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amp244
Sporocarp Stretching


Registered: 08/05/08
Posts: 1,336
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Would you recommend one of these microscopes?
#21941872 - 07/14/15 12:32 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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I remember reading that any microscope worthwhile for microscopic mushroom identification and examination will run around $1,000. But I found a few that are significantly cheaper that appear to have the capabilities necessary for this application. Would someone experienced with microscopes pass judgment on one of these cheaper microscopes, please?
http://www.microscope.com/omano-om118-b4s-microscope.html?gclid=CJbg7tqZ28YCFcaRHwodDJIPZw#description_tab With the cheapest camera and cross-line reticle it would run about $350!
http://www.microscope.com/compound-microscopes/omano-om36-compound-microscope.html This one is a little bit more, but it has the trinocular option that allows for easy mounting of a camera. Is this necessary, or would the binocular version work just as well? I'm not educated as to microscopic technique or composition so I apologize in advance. I want to get into microscopy but I also don't want to pay an arm and a leg. Any advice would be helpful, thanks.
-------------------- How to Convert a Normal 24-hour Light Timer into a Short Cycle Repeating Timer "Monopoly, besides, is a great enemy to good management, which can never be universally established but in consequence of that free and universal competition which forces everybody to have recourse in it for the sake of self-defense." -Adam Smith
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insanemike

Registered: 02/23/14
Posts: 4,272
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: amp244]
#21942033 - 07/14/15 01:18 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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PM Bodhisatta. He is the mushroom microscope man and can give you the answer in which you seek.
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,889
Loc: Milky way
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: insanemike]
#21942341 - 07/14/15 02:47 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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I'll take a look when I get to a real computer in an hour or two
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insanemike

Registered: 02/23/14
Posts: 4,272
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: bodhisatta]
#21942461 - 07/14/15 03:18 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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Sorry to put you on the spot like that, bod. I just wanted to make sure op got the best advice that I could get them.
Edited by insanemike (07/14/15 03:19 PM)
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,889
Loc: Milky way
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: bodhisatta]
#21942490 - 07/14/15 03:25 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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the 36 has a nicer head(part that holds the eyepieces)
and they say it has better construction
Quote:
It has similar optics to the OM36C, but lacks some of the finesse in design and construction
the similar optics part is what confuses me neither say much about the optics. I would imagine they're the exact same because the price is so similar though.
I have an adapter for my DSLR camera, but I find my phone takes better pictures if I just hold it steady to one of the eyepieces.
you could go buy even a shit digital camera and it would probably be better than the one they offer to you for purchase, I would at least try out using a phone first if you have a decent phone, mines not even that decent and I still get good pictures.
if you can pony up the cash or save up buy a phase contrast microscope.
you don't need a trinocular unless you want to take pictures while you look through it, and even then you'll want to make sure you get one that the trinocular port can be in focus while the binoculars are too.
AMscope makes some similar cheap scopes too. either way they're good enough for anything we are doing. looking at spores and mycelium.
both of the ones you linked too are binocular by the way.
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amp244
Sporocarp Stretching


Registered: 08/05/08
Posts: 1,336
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: bodhisatta]
#21942673 - 07/14/15 04:15 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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Whoa, phase contrast is no joke! I'd have to save up for months to be able to afford one of those, very neat concept though.
Thanks for all the info, I'm thinking about getting that 36, and it's good to know I can forgo the camera and trinicular options, that'll save $100 right there. I'm assuming I'd need the reticle however, as measuring spores is a means for identifying species. That would put the total price at just over $300, and with a lifetime (limited) warranty. I'll add this one to my Boomin on a Budget purchase list along with my goodwill shmuvbox, power steamer, and humidifiers!
-------------------- How to Convert a Normal 24-hour Light Timer into a Short Cycle Repeating Timer "Monopoly, besides, is a great enemy to good management, which can never be universally established but in consequence of that free and universal competition which forces everybody to have recourse in it for the sake of self-defense." -Adam Smith
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Alan Rockefeller
Mycologist

Registered: 03/10/07
Posts: 48,276
Last seen: 2 hours, 21 minutes
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: amp244]
#21944981 - 07/15/15 01:38 AM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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I am not familiar with this brand, these might even be renamed Amscopes. This is a good scope for mycology because it has the 100x oil immersion objective and is binocular.
I think you should get the amscope, these are less of a known quantity. I think Amscope sells the same thing for $160.
$49 sounds steep for a reticle, and I don't use those, instead I get a stage micrometer for $12 from China on Ebay and do the measurements digitally. Much better that way.
See also http://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/21519335
and
https://www.facebook.com/groups/FungalMicroscopy/
and
http://www.shroomery.org/forums/postlist.php/Board/170
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amp244
Sporocarp Stretching


Registered: 08/05/08
Posts: 1,336
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: Alan Rockefeller]
#21947516 - 07/15/15 02:01 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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Thank you for all the information Allan. I found the B100 on AMscope for $179 shipped! And I'll definitely heed your advice and go with the ebay stage micrometer!
I'm about to pull the trigger on this guy, its so cheap I can't pass this deal up.
-------------------- How to Convert a Normal 24-hour Light Timer into a Short Cycle Repeating Timer "Monopoly, besides, is a great enemy to good management, which can never be universally established but in consequence of that free and universal competition which forces everybody to have recourse in it for the sake of self-defense." -Adam Smith
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,889
Loc: Milky way
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: amp244]
#21947560 - 07/15/15 02:12 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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alan's the man.
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amp244
Sporocarp Stretching


Registered: 08/05/08
Posts: 1,336
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: bodhisatta]
#22024480 - 07/31/15 02:02 PM (8 years, 5 months ago) |
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So I got the B100 and my microscopy is underway!
I found this guy growing a couple weeks ago, looks like Chlorophyllum Molybdites

I took a spore print, looks even more like Chlorophyllum Molybdites

Busted out the Oil Objective lens on my new toy, definitely is Chlorophyllum Molybdites

It was tough to hold the camera steady and focus for a good shot, but I suppose that is an acquired skill that muscle memory retention will improve.
Thanks everybody!!
-------------------- How to Convert a Normal 24-hour Light Timer into a Short Cycle Repeating Timer "Monopoly, besides, is a great enemy to good management, which can never be universally established but in consequence of that free and universal competition which forces everybody to have recourse in it for the sake of self-defense." -Adam Smith
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bodhisatta 
Smurf real estate agent


Registered: 04/30/13
Posts: 61,889
Loc: Milky way
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Re: Would you recommend one of these microscopes? [Re: amp244]
#22025859 - 07/31/15 07:33 PM (8 years, 5 months ago) |
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