Comparison Edu-Toys MS008 vs Sigeta Bio Five 35x-400x

General purpose of a microscope.

Nowadays, there are 4 main options for the appointment: children's, educational, laboratory and specialized microscopes. At the same time, different options (at least from the first three) may well be combined in one model — for example, the simplest and most inexpensive educational microscopes may well be positioned as children's, and the most advanced as laboratory ones. Here is a detailed description of the different destinations:

— Children's. The most simple and inexpensive microscopes, designed primarily for children who are taking their first steps in the natural sciences (as well as for other undemanding users who do not need particularly advanced functionality). Accordingly, such devices lack advanced features such as focus lock, Keller lighting, video outputs (for digital and opto-digital models), a trinocular with the ability to connect a camera, etc. In addition, the body can be made in bright colours, and in plastic is usually used as the body material. However, many children's microscopes are equipped with turrets for quick re-tuning of magnification, and the total magnification factor may well exceed 600x out of the box and 1000x in the top configuration.

— Educational. Microscopes well suited for teaching applications; sometimes such an appointment is even di...rectly indicated by the manufacturer. The specific functionality of such models is quite diverse, the type can also be different (both biological and stereoscopic). In general, devices of this specialization occupy an intermediate position between simple and inexpensive children's microscopes and advanced laboratory equipment. At the same time, there are many models that have a combined purpose — "children's / educational" or "training / laboratory". The first variety is simple and inexpensive, for educational purposes it is suitable mainly for school; the second option, in turn, can be useful even at the university faculty of natural sciences.

— Laboratory. The most advanced type of modern microscopes, designed for full-fledged laboratory research and other serious tasks. Accordingly, such models are not cheap, but they provide a high-quality image and, in general, have the most extensive functionality (although the specific set of features, of course, may be different). Among the features found in laboratory microscopes are a movable stage, installation of light filters, 2 types of illumination (lower and upper), Keller illumination, suitability for special microscopy methods (fluorescence, phase contrast), etc.

— Specialized. Microscopes of a specific design and purpose, one way or another different from more traditional models. These differences may vary; accordingly, the specific specialization also differs. So, recently, portable models for smartphones have gained quite significant popularity: with the help of a special clothespin, such a device is attached directly to the gadget opposite the main camera, and the smartphone screen plays the role of an eyepiece. Another popular variety is compact digital microscopes without their own screens, connected to PCs or laptops via USB, and even to smartphones via Wi-Fi (including via the Internet). This also includes professional equipment with a fairly narrow specialization: stereoscopes with special mounts for dental prosthetics, for soldering microcircuits, etc.; microscopes for metallurgical research; devices on a tripod with a remote rod, designed to inspect individual areas on general objects; comparative microscopes for ballistic and trace investigations in forensics; and etc.

The range of magnifications provided by the device is from minimum to maximum.

The magnification of the microscope is calculated by the formula "the magnification of the eyepiece is multiplied by the magnification of the objective." For example, a 20x objective with a 10x eyepiece will give a magnification of 10*20 = 200x. Modern microscopes can be equipped with multi-objective turrets, zoom lenses (see below) and interchangeable eyepieces — so that in most models the magnification can be adjusted. This allows you to adjust the device to different situations: when you need to consider small details, a high degree of magnification is used, but to expand the field of view, the magnification must be reduced.

Detailed recommendations on optimal multiplicities for different tasks can be found in special sources. Here we note that many manufacturers go to the trick and indicate the maximum value of the magnification by the degree of magnification achieved with an additional Barlow lens. Such a lens can indeed give a serious increase in magnification, but it is not a fact that the image will turn out to be of high quality; for more details, see "Complete set".

— Zoom lens. Lens with variable magnification. Such optics allow you to smoothly change the overall magnification of the microscope within certain limits, without changing the objective/eyepiece and without even looking up from observations. On the other hand, zoom lenses are more complicated and more expensive than constant magnification optics. Therefore, they are mainly used in stereoscopic microscopes (see "Type"): in the repair, assembly and other tasks for which such devices are used, the ability to smoothly adjust the multiplicity is extremely useful.

