal and displays real-time crisp images and good quality videos with no lag or delay. The additional adjustable LED illumination allows for avoiding reflections and making the image much more visible on the screen. The microscope also offers a magnification range from 50 to 1000X. The actual magnification differs due to the screen size and the distance between the camera and object. The microscope also supports taking photos and recording videos with the included 32GB SD card. The metal frame construction offers long-term use and allows micro soldering or repairing printed circuit boards.
- Designed to encourage curiosity and strive to learn more, this versatile video microscope is easy-to-use and powerful enough for any teen & adult who shows mild interest in science/engineering. Also used as an ideal tool for providing great details for coin collectors.
- 4.3 Inch Liquid Crystal Display - Does not rely on Wi-Fi or signal, the LCD screen displays real-time crisp images and good quality videos with NO lag or delay. A large screen enhances ergonomics and eliminates eye and neck strain compared with the eyepiece.
- Additional Adjustable LED Illumination - Apart from 8 built-in lights around the lens, the two base lights are flexible enough to change the direction, avoiding reflection and making it much more visible on the screen.
- 50-1000X Magnification - Allows to zoom in and see the incredible details at a magnification range from 50 to 1000X. The actual magnification differs due to the screen size, and the distance between the camera and object.
- Allows Taking Photos And Recording Videos with Included 32GB SD Card.
2. Celestron – TetraView LCD Digital Microscope
The Celestron TetraView LCD Digital Microscope is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality microscope. This microscope has a builtin 5MP digital camera that captures highresolution images and 20 fps SD video of your specimen. It also has a full color 43 TFT LCD screen with onboard software. The magnification power of this microscope ranges from 40x up to 1600x with digital zoom. It also includes a 2GB micro SD card, a dust cover, a rugged canvas carrying case with shoulder strap, 7 prepared slides, an AV out cable for viewing on a TV or projector, and a 4plug international AC adapter.
- BUILT-IN 5MP DIGITAL CAMERA: Our Celestron Biological Microscope has a built-in 5MP digital camera that captures high-resolution images and 20 fps SD video of your specimen as well as a full color 4.3" TFT LCD screen with onboard software.
- HIGH MAGNIFICATION POWER: From 40x up to 1600x magnification (with digital zoom), the LCD Digital Microscope II is a precision instrument ideal for viewing a range of cellular specimens on slides.
- INCLUDES 2GB MICRO SD CARD: The Celestron TetraView LCD Digital Microscope even includes a 2GB micro SD card, which provides enough storage to capture over 1200 high-resolution images for lab reports, papers, lessons, and more.
- MULTIPLE ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: In addition to the 2GB micro SD card, you’ll receive a dust cover, a rugged canvas carrying case with shoulder strap, 7 prepared slides, an AV out cable for viewing on a TV or projector, and a 4-plug international AC adapter
3. Swift Trinocular Compound Microscope
The Swift SW350T40X2500X Trinocular Compound Microscope is a high-quality research-grade microscope that is perfect for clinicians, high school and university science students, and enthusiastic hobbyists alike. It offers advanced features such as stitching, EDF, and measurement.
The microscope has a brilliant LED bulb that transmits light through an Abbe condenser, illuminating slide specimens from below. The large surface area of the double-layered mechanical plate and secure slide holder optimize slides for viewing. The Trinocular head accepts additional eyepiece and microscope camera attachments in order to view livestream, record, and capture magnified specimen images.
The microscope camera included with the SW350T40X2500X has user-friendly editing and processing software for Mac OS X and Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 (32 and 64 bit). This software offers advanced features such as stitching, EDF, and measurement.
- 4 DIN Achromatic objectives mounted in a revolving turret offer 6 magnification levels: 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X, 2500X.
- Professional Siedentopf head is fully rotatable for shared use and equipped with interchangeable wide-field 10X and 25X glass eyepieces fixed at an ergonomic 30 degree tilt to reduce neck strain, easily adjustable for different interpupillary distances without losing focus.
- The brilliant LED bulb transmits light through an Abbe condenser, illuminating slide specimens from below with adjustable brightness; the large surface area of the double-layered mechanical plate and secure slide holder optimize slides for viewing.
- Trinocular head accepts additional eyepiece and microscope camera attachments in order to view, livestream, record, and capture magnified specimen images. A powerful multi-purpose compound microscope for viewing tiny details of specimen slides; excellent for clinicians, high school and university science students, and enthusiastic hobbyists alike.
- 1.3MP camera comes with user-friendly editing and processing software for Mac OS X /Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 (32 and 64 bit) offers advanced features including stitching, EDF and measurement.
