Microscope selection - Orchid Board

Jenn4a · #1 02-22-2015, 08:07 PM

Pocket microscopes or the digital ones that display the image on a computer screen?
Does anyone have both?
I purchased a 60x-120x pocket 'scope and I'm having troubles with it. I'm thinking about purchasing a digital one from amazon that will be easier on my eyes.

-I'm pretty shakey; I have troubles keeping my hands, scope, and leaf still, (When I'm looking at a leaf that has not been cut off...I'm hoping that I don't have to cut off everything I want to look at?)

-Even when I was practicing using the scope on newspaper, it gave me a headache that lasted for the rest of the day.. I have troubles keeping one eye closed. Both eyes start blinking

I ended up with a painful headache and strained eyes. :O
^ For this reason, I think a computer displayed image would be nicer.

On another note. I found a flying insect by my new phals. Is it something to worry about?

Tindomul · #2 02-22-2015, 10:38 PM

I have one of those pocket scopes. They do suck.
THe digital ones? Are you talking about the types that get connected to the oculars of a real scope? Otherwise Im not familiar with those.

Using one eye on any scope will often lead to headaches.

Jenn4a · #3 02-22-2015, 10:48 PM

Thanks for the reply!

I'm thinking about the "handheld USB" ones like this. Plugable USB 2.0 Handheld Digital Microscope with stand for Windows, Mac, Linux (2MP, 10x-50x Optical Zoom, 200x Digital Magnification) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AFH3IN4..._9AP6ub0QS6RQG

Maybe not this one in particular; there's a couple on there with a similar price range. I'm not looking for a really expensive one.

bethmarie · #4 02-22-2015, 10:55 PM

I'll be interested to hear what you think of it if you get one. Sounds cool.

AnonYMouse · #5 02-22-2015, 10:58 PM

A loupe might be better since you hold that close to the eye instead of the object to be viewed.

Tindomul · #6 02-22-2015, 11:05 PM

Thats cool. Had never heard of that. What is it that you are looking for under the scope?

Jenn4a · #7 02-22-2015, 11:10 PM

I heard that microscopes are a good tool to see if there are pests, or their damage on the leaves. I'm not sure what magnification I would need.
I imagine I could also use it to see fungal spores too. I magnified a strand of hair and I could see all the splits and what not.

bethmarie · #8 02-22-2015, 11:16 PM

Most mites can be seen at 10x, tho I did have one invasion (of what I was told were Phalaenopsis mites) that required somewhat higher than 10x to see.

From the reviews of the one you posted above, it sounds like you could easily view leaves up to 40x, which should be sufficient for any pests I can think of. You might not sleep well after seeing a mite at 40x, though.

Jenn4a · #9 02-22-2015, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bethmarie

From the reviews of the one you posted above, it sounds like you could easily view leaves up to 40x, which should be sufficient for any pests I can think of. You might not sleep well after seeing a mite at 40x, though.

That's true.

with 60x, I could see the grains of salt on the leaves.. For about two seconds.

I just looked at what a loupe is:
I didn't think about a loupe. I don't think it would help if I have to keep one eye closed, or if it's close to my eye.

I don't particularly like putting things up close to my eyes, like binoculars, telescopes, and.. Well.. Microscopes.

other than not liking eyepieces up close to my eye(s) I have trouble keeping my eyes from blinking, and focusing on the small display; I end up straining my eyes.

Tindomul · #10 02-22-2015, 11:23 PM

Yes, in fact I did use mine to look for mites once. It will work.