— magnification factor. The magnification provided by the lens. This parameter, along with the magnification of the eyepiece, affects the overall magnification of the device (see above). Most biological microscopes (see "Type") are equipped with several different magnification objectives on the turret; this allows you to adjust the degree of magnification as desired by the user. The standard magnification options for such lenses are 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x.

— Achromat. One of the varieties of colour correction used in lenses. The need for colour correction is due to the fact that light of different colours is refracted differently by lenses, and without additional measures, the image in the microscope would be blurred with iridescent stains. Achromatic is one of the simplest types of colour correction; in such optics, colour distortions in yellow and green are corrected.... Achromatic lenses have simple design and low cost. However the image quality in them is far from perfect: such a lens gives a clear image only in the centre of the image, the width of the sharpness zone is about a third of the total width of the field of view, and red-blue streaks may appear along the edges of the image. However, this is quite enough for general acquaintance, initial training, and often for more serious tasks.

— Planachromat. An improved and improved version of achromatic lenses (see above). Plan achromats provide additional correction of the field curvature, due to which the area of a clearly visible image in such lenses is at least 2/3 of the total width of the field of view, and often even more. It is these lenses that are recommended for serious study and professional use.

— Rim diameter. The size of the thread used to mount the lens. A larger bore usually means a wider lens, which means higher aperture and better image quality. On the other hand, the large size affects the dimensions, weight and cost of optics. In modern microscopes, diameters from 20 to 35 mm are mainly found. Knowing the size of the thread, you can purchase replacement or spare lenses for the device.

— Monocular. An eyepiece with a single lens that can only be viewed with one eye. For obvious reasons, it is only used in biological microscopes (see "Type"). The advantages of monoculars are primarily smaller size and cost than other varieties; in addition, they do not require adjustment for interpupillary distance. On the other hand, constantly looking into the eyepiece with one eye is tiring, so this option is poorly suited for situations where you have to look into the microscope often and for a long time.

— Binocular. Dual eyepiece that can be viewed with both eyes at once. Note that such optics are used not only in stereomicroscopes, originally intended for viewing an object through two lenses (see "Type"), but also in biological microscopes with one lens. The fact is that looking into an optical device with two eyes is much more convenient than with one, while the eyes are less loaded and fatigue does not occur so quickly. Therefore, for serious tasks associated with frequent use of a microscope, binoculars (or trinoculars, see below) are the best option. Such optics cost more than monocular, but this is offset by ease of use.

— Trinocular. A kind of binocular (see the relevant paragraph), supplemented by a third optical channel for a special camera-video eyepiece. Such a camera is usually connected to a PC or laptop; by installing it in the soc...ket for the third eyepiece, you can take photos and videos, as well as display the image in real time on the computer screen. At the same time, you can look through the microscope in the usual way. Devices with trinoculars are very functional and versatile, but they are complex and expensive.

— LCD screen. The microscope has an LCD screen that replaces the traditional eyepiece. You do not need to bend over to such a device each time to view the image, which is very convenient if observations need to be combined with record keeping and other similar activities. Microscopes of this design usually have a photo and video function, as well as various built-in tools — for example, a scale grid for estimating the size of visible objects, displayed directly on the screen. In addition, the image on the screen can be seen not only by the direct user, but also by everyone who is nearby; such features are indispensable during training sessions, consultations, presentations, etc. On the other hand, such microscopes turn out to be bulky and expensive.

— magnification factor. The magnification provided by the eyepiece. This parameter, along with the lens magnification, affects the overall magnification of the device (see above). The classic option for eyepieces in microscopes is 10x, but higher values \u200b\u200bare also found. The package may include several eyepieces, of different magnification — to change the overall degree of magnification. There is a multiplicity designation with a letter index, for example, WF10x. This means that the eyepiece has an extended field of view (WF — wide, EWF — extra wide, UWF — extra wide).

— Eyepiece tilt. The tilt of the eyepiece determines the position of the observer's head when looking through the microscope and the overall usability. According to this indicator, three main options can be distinguished: fixed angle, adjustable angle, without tilt. The fixed angle is most often 30° or 45° relative to the horizontal, these values are considered the most convenient. In angle-adjustable microscopes, the entire stand, with tube and stage, is fixed to the base with a swivel mount. This is the most convenient option, allowing you to adjust the tilt to your preference, but the mount tends to become loose over time, so it is rarely used in professional microscopes. The third variety — vertical microscopes, without tilt — have not received much distribution: this design is used in some stereoscopic models (see "Type") in order to ensure that the stage remains strictly horizontal (this is important for some work with microscopic objects).

