If there's one thing that gets people all geeked around here, it's microscopic pics of edges. I have been trying to use a lighted loupe for a while and there are some shortcomings for me that cause me to start looking at other things. For instance:
I know there are a lot of folks who are very successful with a hand-held loupe. I know there are people saying if you can't see it with a 10x you don't need to see it. I know there are people that are saying they don't need a loupe, that the (HHT, TPT, TNT, other test) is all they need. Assume for the purposes of this thread that anyone looking to buy a microscope can benefit from one.
Here's a list of technical requirements that I think would cover most of the guys in my boat:
Then of course there is the "does it take a good picture?" thing.
So I'd like to ask folks for their experiences with some of the microscopes out there, preferably in the spirit of the requirements list, and post pictures ideally that they have taken with their microscope. That would give guys like me some ideas on what to look for and what might make a good microscope to have. This could even be a living reference; as people get new equipment they could add information here. So, if I might suggest, if you have a digital microscope and would like to share, please share the following:
Anyone that shares information gets a thanks and a virtual handshake from me. I don't know what else a guy could need?!
- Questionable magnification. It says 80x but I really doubt I'm getting it. I could use more.
- Limits of the technology. I don't think anyone is going to get more than 80x on a hand-held loupe.
- Proximity to my face. The focal length is so short the blade is up near my face, the whole posture is screaming "buy butterfly strips!"
- Multitasking. Because I am worries about where the blade is, maintaining the focal distance, maintaining depth of field, not dinging the edge and not slicing my fingers or face, I don't get a good picture of what's up with my edge at times.
- Sharing. I can't snap a pic and post it here asking for opinions or assistance.
I know there are a lot of folks who are very successful with a hand-held loupe. I know there are people saying if you can't see it with a 10x you don't need to see it. I know there are people that are saying they don't need a loupe, that the (HHT, TPT, TNT, other test) is all they need. Assume for the purposes of this thread that anyone looking to buy a microscope can benefit from one.
Here's a list of technical requirements that I think would cover most of the guys in my boat:
- <$100
- USB connection to computer
- Software and drivers compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and/or Mac OS X 10.7 - 10.10
- => 100X optical zoom
- Ample lighting or capable of effectively using external light
Then of course there is the "does it take a good picture?" thing.
So I'd like to ask folks for their experiences with some of the microscopes out there, preferably in the spirit of the requirements list, and post pictures ideally that they have taken with their microscope. That would give guys like me some ideas on what to look for and what might make a good microscope to have. This could even be a living reference; as people get new equipment they could add information here. So, if I might suggest, if you have a digital microscope and would like to share, please share the following:
- Make, model, model number preferably
- Price when you purchased it
- Software compatibility (or at least what OS you run that it works on)
- Optical zoom level
- Lighting
- Sample pic(s) from microscope
- Optionally, a link to the manufacturer's site
Anyone that shares information gets a thanks and a virtual handshake from me. I don't know what else a guy could need?!