magnifying glass vs microscope

[orchids44]

I have a couple of magnifying glasses to view the chids leaves for pests and diseases. The problem is it only magnifies to 4X. Do the experienced hobbyists have a inexpensive microscope? Would love to hear what others have, why it works for you and where you purchased it.
Appreciate your advice

[Magnus A]

I have not felt that I needed any help inspecting my plants.

But I would never ever use a microscope hunting critters. The handling is not good, especially of things that is not brightly lit and almost flat (The depth of field is usually VERY narrow!). Especially hobby microscope of low cost is a pain to use.

Why not go for a stronger magnification and use a Loupe ?
Loupe - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


You can find a strong loupe (20x) with a LED light for about 30 US dollar.
http://www.stoneshop.se/shop/28153/a...pic-29cd1b.jpg

[RosieC]

I've not tried a Loupe, but I agree with Magnus that a microscope is probably not good for inspecting plants and would be a pain to use.

From the link Magnus gives a Loupe looks like a good option.

[Bloomin_Aussie]

There's those video microscopes that plug into your computer's USB port. Might be easier to use than a conventional one in that circumstance however I think the magnification is probably excessive if you are simply doing a brief inspection.

[DavidCampen]

It is usually at night when I hunt for bugs on my orchids so a magnifying lens with a built in light would be good. I have a couple of hand lenses but I would like to buy another with a light.

[orchids44]

Magnus, Rosie, Dan and David...........thanks for your input. I've never used a loupe but will definitely invest in one. I especially appreciate you sending the websites, Magnus! I'm so glad I didn't purchase a microscope, they are certainly not cheap.
Happy Growing.

[PaphMadMan]

Originally Posted by Bloomin_Aussie

There's those video microscopes that plug into your computer's USB port. Might be easier to use than a conventional one in that circumstance however I think the magnification is probably excessive if you are simply doing a brief inspection.

Yes, a digital microscope could be useful. Can be hand-held and with a long enough cable to reach awkward positions and angles, usually have build in LED lights, and the image on your computer screen is a lot easier to look at. Fairly easy to focus. Probably use it on low power magnification most of the time, 10x or less. Can be pretty cheap (under $50), but you definitely need a video quality monitor for clear picture. Video or still pictures as well as live feed.

[tropterrarium]

Standard botany loupes are 10x, often with a 20x separate lens or a folding addition. I use a tricked out stereomicroscope, but also specialize in miniature species (think 1-5 mm flowers). For exquisite quality and imaging capability I spent around $40-50K (Zeiss Discovery V20, motorized focus, couple of planapo lenses, trans base, objective slider, camera lucida, Axiocam HRc, Zen workstation). Not everybody's cup of tea, but some of us are out there.

[Bloomin_Aussie]

Originally Posted by tropterrarium

Standard botany loupes are 10x, often with a 20x separate lens or a folding addition. I use a tricked out stereomicroscope, but also specialize in miniature species (think 1-5 mm flowers). For exquisite quality and imaging capability I spent around $40-50K (Zeiss Discovery V20, motorized focus, couple of planapo lenses, trans base, objective slider, camera lucida, Axiocam HRc, Zen workstation). Not everybody's cup of tea, but some of us are out there.

Oh $40-50k, is that all?? :what: :eek:

[tropterrarium]

Hi BloomingAussie; yep, you get what you pay for. My set-up is top notch research grade. The best that Zeiss has to offer. You still have to know how to use it to get the best images out of the system, though. Absolute overkill for checking for mites. It will do that, too, of course, but goes WAY beyond that.

Again, not everybody's cup of tea, but I value exquisite optics.