— Rim diameter. The nominal diameter of the eyepiece used in the microscope, as well as the diameter of the hole in the tube, designed to install the eyepiece. Several standard diameters are used in modern microscopes, in particular 23 and 27 mm. In fact, this parameter is necessary, first of all, if you plan to purchase spare or replacement eyepieces for the microscope, or if you already have an eyepiece on the farm, and you need to evaluate its compatibility with this model.

— Diopter adjustment. The range of diopter correction provided in the eyepiece. This correction is used so that a nearsighted or farsighted person can look through the microscope without glasses or contact lenses. In most models with this function, the correction range is about 5 diopters in both directions; this allows the microscope to be used for low to moderate myopia/farsightedness.

The design of the object stage provided in the microscope.

— Stationary. Subject table, fixed motionless; focus in such microscopes is carried out by moving up and down the tube with the objective and the eyepiece. Such systems are simple and inexpensive, but focus while looking through a constantly moving eyepiece is not very convenient. In addition, for advanced biological microscopes (see "Type") with binoculars and trinoculars (see "Eyepiece"), this option is also poorly suited for some design reasons. But the vast majority of stereomicroscopes are equipped with stationary tables — this is the most reasonable design, taking into account the specifics of the application.

— Movable. In microscopes of this type, the entire optical system is fixedly fixed on a tripod, and the stage can be moved up and down to focus the optics. This design is found exclusively in biological microscopes (see "Type"). It is somewhat more complicated and expensive than with a fixed table, but at the same time it is much more convenient: when focus, the eyepiece does not move, which allows you to comfortably adjust the image without looking up. In addition, it is the movable stage that is most suitable for advanced devices with binoculars and trinoculars (see "Eyepiece"), almost all such microscopes have such equipment.

Types of focus (focus) provided in the microscope. Focus is carried out by changing the distance between the object under consideration and the lens; its types can be:

— Rough. This method means that there is one rotary control responsible for moving the lens or stage. The advantages of this design are simplicity and low cost. At the same time, focus at high magnifications in such microscopes is a rather difficult task: you have to turn the tuning knob literally in fractions of a millimetre.

— Coarse / Fine. Focus, carried out by two mechanical controls — for preliminary focus and for final fine tuning. Such a tuning is more convenient in itself than only a rough one (see above), and at high magnifications it can be simply irreplaceable. On the other hand, the presence of an additional regulator complicates and increases the cost of the design, so this option is found mainly in semi-professional and professional microscopes.

— Manual. A method that assumes the absence of a focus mechanism as such. Focus in such devices is carried out due to the fact that the user manually moves the lens — for example, moving it up and down on a vertical tripod and fixing it in the desired position with a clamp, or tilting it back and forth on a swivel mount. This option is only suitable for models with a low magnification that do not require special accuracy when focus; it is found mainly in digital microscopes without thei...r own screen (see "How it works"), as well as portable models (see the relevant paragraph).

The type of stage illumination used in a microscope.

- Light-emitting diode (LED). The most advanced type of illumination to date. The LEDs produce a bright white light with a cool colour, perfect for working with transparent samples. Such light sources can be equipped with dimmers. In addition, LED backlighting is extremely economical in terms of energy consumption and generates almost no unnecessary heat. All this makes this option suitable even for the most advanced microscopes.

— Halogen. Before the advent of LEDs, this type of illumination was the main choice used in biological microscopes (see "Type") of the intermediate and professional levels. Halogen lamps provide a powerful stream of light, while the brightness of the backlight, usually, can be adjusted; the emission spectrum turns out to be quite convenient for observations, and the heating is relatively small (although more than in LEDs). In terms of energy efficiency, such lighting is inferior to LED, but surpasses incandescent lamps.

- Incandescent lamp. The most simple and inexpensive type of backlight. Actually, it is the low cost that is the main advantage of such systems. But the disadvantages of incandescent lamps are many. Firstly, they give a warm shade of glow that distorts colour reproduction; for simple tasks this is not critical, but in serious studies it is unacceptable. Secondly, the lamp gets very hot, which can adversely affect the drug. Thirdly, such lighting c...onsumes quite a lot of energy. As a consequence, incandescent lamps are found exclusively in inexpensive, entry-level microscopes, and even among these, they are slowly falling into disuse.

