Best microscopes for schoolchildren and students in 2020

As a child, many would like to have their own microscope. Not all schoolchildren are lucky to work in lessons with good technique. Many school devices had poor focusing quality. It was necessary to constantly adjust the light, and it was problematic to examine the image in detail. Modern children are more fortunate - now in stores there are a sufficient number of models of high-quality microscopes. You just need to choose the right one, using the rating of the best microscopes for schoolchildren and students.

When you need a good microscope

Most toy microscopes, although expensive, are of poor quality. The picture quality in such a device is so low that the child quickly loses interest in it. And in some models it is impossible to see anything at all. Therefore, you need to choose a quality microscope from school or professional models.

A microscope is useful for a school-age child if he is seriously engaged in the study of biology or chemistry and plans to connect his life with these sciences in the future. For future physicians, chemists and biologists, having a microscope at home is essential. In this case, the high costs of assembling the entire set of necessary equipment will be fully justified.

How to choose a quality microscope

There are many factors to consider when choosing a microscope, rather than focusing solely on the price of the device. In this case, it makes sense to study thematic forums on the Internet and visit several stores selling optical equipment.

Magnification

The microscope can have digital or optical magnification. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to the latter, since digital simply increases the size of the picture, but does not add any new details. A child seriously engaged in science needs a microscope with a magnification of 1000 times.

Diopter adjustment

If a schoolchild or student has poor eyesight, then it would be preferable to purchase a model that implies diopter adjustment. These microscopes can correct the image for vision from -5 to +5. This feature makes working with the microscope much more convenient - no need to use glasses.

Fine or coarse tuning

Not all microscopes are fine-tuned. But in order to get a really good and high-quality device, it is worth looking for a microscope with fine tuning on sale.

The fundamental difference between devices with different prices

Even if the description of the two microscopes is very similar, but the price is significantly different, you need to choose the more expensive model. This is due to the fact that more expensive devices have high-quality lenses with diopter adjustment. In addition, expensive microscopes are usually binocular, that is, you can look in them with two eyes. This significantly reduces eye strain.

Cheap microscopes are usually equipped with low-quality optics. Therefore, you need to buy the most expensive model possible.

Backlight

Modern optical devices are equipped with LED or halogen illumination:

• LED backlighting is LED. They burn longer and do not heat up, give white light.
• The halogen backlight heats up and gives a yellowish tint.

Although LEDs are a bit more expensive, it is better to buy a microscope with this illumination option.

Camera availability

In modern conditions, it is important not only to see the image yourself through a microscope, but also to be able to transfer the image to a computer. This will make it possible to supply reports and other scientific works with unique images. In addition, it is much more convenient to view the image on the screen.

Microscopes equipped with eyepieces allow real-time display of the image on the monitor. For this, the video eyepiece is installed in the tube instead of the usual eyepiece. The camera can be purchased separately, but some microscopes are already included. Such devices will cost several thousand rubles more.

Dark or light field

Observation with a microscope can be performed in a bright or dark field. To do this, you need special lenses. Usually, dark lenses are not required. Therefore, you need to buy them only if special experiments are being carried out.

What else to buy

When buying the most inexpensive microscope of good quality, you can keep within 10,000 rubles. At the same time, several color filters, a dust cover and immersion oil are included with the device itself.

Everything else needs to be purchased separately. You will also need a microscope kit. They may be ready-made, of different subjects.

You will also need to buy a microtome to make thin slices. It eliminates the need to do the work with improvised means.

Cover slides and slides are also required. You need to choose sets of glasses of good quality, they are best suited to the wavelength of light.

The best microscopes for children and students from well-known manufacturers

Bresser National Geographic 40–640x

This microscope is suitable for the youngest connoisseurs of natural sciences, but it cannot be used for serious research. It has a good quality body, a comfortable monocular, LED illumination and a three-lens revolving device that makes it possible to hold the device comfortably in the hands.

The device comes with safe plastic covers and specimen imitations of glasses, tweezers, several preparations. There is also a microtome, which enables the child to make his own preparations for observation. There is also a special smartphone stand that allows you to create high-quality observation photos.

