Microscope for a sperm study

I am doing a study of sperm viability post vasectomy and I need to know what strenth and type of microscope would be adequate for this purpose. Can you also recommend an inexpensive model(s)that would work for that purpose. Thank you.

Hi

You need a phase contrast microscope to study such trnaparent specimens. This is the standard type of microscope for sperm counts. At the moment, we do not offer an inexpensive phase contrast scope, but when available, the LOMO MULTISCOPE TMH4-BF-V Microscope with adapter for Video & Photomicrography (VA-VAV2 C-Mount Adapter for HT-30) is one of the least expensive models on the market. Price start at about $900.

Jne_K, if all you want to do is check for motility (movement), all you need is 400x. Yes, phase contrast is best for morphology, but it sounds like all you want to do is make sure they are dead, and that can be done with an inexpensive student microscope. One with an iris diaphragm would be perferable, but a disk diaphragm will do in a pinch as well.

Hi

Good point.