To help you make up your mind, here is a selection of the best microscopes.
-
DR
The editorial staff of 20 Minutes did not participate in the production of this article.
These devices are timeless, but they can adopt various configurations.
What is a binocular head?
What devices can stream video?
What are the different lights available?
This buying guide will help you choose the best microscope for you, your children or your students.
Everything you need to know before buying a microscope
What are the different types of microscope head?
Consumer microscopes are generally monocular or binocular.
In other words, they allow using only one eye or both eyes simultaneously.
Binocular microscopes are more expensive, but also more comfortable.
We will also find duo heads.
These include an additional element giving the possibility to digitize the image.
What magnification to choose for your microscope?
The first instinct is often to look at the magnification of the microscope objective, which can exceed 1200 ×.
It actually gives an idea of the versatility of the device.
But we must also be interested in the objectives.
These can be achromatic, semi-planachromatic or planachromatic.
In addition, many devices have multiple lenses.
We prefer the latter, because it gives them more versatility.
What lighting to choose for your microscope?
Consumer microscopes generally benefit from LED lighting.
This allows low consumption and a long service life.
For higher requirements, we can turn to halogen models.
The selection of the best microscopes of the moment
Generic Mini: the cheapest microscope
Generic Mini Microscope.
- DR
This selection starts with a device intended for beginners.
The Generic Mini has an objective with 60 × magnifications.
It thus allows the youngest (from 3 to 5 years old) to learn how to observe their environment.
The device uses LED light powered by AA batteries.
The pros and cons of the Generic Mini microscope:
Most :
Price;
Perfect for children.
The lessers :
Design to review.
Get Generic Mini model
WDK Partner: the microscope to start
Microscope WDK Partner - DR
The WDK Partner offers a solution for beginners.
The three lenses of 50 ×, 80 × and 450 × provide some versatility.
The microscope is also supplied with coverslips, vials and other essential accessories.
The set also has four color filters and two lights.
Children and great beginners will be able to start informative and fun observations.
The pros and cons of the WDK Partner microscope:
Most :
Three magnifications;
Supplied with various accessories;
Accessible from 6 years old;
Adjustable height.
The lessers :
No magnification beyond 450 ×.
Get the WDK model
Kaptaia: the microscope with many accessories
Microscope Kaptaia - DR
The Kaptaia brand offers a more complete formula.
His microscope comes with a host of accessories.
Flasks, experimental boxes, but also a forceps, a scalpel, a magnifying glass… And with the case included, you are guaranteed not to lose anything between two uses.
The device provides a magnification of 100 × to 1200 ×.
Accessible to children from 5 years old, it is perfect for their first observations of nature.
The pros and cons of the Kaptaia microscope:
Most :
Multitude of accessories supplied;
High magnifications;
With storage case;
Ideal for children and beginners.
The lessers :
A bit more expensive.
Get the Kaptaia model
Bresser Visiomar: the students' microscope
Bresser Visiomar microscope - DR
Let's gain in comfort and in quality of observation with the Visiomar of the Bresser brand.
This device has been designed for people wishing to progress.
Its 4 ×, 10 × and 40 × lenses can be adjusted, offering a magnification of 40 to 1024 ×.
It also includes a turret with colored filters.
This will make it possible to highlight shiny or transparent elements.
In addition to the robustness of its aluminum frame, the Visiomar also has a PC connection.
The pros and cons of the Bresser Visiomar microscope:
Most :
The precision of the device;
Many accessories, including a storage case;
Can be connected to a PC;
With three objectives and magnification up to 1024 ×.
The lessers :
LED lighting can sometimes lack power.
Get the Visiomar model
Bresser Biolux: the binocular microscope
Bresser Biolux microscope - DR
For more comfort, the brand offers Biolux.
It's a binocular stereomicroscope.
The device thus uses both eyes, facilitating observations.
With its 20 × magnification, it allows very close observation of the flora and fauna.
The Biolux also weighs only 600 grams, which simplifies its transport.
The pros and cons of the Bresser Biolux microscope:
Most :
The quality of the image;
Lightweight ;
More comfortable to use;
Height adjustable with great precision.
The lessers :
A unique 20 × magnification.
Get the Biolux model
XCSource 1600 ×: the microscope in endoscope format
XCSource 1600x microscope - DR
Let us now dwell on slightly different microscope formulas.
XCSource's device is an endoscope.
It is thus similar to a torch that can be handled with one hand.
But when placed on its support, this tool allows microscopic observation.
Its sensor provides magnification up to 1,600 ×, with a resolution of up to 2,592 × 1,944 pixels.
Connected via USB, it will not require a “battery” budget.
The pluses and minuses of the XCSource 1600x microscope:
Most :
Attractive price ;
Magnification up to 1600 ×;
Simply connect via USB;
Can be used as an endoscope.
The lessers :
Punctual lack of precision.
Get the XCSource model
Mustool G700: the microscope for the world of electronics
Mustool G700 Microscope - DR
Electronic components are getting smaller and smaller.
For micro-repairs, the Mustool brand offers the G700.
This microscope dedicated to electronics thus has an LCD screen diffusing the image coming from its sensor.
This captures a magnification up to 1000 × and displays it in full HD (1080p) resolution.
The whole is powered by a 1500 mAh battery.
This allows it to operate independently.
The pros and cons of the Mustool G700:
Most :
The perfect device for electronic repairs;
With full HD screen;
Magnification up to 1000 ×;
With integrated battery.
The lessers :
Battery life remains to be seen.
Get the G700 model
Yinama 317: the microscope compatible with a smartphone
Microscope Yinama 317 - DR
The Yinama brand also uses an LCD screen broadcasting a full HD image.
However, it goes further in terms of connectivity.
Its microscope is indeed able to connect to a Smartphone.
This allows you to share your observations with everyone around you.
The 317 has a magnification of 50 × to 1000 ×.
It also incorporates a 1800 mAh battery offering great autonomy.
The pros and cons of the Yinama 317 microscope:
Most :
The full HD screen;
Compatible with a Smartphone via a Wi-Fi hotspot;
Also compatible with PC and SD card;
Generous integrated battery.
The lessers :
Lack of color precision.
Get the Yinama model
Microscopes are initially used for the observation of flora and fauna. However, they can meet other needs, some in the form of endoscopes or devices with LCD screens. When choosing the best microscope, don't be satisfied with magnification alone. The mode of supply (batteries, batteries, mains) is also important. Also, take the time to think about its ease of use. A binocular model can be more interesting for regular or prolonged use.
Purchase guide
Good deal for the 2021 winter sales at Amazon: Up to 20% off drones
Purchase guide
What is the best children's camera?
Content offered by our expert tips, partners of 20 Minutes.
The editorial staff did not participate in its realization.
The prices mentioned in this article are indicative and are subject to change.
High tech, image and sound
Purchase guide