I recently graduated from veterinary medicine and I am interested in
buying a biological microscope. I would like to know what biological
microscope is suitable for my profession. My choices are Olympus CX
21, Olympus CX31, Olympus CX 41, Nikon E200, Nikon E200F. I have
already visisted the webpage of Olympus and Nikon but I still cannot
decide. I have also browsed the website of Zeiss and Leica.
Among my choices, which is the best in terms of performance, features,
capabilities, upgradability, durability, price or cost efficiency? Are
there better models in the Olympus series, Nikon series, Zeiss series
or Leica series of biological microscopes aside from my choices? What
biological microscope would you recommend to me based on the criteria
given?
I would also like to add accessories for darkfield, phase contrast and
polarizing later if ever the need arises or do I really need them?

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Request for Question Clarification by crabcakes-ga on 25 Feb 2006 20:10 PST

What will you be your primary use of a 'scope? Parasites? Blood?
Stool? Fungi? Do vets do lumbar punctures? Will you be examining joint
fuids? Pleural fluid? Amniotic fluids? Gram stains?

As far as darkfield, phase and polarizing abilities, filters can be
purchased separately for the light to accomplish this. Polarized light
would be used for certain urine crystals and stool fats. Is this
something a vet does much of? I used to use two pieces of exposed
x-ray film for a makeshift  polarizing light filter. (Worked pretty
good too!)

Personally, I loved Zeiss scopes and was sorry our hospital switched
to Nikons. The distance from the eyepeice and the fine adjustment
knobs is too short for most Americans, and becomes uncomfortable with
constant use.

What is your price range? Would a used 'scope be something you'd consider?

Regards, Crabcakes

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Clarification of Question by aleila-ga on 28 Feb 2006 20:53 PST

My primary use of a scope is for viewing fecal samples, blood samples,
skin scrapings, urine samples. These samples will be viewed to
determine the presence of either parasites (such as worms or their
ova, protozoans, mites, etc) cells (such as RBC, WBC, epithelial
cells, etc), microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, etc) and others
(such as crystals, fats).

Vets may also do lumbar punctures and they may also examine joint
fluids, pleural fluid, amniotic fluids and Gram stains.

Based on their structure or built, in terms of durability,
performance, cost efficiency, is it okay to purchase the accessories
for the darkfield, phase contrast and polarizing like those that come
with the Nikon 200 or would it be better to purchase those that come
with the Olympus CX 41.

Will the distance between the eyepiece and fine adjustment knobs be of
concern if I am petite?

Is it true that Nikon and Olympus microscopes include plastic parts in
their microscope? Would the plastic parts affect their durability and
performance?

Why do you love Zeiss microscopes? Why did your hospital switched to Nikon? 

My price range is less than $2000 but I would be willing to increase
my price range if the microscope is the best in terms of the criteris
I have given (performance, features, capabilities, durability,
upgradability, price or cost efficiency). Most importantly, I want to
be able to purchase a microscope that is appropriate or suitable for
my profession without spending unnecessarily or too much.

I would not consider buying a used microscope.

Zeiss is the choice for those where money is no object.  Otherwise,
the other major manufacturers, Olympus, Nikon, Leica, make high
quality microscopes.  I strongly recommend purchasing the accessories
from the same manufacturer as the microscope since these will be
engineered to specifically work with your scope.    I've found that it
is a matter of trying out the scopes and seeing which one fits your
style of work the best.  For your pathological use, you should find
that the scopes in the same class from each manufacturer should serve
you well.   You will need phase contrast and possibly dark-field for
certain types of tests.

Why not ask the professors at the vetenary collge?

I have read somewhere that Nikon and Olympus microscopes contain a
high amount of plastics in thier construction which might cause
mechanical problems that will limit ttheir function. Some of the
Olympus microscopes have failed due to coarse and fine focus problems
and their x-y stage is wire-driven which is prone to failure. The
spring-loaded stage drive and the plastic stage of Nikon E200 might
also fail in the future.  Are all these true?  The Zeiss and Leica
microscope contain all metal parts that is why they are more durable
compared to Olympus and Nikon. Is this also true?

So even if I tried the scopes and is satisfied with its performance,
am I sure that the microscope I am about to buy is durable, upgradable
and cost-efficient? I live in a humid country.

My veterinary college cannot afford to buy the four brands of
biological microscopes, more so, the latest model for each brand.
Consequently, they would not be able to inspect, operate and
scrutinize the said microscopes.  I would want the opinion of people
who have handled the said microscopes so that they can tell me the
performance, durability, upgradability and cost efficiency of the said
microscopes.

I am not yet earning and buying a clinical microscope entails a big
investment.  I want to be somewhat sure before I purchase one because
I want it to be really worth it.