4. Elikliv EDM402 Max 10.1″ HDMI Digital Microscope
The Elikliv EDM402 Max digital microscope is a great tool for viewing tiny objects up close. This microscope has a 2K resolution, which allows you to see the details of an object in amazing clarity. The Elikliv digital microscope also features an IPS screen, which ensures that you will see the colors of an object accurately, and that there is no ghosting, stuttering, or tearing. The long 10 stand column of this microscope also allows you to view larger objects, such as entire coins. The HDMI and USB outputs of this microscope also allow you to share the image with others on a larger screen.
- 【2022 Upgraded 1- The First 2K Digital Microscope from Elikliv 】The Elikliv EDM402 Max digital microscope utilizes an ultra HD sensor to create incredible 2160P video and capture a 24MP vivid color image. With 2K resolution, you can observe and savor the details and various subtle movements in an amazing microcosm.
- 【2022 Upgraded 2- Add a Bottom Transmitted Light Stage】With this bottom LED light,this digital microscope can act as a microbe lens to view tiny, more transparent specimens. Organisms living in the water and slides can be clearly observed. Explore the microcosm of plants and animals! 5 Pcs prepared slides included.
- 【2022 Upgraded 3- Upgraded 10.1" IPS Screen】The Elikliv digital microscope features an IPS screen, allowing you to enjoy vivid and saturated colors. Even with prolonged use, the 7-inch digital microscope ensures no ghosting, stuttering or tearing, effectively protecting your eyes. Full 178-degree viewing angle for premium viewing when sharing your screen with family or friends.
- 【2022 Upgraded 4- Longer 10" Stand】See entire coin easily. With a longer 10" stand column, the maximum distance between the lens and the base extends to 6.3 inches. There is no need to install any extension tubes or lift the monitor. Whole coins such as dimes, cents, nickels, coins, dollars, and even large silver dollars can be fully displayed on the screen.
- 【HDMI/USB Output for Larger View 】 Elikliv HDMI microscope supports any TV or monitor with HDMI port - in the lab, factory, classroom or home. And you can connect it to the PC via a USB cable, and then just run the "camera" in Win10 or the "photo booth" in iMac/MacBook.Plug and Play!
5. Andonstar AD249S-M 10.1 Inch HDMI Digital Microscope 2000x
The Andonstar AD249SM 101 Inch HDMI Digital Microscope is a high-resolution microscope that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as repairing circuit boards, mobile phones, etc. It supports HDMI output to a larger screen, allowing you to see a more microscopic world. The microscope also has a pro metal stand and comes with a variety of lenses to meet the needs of different users.
- 【Multi-Lens Digital Microscope for Adults】Lens L (60-240x) for Soldering and Repairing: Can be used to repair circuit boards, mobile phones, etc. Lens A (18-720x), can be used to observe whole coins or parts, plants, stones, etc. Lens D (1800-2040x), can be used to observe biological slides.
- 【UHD 2160P HDMI Digital Microscope】Ultra high definition 2160P video record, while supporting HDMI output to a larger screen, allows you to see a more microscopic world and free your eyes all the time.
- 【Soldering Microscope with Pro Metal Stands】Andonstar's newest upgraded bracket, size: 7*7.8*13inch, the bracket is adjustable front and rear, left and right, and the bracket angle is adjustable. Meet the needs of your larger work envelope. Strong metal material, suitable for high temperature environment such as soldering.
- 【Great Microscope Kit for Adults and Kids】Multi-lens to meet different needs, you can use it as a soldering microscope, coin microscope, biological microscope, it comes with a variety of accessories such as biological slides, and meets the needs of adults and kids at the same time.
- 【Easy to Use】Different lenses can be exchanged by simply removing and installing the screws. Rotate the focusing wheel to focus, and rotate the bracket knob to adjust the object distance.
6. Compound Binocular Microscope
A compound microscope is a microscope that uses two or more lenses to magnify an object. A compound microscope typically has a eyepiece, a binocular head, and two objective lenses. The eyepiece is a lens that magnifies the image that is seen by the user. The binocular head allows the user to see the image with both eyes. This is helpful because it gives the user a three-dimensional image. The two objective lenses are used to magnify the image even more.
There are many different types of compound microscopes. The one that is mentioned in this article is the WF10x and WF25x eyepieces40X2000X magnification LED illumination two-layer mechanical stage microscope. This microscope has a sleek design and is perfect for viewing tiny details on specimen slides. It is also built for clinicians, high school and university science students, and enthusiastic hobbyists.
This microscope has six widefield magnification settings: 40X, 100X, 200X, 400X, 500X, and 2000X. The 30 degree inclined, 360 degree swiveling binocular head makes it easy for the user to share the microscope with others. The Siedentopf head is fully rotatable and is equipped with interchangeable widefield 10X and 25X glass eyepieces. This microscope also has a sturdy framework with a 3D double layer mechanical stage. The powerful single bulb LED illumination with dimmer makes it easy to see the image.
