Instructions

• 1). Examine the frame's construction. For instance, the microscope should feel solid. It should not feel like plastic. Toy microscopes consist of plastic. Home or school microscopes consist of metal or metal alloys. The knobs should turn freely, but they should feel firm and not flimsy. Finally, the lenses should be glass and not plastic.
  
  
• 2). Determine if you need a stereo microscope or a monocular microscope. Stereo microscopes have two eye pieces and allow for a three-dimensional view. The magnification of stereo microscopes ranges from 10x to 40x. Monocular microscopes allow a one-dimensional view. They come in magnifications up to 100x, but they cost more.
  
  
• 3). Check for a mechanical stage. The stage holds the platen glass or specimen you want to observe. Mechanical stages allow you to raise or lower the specimen for better viewing precision. Immobile stages require you to zoom in on the specimen using only the lens. Zooming with only the lens achieves only half the accuracy required for proper focus.
  
  
• 4). Consider a light source. Some microscopes allow you to mount small lights alongside the frame or come with small pre-attached bulbs. Any light source that directly illuminates the specimen is better than room light or sunlight, which is more diffused. Similarly, as you lean over to view your specimen, your head may block room light or sunlight, which could inhibit your view.
  
  
• 5). Check to see if the lens is simple or "achromatic." Achromatic lenses have been adjusted to show all visible colors. Simple lenses, however, depending on their quality, may not refract all visible light. If you get a poor quality simple lens, you might miss certain frequencies, such as reds or blues.
  
  
• 6). Check to see if the microscope fits your budget. Although powerful microscopes can cost thousands of dollars, quality microscopes can be purchased for a cost of between $100 to $200.
  
  
• 7). Review the microscope's warranty. Your microscope should come with at least a 90-day warranty, and some online retailers only provide a 14-day return policy.