by Jne_K on Fri Dec 14, 2007 6:31 am
Hi
The first decision when buying a
microscope for a child is whether to buy a toy
microscope or whether to buy a student microscope. Each has its place, but you need to tailor expectations, accordingly. Paying the price for a toy, then expecting the performance and quality of a student
microscope is simply unreasonable. Carefully assess the needs and abilities of the youngster before buying any microscope.
A toy
microscope is designed to introduce a youngster to a
microscope and spark an interest in
microscopes, but a toy
microscope is not designed with the quality or features needed for extended or serious use. However, if a toy
microscope achieves its intended purpose - fostering an interest in
microscopes and science - it may be money well spent. Keep in mind, though, that should a child sustain an interest in
microscopes, the child will quickly outgrow a toy microscope. On today's
microscope market, any
microscope under $100 is a toy microscope, regardless of the advertising or labeling.
Here are some choices in toy
microscopes
Meade 900X Microscope with 19-piece Accessory Kit
Meade 8200 Microscope - 08007
Meade Hobbyist 51-piece Microscope Kit
Meade Childrens 28-piece Microscope Kit - 08019
Celestron 44100(well made)
A student
microscope is designed with enough quality for extended use and will have at least some of the features need for serious use. For a
microscope with the quality and features of a
microscope used in a middle school or high school science class, expect to pay in the neighborhood of $200. Good choices here include the
Celestron 44014 (supplied with mirror and light), and the
Konus Academy 5325
If budget is an issue, you can opt for a student model that uses a mirror, instead of a built-in light, but a built-in light is well worth the extra expense. For a student model with a mirror, try the
Celestron 44102 or the
Konus College (Note that the tiny LED lights found on some toy
microscopes do NOT qualify as a useable lighting system and will have a predictably short lifespan.)
Here are a couple of articles on our website that will provide more information on the basics.
For a beginners guide on how to choose your first microscope, see my article,
Microscope Guide for Beginners
For a beginners guide on how to use your first microscope, see our article
Using your first MicroscopeHi
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Here are a couple of articles on our website that will provide more information on the basics.
For a beginners guide on how to choose your first microscope, see my article, [url=http://www.opticsplanet.com/beginners-guide-to-microscopes.html]Microscope Guide for Beginners[/url]
For a beginners guide on how to use your first microscope, see our article
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