Where to buy Microscope?

artieanna

Hi just wondering where in Ireland or on the www I can purchase a microscope I need one powerful enough to look at skin cells, pollen etc;

I have an idea of what I'm looking for (don't have info to hand at moment)
just need to know who supplies them or sells them.

Hope this is posted in correct forum (I apologise if not & feel free to move elsewhere)

Many thanks
Artieanna

5uspect

Most Olympus microscopes have interchangable lenses so you just buy the maginification/light you need etc. There should be plenty of dealers online. Could be expensive tho...

I'm not sure about other brands, but we use these guys a lot for accessories:
http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/DisplayProduct.cfm?productid=2799

Capt'n Midnight

wait till lidl/aldi have one again
they usually have two, one is a plastic kids one the other is a real scope, not a very high spec one but a good introduction one. It didn't come with a moveable table which is very handy to have - anyone know where you'd get one?

5uspect

Actually OP is this for home or work (lab etc?).

artieanna

This is for personal use, I'm also interested in connecting it to my pc or camera to save the images. Can they be bought in Ireland?
I Was looking at the lidl one but I'm not sure if it worth it as I want to spend the money to get a good one. They are pricey enough...

I am looking at this one... ???
http://www.ukge.co.uk/UK/product.asp?P_ID=2130&strPageHistory=search&strKeywords=winchester&numPageStartPosition=1&strSearchCriteria=all&PT_ID=all

5uspect

Many of the bigger ones can be connected to a C-mount camera with an adapter. The one you've linked to there has a CCTV adapter option and other photographic attactments at least.

artieanna

5uspect wrote: »

Many of the bigger ones can be connected to a C-mount camera with an adapter. The one you've linked to there has a CCTV adapter option and other photographic attactments at least.

Thats why I'm looking at that one as it can be added to. How low in magnification can one go with a compound microscope?
Can I look at objects larger than pollen on a compound?

I could do with going to a store to talk to someone who could advise me on what I need....

5uspect

The problem is that good lab microscopes are generally not bought through shops. Not in Ireland at least. The ones you get in shops may be quite limited.

This site should answer most of your questions and give you an idea of what you need:
http://www.olympusmicro.com/primer/index.html

artieanna

5uspect wrote: »

The problem is that good lab microscopes are generally not bought through shops. Not in Ireland at least. The ones you get in shops may be quite limited.

This site should answer most of your questions and give you an idea of what you need:
http://www.olympusmicro.com/primer/index.html

That link explanations are pretty complicated I think. I found this one better
http://www.brunelmicroscopes.co.uk/microscope-facts.html

I agree with you in I don't think I'll pick one up in a shop which is a bit of a pain!!! Anyway the one I linked above was a bit pricy from the uk so I had a look on ebay and there is a scope with a camera I'm looking at for less than half the price (Still cheap with tax and duty). They have 220v version also and I'm impressed with it pretty high spec compared with the other.
Opinons welcome:o
http://cgi.ebay.com/LED-BATTERY-40-1600x-BINOC-COMPOUND-MICROSCOPE-FREE-CAM_W0QQitemZ270201953319QQihZ017QQcategoryZ26411QQcmdZViewItem

Reku

Sorry this isn't sooner, don't normally browse the science forums.

As you only want it for home use and undoubtedly have a limited budget I would suggest:
Semiconductor Instruments IRL Ltd., they're a second hand tools and lab equipment company.
0469438804
They're based in Trim so it can be a bit out of the way but if you can make a day trip there (best to prearrange it with them obviously) they might be able to show you what sort of microscopes they have available.

If you want brand new stuff though I think you're looking at Labquip, 016434586. www.labquip.ie
Though obviously it'll be more pricy than if you go second hand.


*AGB also say that they stock microscopes: www.agb.ie (look under the microbiology section)

artieanna

Thanks for the links farohar nice to know that at least they can be got in Ireland and may come in useful for getting bits.

I have bought the one from ebay works out pretty reasonable with the dollar being so low. Will let ye know how I get on...

Reku

Be careful about that, the lads in customs can be right meanies:mad: with the extra costs they'll try pull out of your pockets.
Hope it gets through alright and you don't have to pay customs.

JBCFord

artieanna you might try this company http://www.lennox.ie/mcp/Microscopes_-_Optika.html

regards jbcford

artieanna

Ok the scope arrived today really well packed in foam in a metal case. Got pulled in at customs for €41vat which was not bad at all as the value of the package was marked only $150. The total cost worked out at half what I would have paid here or in uk because of the weak dollar.

There is a glitch however the light is worked off an american adaptor so I have to organise an irish version. I am assured that it works off 220v power fine.

Have to say I'm really pleased overall...


Thanks for all the help lads/ladies

5uspect

Best of luck with it!

Reku

Glad to hear it, now please point us to where we can read of your amazing discoveries with your new microscope.;)

artieanna

farohar wrote: »

Glad to hear it, now please point us to where we can read of your amazing discoveries with your new microscope.;)

AAAA I have to figure out how to use it now!!!
Will post any problems I most probably will encounter.
I know where to get the help anyway;);)