• good quality of the device;
• backlight with LEDs;
• drugs for study;
• magnification from 40 to 640 times;
• the ability to take a photo or video on a smartphone.

• at the highest magnification produces a blurry picture.

The price of a microscope is on average 3600 rubles.

Celestron Microscope Kit 44121

This device is suitable as a first-grader's first microscope. It has two-sided LED backlighting from the bottom and top. This makes it possible to consider both slices of small thickness and larger objects.Also in the kit there are preparations for experiments, including several entertaining samples for observation.

• the presence of two-sided illumination;
• decent glass optics;
• magnification up to 600 times.

• cheap plastic on the case;
• blurry picture at highest magnification.

The average price of such a device is 3,500 rubles.

Levenhuk Rainbow 2

A high-quality, uncomplicated microscope is suitable for school work. A revolving device is used to adjust the magnification. It has double-sided illumination and aperture for better image quality. The body is made of a metal alloy. The microscope comes with various observation preparations and instructions on how to use the device.

• durable body;
• high-quality image;
• double-sided lighting.

• distortion of the picture at the edges at high magnification.

The cost of such a model is 6500 rubles.

Levenhuk 2S NG

This device is quite simple, but of excellent quality. It can be used to familiarize the student with the microcosm. The light source is a special mirror with a disc with diaphragms for adjusting the light flux. The highest magnification is 200x. The lens is achromatic to minimize distortion. The body is made of a metal alloy.

• classic version;
• good quality optics;
• durable body;
• the presence of a condenser.

• no backlight;
• small increase.

The cost of such a device is 3700 rubles.

Biomed 1

The classic version of the educational device, allowing for scientific research work. The device gives excellent magnification from 400 to 1600 times, which makes it possible to see the cellular structure and observe bacteria. The microscope is equipped with high-quality optics, metal housing and classic specular illumination.

• durable body;
• strong increase;
• good quality optics.

• no backlight.

The cost of such a model is 6,000 rubles.

Biological microscope Micromed S-13

This classic device makes it possible to observe preparations in a bright field way. With this tutorial, students learn how to properly handle a microscope and how to set up the best illumination with mirrors. The greatest magnification is 800 times, which is sufficient for examining the structure of cells and microbiological preparations.

• classic school version;
• significant increase;
• 2 eyepieces.

• poor equipment;
• there is no backlight.

The cost of such a microscope is 4,300 rubles.

Levenhuk LabZZ M4 stereo

This stereoscopic device does not require the manufacture of special transparent preparations for studying objects using a bright field. With its help, it is possible to examine sufficiently large objects in one piece. The lens has double magnification and 20x eyepieces, which makes it possible to thoroughly examine objects. To obtain a clearer picture, a backlight from diodes is used.

• the image is three-dimensional;
• ease of setup and use;
• there is a backlight made of diodes.

• insufficient increase;
• batteries need to be purchased separately.

The cost of this model is 3700 rubles.

Bresser Duolux 20x – 1280x

This device can work like a traditional monocular microscope, but if you want, you can use the included camera and take photos of preparations. There is a backlight operating from the mains or from batteries. Among the components are several accessories in a special bag. The microscope gives a strong magnification, which guarantees the possibility of using it not only for schoolchildren, but also for students.

• double-sided lighting;
• works from different power sources;
• there are many additional items;
• magnification up to 1280x.

• high magnification decreases sharpness.

The average cost of such a microscope is 15,500 rubles.

Levenhuk D70L

A high-quality digital device that allows you to take pictures and videos of the drug in question and send them to a computer. With a significant increase to work with the specimen on the stage, it is possible to use a guide. The backlight can be either a classic mirror or a built-in lamp.

The coarse adjustment screws are used to focus. The device operates both from the mains and from batteries. The optical zoom is 400x, but in digital format this parameter reaches 1600x.

The microscope comes with a storage case, flasks, a brochure with explanations, glass slides, tweezers, prepared preparations, and a microtome.

