Help me buy a microscope

[Going2fast]

Going to get a USB microscope for my old eyes and would like y'all's opinions on them. The ones I see for cheap want to phone home to the mother ship in china every time you use it. Not doing that. Just want one that works. Whatchall got?

 

[9fingerleafs]

I got a pretty cheap one from china 🤣 one of those claiming 500x but it's just a USB webcam with a little tripod support. Don't even come with software. I just open the photo boot in Mac and take pictures that way. Cost me like 20 bucks

 

[Ckbrew]

I have one of those cheapo "microscopes". I was not impressed with it and I had to find an app that would work to capture the pix. I am thinking of trying this one next. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BP19YT9K/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_7?smid=A90WAG2T4WT03&psc=1 Let us know if you try it.

 

[Gingerbeard]

Bought a China brand average price. Maybe $20-$30. I found three directions on installing for use on my computer. None of them worked.
I got in touch with China. They told me to try a fourth way that didn't work.
Their first solution was to let me keep the scope and get a half refund because shipping was a bitch. I told them I didn't care about their shipping and paying half price for something that did not work was paying for something that did not work. Resolution was mine.
Go to Toys-R-Us. Do you have Michael's? It's an artsy craftsy place. Maybe Radio Shack? Pay a little more for something you can return to the source.

 

[quirk]

I purchased this unit. The supplied holder/stand is not functional. I got this aftermarket unit that works well.

 

[hukaraptor]

Anyone wondering how any of these devices are better than a newer version smart phone of any brand? The cameras are so sophisticated now…maybe an attachment exists.

mahalo

 

[9fingerleafs]

Yeah. I have a Xiaomi phone. It already has a macro lens in the camera. Works so well I haven used my microscope in two years. Great to check trichomes. Never tried the attachments but I imagine they must work pretty well too

 

[homegrown]

i have one similar to quirk, yes the base is useless for anything we need it for unless you cut a bud or leaf off to look at it. It does take great close ups of buds and trichomes. I like it simply because i can jam it onto the bud and focus from there...doesnt matter how shaky my hands are cause the bud is stuck to the camera lol. As of late something is funky inside..like the lens is flopping around. Probably order another cause their cheap.

 

[Rootsruler]

Those are junk IMO. A cheap 30/60 is all I need for ripeness checks. I got my 30/60 for $6 on Amazon.

New phones have macro.

 

[Bluey]

I have a Samsung S23 Ultra and the macro function is non existent but if you set it at 3x zoom and then blow up the pics it works reasonably well, but not really as close as we need for good trichome or tiny pest inspection.

I also have a jeweller's loupe I put in front of the lens and crop the image but depth of field is extremely narrow. With patience you can grab some great shots about 1% of the time if you're lucky. Below are the best shots I could get with this setup.

Pretty shit really.

I too want a better setup for close ups.​

EDIT. I am holding everything by hand which is probably a no no.

 

[Rootsruler]

I have one of those lens kits for your phone but it's hard to get a good shot without a tripod or some sort of steadying device.

 

[Bluey]

Post a few of your best pics @rootsruler

I think going in macro close up holding by hand is the main problem and then you've got a total depth of field of maybe 5mm....if you're lucky

 

[homegrown]

Do you have any pics with that thing Rootsruler? These were taken with one of the junk products that you mentioned. I may be interested in one if they can do better.

 

[Rootsruler]

This was from a couple of harvests ago with a macro lens. GG4.

 

[Bluey]

They're a heap better than what I can do

 

[Bluey]

This is what I can do with the camera phone zoom in. Details ok.

 

[Smallgrow]

I have the Amazon usb type, I’d put a link but my “brand” Wadeo is no longer available it was around 30-40$ Canadian
here’s a couple pic about middle of its zoom 50-1000x I think.

I attach it to a tripod with a dollar store cell phone clip on holder, to steady it. It’s still a pain to get good photos, but it works for me. The long reach arm makes it harder to steady but allows me to reach to the back of the tent.

 

[Tone3000]

The timing of this post is great as I, too, am microscope shopping. I don't see a clear solution here so any additional recommendations are welcome.

[USER][/USER]did you get one yet? If so, would you please report back on which one and how you like it?

 

[Going2fast]

I did not. Still researching. Several good recommendations here but I'm not giving a microscope access to everything on my phone.

 

[kingfish]

Going2fast take Rootsruler's advise this is all you need. Those USB Made in China microscopes are crap.