- Mirror. Lighting with a mirror that reflects light from a window, ceiling lamp, or other external light source. The advantages of this option include simplicity, low cost, compactness and complete independence from energy sources. On the other hand, such a microscope depends on external illumination, and setting up a mirror requires certain skills and can be quite difficult to get used to. Therefore, in its pure form, mirror systems are used relatively rarely, however, a mirror can be provided as an addition to another source of illumination, for example, a halogen lamp.

The type of diaphragm installed in the microscope.

The diaphragm is a device that partially blocks the flow of light from the microscope lighting system. It is used mainly for adjusting lighting, as well as for some more specific tasks (in particular, changing the depth of field). When adjusting the diaphragm, the size of its working opening changes - and, accordingly, the actual light transmission; and different types of diaphragms ( iris or rim) differ in adjustment features:

- Iris. The name comes from the Latin word for the iris of the eye - similar devices work on a similar principle. The iris diaphragm consists of a set of specially shaped blades (the so-called lamellas). When moving to close, these petals move from the edges of the working hole to the center, reducing its size; when opening, they correspondingly move outward. Iris diaphragms are more complex and more expensive than rim diaphragms, but they have a number of important advantages over them. First of all, the light transmission throughout the entire operating range of such devices changes smoothly, which allows you to select the settings as accurately as possible. You can manage the settings without interrupting your monitoring of the drug; At the same time, iris diaphragms are also as compact and lightweight as possible. As a result, this option is the most popular in microscopes of the middle class and above, and...is also often found even in simpler models.

- Disk. Another name is revolver. This type of diaphragm is a rim with holes of different sizes made in it; By rotating the rim, you can place different holes in the field of view of the microscope and, thus, change the light transmission. The main advantages of such devices are simplicity of design, low cost, reliability and ease of repair. On the other hand, disc diaphragms are less practical and sophisticated than iris diaphragms - in particular, they are very bulky and do not allow for smooth adjustment. In light of this, this option is used mainly among entry-level microscopes, where advanced characteristics are not required - and an affordable price, on the contrary, is of key importance.

Additional equipment supplied with the microscope.

— Camera. In this case, we mean a removable camera installed either on the main optical channel (to use an external screen as an eyepiece), or on the third additional channel of the trinocular (see "Eyepiece"). In addition, there are also built-in cameras (see the relevant paragraph). Some models supplied without a camera allow you to purchase it separately, but this configuration option is generally more convenient.

— Adapter for smartphone. A device that allows you to install a smartphone on a microscope so that the camera of the device “sees” the image in the eyepiece. Thus, you can take photos and videos on your smartphone, as well as use its screen as an eyepiece — for example, if you want to show the image to several people at once.

— A set of accessories and preparations. A set of accessories for working with a microscope. Such a set usually includes at least slides and coverslips; in addition to them, the kit can be supplied with preparation tools, various auxiliary compounds (resin for gluing, oils and liquids for immersion lenses), as well as ready-made preparations for testing the capabilities of the microscope and initial training in working with it.

— Lens Barlow. An additional lens that is installed in front of the eyepiece and changes the overall magnification — usually upwards, but vice versa is...also possible. To calculate the overall magnification when using such optics, you need to multiply the initial magnification of the device by the magnification of the lens: for example, a 200x microscope with a 1.6x Barlow lens will give 200 * 1.6 = 320x magnification. This is partly why Barlow lenses have a very low magnification — even it gives a significant increase in magnification. The second reason is that it makes sense to increase the overall magnification only up to a certain limit — above this limit, the optics will only stretch the image without increasing the detail. Actually, in many microscopes, this is exactly what happens if you set the device to the maximum magnification and install a Barlow lens. So this device should be considered more as a tool for adjusting the magnification at medium magnification, and not as a way to increase the maximum magnification.

— Cover / case. Case for storage and transportation of the microscope. Covers are called soft cases, they are mainly designed to protect against pollution; cases are made of hard materials, they are more bulky, but they are also able to protect the device from shocks and shocks.