• digital monitor;
• availability of a drug carrier;
• backlight;
• it is possible to take videos and photos and transfer to the monitor;
• works from different sources;
• smooth tuning;
• preparations for study.

• high price;
• no memory card;
• low optical magnification.

The average price of the device is 23,000 rubles.

Micromed S-12

This model is designed for schoolchildren and home education. In addition, it is used as an auxiliary tool in specialized schools, medical and biological children's and adolescent circles.

The features of the instrument are the used light source (mirror), which does not require resort to the use of electricity, which is especially important when in the field. It can be used to observe preparations in transmitted light in a bright field, to study colored and non-colored biological objects in the form of smears and sections.

Description of the microscope: the device is designed for a tube length of 16 cm, objectives of the RMS standard with a perifocal height of 3.3 cm. The simple optical design and achromatic optics together provide decent quality at a low cost. On both sides of the tripod, there are coarse and fine focusing handles, which ensure accurate adjustment of the sharpness of the image at high magnification.

The mirror has two reflective surfaces: one of them is concave (used in some cases to increase the illumination of the object), the other is flat.

A stop and a spring frame for a 40x objective lens protect the front lens of the objective and the object from mechanical damage.

A disc with a set of diaphragms can achieve the greatest concentration with the subject. Thanks to high-precision manufacturing of parts and high-quality assembly of the unit, it is possible to explore areas of the drug of interest to the student and not lose it from the field of view when changing the lens.

• Simplicity of construction;
• Ensuring comfortable work;
• Low cost;
• Wide scope of application;
• Robust and reliable case;
• Achromatic optics;
• Does not require an electrical connection;
• Fine focusing;
• Possibility of operation in vertical laboratories.

• Not identified.

The average price is 4470 rubles.

Eureka 40x-320x inverted (amethyst)

Design features: inverted unit type; built-in illuminator on 3 AA batteries, the ability to use a camera (video eyepiece) to display an image on a PC screen (purchased separately).

Inverted models have an inverted optical system. The observed sample is illuminated from above, and the objective is at this time under the stage, observation of the sample is carried out from below.

The design allows you to explore living biological objects that are in a Petri dish or flask. The lighting system is designed to work with laboratory glassware with a height of 5 cm. The lenses are endowed with an increased focal length, which allows viewing the material in special glassware, in which a bottom thickness of up to 1.1 cm is allowed. Biological objects fixed on a glass slide can also be examined.

Scope of use: schools, lyceums, preschool educational institutions, home conditions, universities.

The main advantages of the microscope:

• Long focus lenses for viewing columns of bacteria;
• Mini laboratory included;
• Glass optical elements for image quality;
• Dimmable LED built-in illuminator for fast lighting setup;
• Convenient focusing handle;
• The special lubrication of the steel elements ensures the durability and accuracy of the fixing of the moving part.

• Beautiful appearance;
• Equipment;
• 2 in 1;
• Reliability;
• Durability;
• Functional;
• Opportunities.

• Not identified.

The average cost of the device is 5340 rubles.

LOMO Mikmed 5.0

Design features: 5.0 megapixel camera, USB, LED illumination, table with markings, ergonomic shape.

This digital device with 10-300x magnification belongs to the professional type of microscope, which is suitable for hobby, education, surface inspection during production. It is equipped with a tripod, adjustable holder-stand, detachable camera, LED backlight with adjustable brightness. Thanks to the software supplied, the user can take photographs of the objects under study, shoot video and make high-precision measurements of angles, radii and linear dimensions of objects of attention with an accuracy of 0.01 mm.

The device can be useful for detecting defects, when carrying out small and accurate repairs, for example, soldering or cutting tracks on printed circuit boards.

The microscope works on the principle of a digital camera and is connected to a computer via USB 2.0. It is compatible with operating systems such as Win7, Win8, Win10, Mac. All recorded records (photos, videos) remain on the computer, in the future they can be edited, archived, sent via e-mail and "apply other operations in relation to them."

