What do you use?

[SmashGuitar]

Hello GWE I am at that point in my grow where the buds are filling in. I know its not harvest time yet. What do you prefer a jewlers loupe or a pocket digital microscope to inspect the trichomes? I know im going to need one sooner then later. Thanks

 

[Toker1]

Pocket microscope will give a much better view of what is happening

 

[SmashGuitar]

Thanks Toker1

 

[Toker1]

No prob!

 

[golfnrl]

I have tried several small microscopes. I finally settled on this one. Bought it at an independent toy store for $10.99. It works like a champ. It's spring loaded to clamp on your phone (I use an iPhone). When you put it on the phone the light comes on. It has an auto set magnification but you can also use the zoom feature on the phone. I also have the jewelers loop but the microscope works better, at least for me.

 

[Tersky]

Personally, i have a jewelers loupe and a pocket microscope. I actually prefer the loupe as it is easier to use imo though detail is not as good as the microscope. I like the loupe to see overall condition of trichs as it is easier to see a larger area than the microscope. It really is personal preference. Been thinking of getting a phone attachment but i need a new phone first!

Another tip. The phone i have (while really old) takes pretty good pics with the flash that you can zoom in and see trich color. Attached photo doesnt do it justice as the phone zoom cleans the pic up a bit.

 

[FunkyButtLovin]

I use a couple of cheap jeweler's loupes but I want to get a usb microscope soon.

 

[homegrown]

hey SmashGuitar , i just ordered this USB/wireless magnifier. Just started playing with it last night....The mounting stand is kinda cheap but im gonna rig up something a little more solid. Took a few pics of my last bud harvest trying to get the hang of it.

 

[starramus]

hey SmashGuitar , i just ordered this USB/wireless magnifier. Just started playing with it last night....The mounting stand is kinda cheap but im gonna rig up something a little more solid. Took a few pics of my last bud harvest trying to get the hang of it.

Yeah I've got one of those out in the barn. The base that comes with it is very unstable. They do make a pro base that is far better for an additional 20 + bucks which I found worth it. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0797PPX8D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I keep my Celestron in the office in the house.

 

[Eliot Pryor]

I use a cheap microscope.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BB92IK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[SmashGuitar]

That does take nice pictures!

 

[SmashGuitar]

Thanks everyone for all your input. I just ordered this i think it might be the same one homegrown has. I think it would be cool to zoom in on insects etc.

 

[Woodsman67]

I used a student style microscope and couple different jewelers loupes then found a microscope app for my phone. Allows me to take pictures and see up close. This picture was under a HPS so is yellow

 

[homegrown]

Lol SmashGuitar, they do look exactly the same except for the name and bottom base.I had thought about a jewelers loop and a phone microscope. But my hands shake so much i cant get a clear pic without something to rest my phone on. At least with this, i can focus it, then snap the pic using my phone and not have to touch the microscope itself.

 

[YYCannabis]

I use the wireless microscope. It does its job but the poor construction of the device means living with some issues.

One thing that I had a problem with was trying to hold the microscope against a bud...look at me phone...adjust the focus...hold my hand steady...... Well you get the idea. So I used an old articulating desk lamp from ikea and repurposed it to be a camera boom.

Ive since moved on from the way the base was fastened to my rack in that pic. I now have the base clamped to a piece of wood that I clamp onto an ultralight step ladder.

Pics are ok

The design flaw that irritates the feck outta me is the zoom/focus adjustment ring. When I rotate mine, the scope focal lens barrel wobbles inside the body barrel...so whatever I was trying to see is totally out of the view of the lense.

 

[homegrown]

Hahahaha YYCannabis, i've just realized the exact same thing...i try and focus on something but it decides to look elsewhere. WTF. I have the same articulating arm from a magnifying lamp which broke where the light mounted. It works good for you? as long as its mounted to something solid? OR should i try something else?

 

[YYCannabis]

It works very well. “Use what ya got to make it do what you need it to do” is one of my mantras first DIYing stuff. Just make sure the base is clamped to something solid so it doesn’t tumble onto your precious plants.

 

[YYCannabis]

Yup. It’s a pissoff. STAY STILL YOU LITTLE FECKER!!!! Is often heard being yelled into my tent 🤣

 

[SmashGuitar]

I seen those and wondered if they were any good. Thanks
golfnrl

 

[SmashGuitar]

I tried on my outdoor grow to use my phone buy i found my phone just was not enough.I got a pocket microscope but eventaully will look into a jewelers loupe. Thanks Tersky