I am looking for a beginners microscope for children that offers good
quality viewing. I would like to keep the price under $300.  What is
the best microscope that I can get in that range?

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Request for Question Clarification by tlspiegel-ga on 11 Dec 2005 09:29 PST

Hi jmount,


If my findings are satisfactory, please let me know and I will post
this information as the official answer to your question.

The Microscope Store
http://www.microscope-store.com/product_info.php/products_id/64

6 power LED Cordless Portable Teaching Microscope
[OMTM85L] $289.00 

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Microscope World
http://www.microscopeworld.com/misc/gift-ideas.htm

Model DM-52 Digital Microscope,  $349.  
Suggested ages:  7- 16

FREE GROUND SHIPPING ON THE DM-52! 
 
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Store4Knowledge

http://storeforknowledge.com/Advanced-Student-Monocular-Microscope--P4744C260.aspx

http://storeforknowledge.com/Microscopes-Magnifiers-C260.aspx

http://storeforknowledge.com/Micro-Trek-Microscope-P3640C260.aspx

http://storeforknowledge.com/Quantum-Big-Screen-Microscope---Award-Winner-P4496C260.aspx

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Microscope Buyers' Guide - Choosing a microscope
http://www.microscope-microscope.org/basic/buyers-guide.htm

(click on links "Shop for this model here" for more details)

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Best regards,
tlspiegel

Get a binocular microscope, where you use both eyes - not a monocular
'scope. Your child will appreciate it so much more!

Regards, Crabcakes

If you live near a university or college, particularly a university
with a medical school/teaching hospital, you can find good quality
'scopes in their salvage shops.

Crabcakes, I have never seen you so short-worded.  ;)

Jmount, you could also try pawnshops.

I am going to try the Meade 9460.  Thanks for your thoughts.

Myoarin--- Sometimes I just get tired of typing! Sadly, my mouth never gets tired!

;-)

Crabcakes

I would really urge using each model before buying, if possible. In
particular, ignore claims of amazing magnification. The most important
aspect of a good microscope is resolution, so look for the one that
provides the clearest and most consistant image across the field of
view. I agree with crabcakes about a binocular: if this is not
possible then try to train the child to keep both eyes open. It will
seem odd at first, but will avoid long-term problems.

Once they have it: leave some dried-up vegetation (grassses, weeds
etc) in water for a week and look at the water. It should have a
variety of protozoans far more interesting than the material you get
with the miscroscope.