The BOGRINUO compound microscope is a high-quality microscope that is perfect for viewing tiny details on specimen slides. It is also easy to use and is perfect for clinicians, high school and university science students, and enthusiastic hobbyists.
- A sleek, multi-purpose compound microscope for viewing tiny details of specimen slides; built for clinicians, high school and university science students, and enthusiastic hobbyists alike
- Six widefield magnification settings: 40X, 100X, 200X, 400X, 500X and 2000X,Professional 30 degree inclined 360 degree swiveling binocular head
- Professional Siedentopf head is fully rotatable for shared use and equipped with interchangeable wide-field 10X and 25X glass eyepieces fixed at an ergonomic 30 degree tilt to reduce neck strain, easily adjustable for different interpupillary distances without losing focus.
- Sturdy framework with 3-D double layer mechanical stage, coaxial coarse and fine focusing. Powerful single bulb LED illumination with dimmer
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED -BOGRINUO prides itself on the high quality of its products - Customer satisfaction is very important to us, so contact us if you have any issues or are unhappy with the product and we will guarantee a resolution
7. Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr. Talking Kids Microscope
Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr Talking Kids Microscope is a great STEM toy for preschoolers that encourages an interest in biology, botany, and overall curiosity. The microscope is easy to use and fun to learn with, and includes Bindi Irwin’s voice as an audio guide. There are over 100 facts and questions included in the toy, with 60 beautiful full-color images. The microscope also has two modes of play, Fact Mode and Quiz Mode. Additionally, there are FREE GeoSafari activities developed by teachers at Educational Insights.
The Educational Insights GeoSafari Jr Talking Kids Microscope is a great way to introduce children to a real scientific toy. The microscope is perfect for STEM learning and encourages an interest in biology, botany, and overall curiosity. The toy is easy to use and includes Bindi Irwin’s voice as an audio guide. The microscope has over 100 facts and questions included, with 60 beautiful full-color images. Additionally, there are FREE GeoSafari activities developed by teachers at Educational Insights.
- SPARK MORE EXPLORATION! Discover the world with science & exploration toys designed just for kids to get up close with nature, peer into outer space, and get smart about science
- LOOK, LISTEN & LEARN: GeoSafari Jr. Talking Kids Microscope features up-close, quality images and the voice of Bindi Irwin, Wildlife Warrior who will expand your knowledge of animals and plants
- ONLY TALKING MICROSCOPE FOR PRESCHOOLERS: Introduce children to a real scientific toy that is easy to use and fun to learn with this educational toy for kids
- OVER 100 FACTS & QUESTIONS: Includes 60 beautiful full-color images and 2 modes of play, Fact Mode and Quiz Mode. Requires 3 AAA batteries (not included). STANDARD VERSION includes English, Spanish, French, and German audio
- STEM LEARNING: The perfect STEM TOY to encourage an interest in biology, botany, and overall curiosity. Keep the fun (and learning!) going with FREE GeoSafari activities developed by teachers at Educational Insights. Multilingual audio-4 languages included
FAQs
When you are looking for a microscope, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. One, what kind of magnification do you need? Two, do you want a digital microscope or an optical microscope? Three, what is your budget? Four, what is your level of expertise? And five, what are the features you are looking for?
In this article, we will be discussing five of the most frequently asked questions about microscopes.
1. What are the different types of microscopes?
There are three main types of microscopes: the optical microscope, the digital microscope, and the electron microscope.
The optical microscope is the most common type of microscope. It uses light to magnify the image of the specimen.
The digital microscope is a type of optical microscope that captures images of the specimen and displays them on a computer screen.
The electron microscope uses a beam of electrons to magnify the image of the specimen.
2. What is the difference between a digital microscope and an optical microscope?
The main difference between a digital microscope and an optical microscope is that a digital microscope captures images of the specimen and displays them on a computer screen, while an optical microscope uses light to magnify the image of the specimen.
3. What is the difference between a compound microscope and a dissecting microscope?
The main difference between a compound microscope and a dissecting microscope is that a compound microscope has two eyepieces, while a dissecting microscope has one. This allows the user to see the specimen from two different angles.
4. What is the difference between a stereo microscope and a dissecting microscope?
The main difference between a stereo microscope and a dissecting microscope is that a stereo microscope has two eyepieces, while a dissecting microscope has one. This allows the user to see the specimen in three dimensions.
5. What is the difference between a microscope and a magnifying glass?
The main difference between a microscope and a magnifying glass is that a microscope has a higher magnification than a magnifying glass.