The technical characteristics of the structure include:

• Metal case combined with plastic;
• Maximum frame rate - 30 pcs / sec;
• Working distance - 0-5.5 cm;
• Format: photo - jpeg, video - AVI;
• Photo resolution: 1944 by 2592 pixels.

Note! The parameters of the field of view depend on the magnification, which is achieved by changing the distance from the objective to the test object. Sharpness is achieved using the focusing ring on the body.

• Clear detail;
• Modern development;
• Multifunctional;
• Smooth backlight adjustment;
• Lasting;
• Opportunities;
• The microscope is easy to use;
• Wide scope of application;
• Value for money;
• Stylish design.

• Not identified.

The average price segment is 6190 rubles.

Rating of popular microscopes for 2020 in the budget series

Espada 1000X

This digital device does not at all resemble a familiar microscope. It has LED backlighting and a special screw for adjusting the sharpness. There is a camera with which you can take photos and videos and transfer the image to the monitor.

• it is possible to take pictures and videos and send them to a computer.

• the increase is less than stated;
• drivers are not compatible with every operating system.

The average cost of this microscope is 1,700 rubles.

Eastcolight 21331

An optical microscope for children 8-16 years old with a monocular head will become an indispensable assistant in studying the detailing of the world of living organisms and chemicals. The device operates in 3 modes of magnification: 100/300/600 times, it can illuminate the instrument table using a mirror or its own illumination, which operates in an autonomous mode from AAA batteries (2 pcs.) And is located in the lower part of the structure. Thanks to special clamps, the structure is easily and firmly attached to the desk and home table.

The frame is made of metal, glass and plastic, the optics are made of special plastic, the focusing is rough, the research method is a light field.

The delivery set includes: the device itself, instructions, a magnifying glass, 12 cover slips and labels, respectively, 4 slides, two reagent bottles, a prepared slide and a glass for preparation.

• Equipment;
• Inexpensive;
• Beautiful design;
• Reliable attachment to the table surface;
• Well built;
• Functional.

• Unreliable case (a lot of plastic).

The price of this device is from 1100 rubles.

LEVENHUK LabZZ M1

This microscope is recommended for curious children as the first device that will help them develop scientific talents, show the mysterious and fascinating microcosm. It is designed to study transparent images (it is recommended to observe ready-made microscope preparations).

The device does not cause difficulties during research and does not require special skills. A couple of samples are already included in the package, which can be examined immediately; slides and coverslips, sample preparation and pipette.

Experimental observations can be carried out under good (daytime) and poor lighting, since the design provides for built-in illumination. A mirror and an incandescent lamp (powered by batteries) act as a light source.

The revolving device is already equipped with three objectives, which magnify the object under study 100/200/300 times. Sharpness adjustment is adjusted using the focus wheel.

The body is made of durable plastic, the stage has special metal clamps for fixing microsamples. The attachment is a monocular, the optics are made of optical plastic.

Important! The unit is not compatible with Levenhuk digital cameras, as the diameter of the eyepiece tube is 17 mm.

• Low cost;
• Lifetime warranty;
• Ease of controls;
• Easy;
• Build quality;

• Small lens;
• Batteries need to be purchased separately;
• Not for serious experiments.

The cost of goods is from 960 rubles.

Kromatek 43149b007

New generation digital microscope for high school and university students with a swivel head, LED backlight and 50-500x magnification. A bright field is used as a research method.

The body of the product is made of plastic, equipped with optics made of optical plastic, has a small size - 3.5 / 11 / 3.5 cm. Working distance - 20 centimeters.

The camera has a resolution of 2 mnix, a photo is 480 by 640 pixels. The kit includes a microscope, metal stand, calibration plate, CD with software, drivers and instructions.

• Ergonomic shape;
• Functional;
• Affordable price;
• Build quality;
• Small-sized;
• Backlit;
• Convenient;
• Ease of use.

• Calibration required.

The average cost of a product is 2,490 rubles.

New items appear all the time among the range of optical devices. Therefore, choosing the right microscope is not difficult. Younger schoolchildren will enjoy simple models with many accessories. High school students and students will benefit from devices with high-quality optics, which make it possible to examine the drug in detail.