Microscopes

[OhTheAgony]

I'm looking in to affordable microscopes to have a closer look at my buds and I was wondering what you guys are using. It can be a regular one or a usb version, whatever works.

I've found this cheap thing on ebay but "m not sure if it would be useful or not, anyone used this before?

click me

I wonder what kind of magnification I need, and what kind of resolution would be minimum for a decent snap shot in case I decide to get a digital one.

Anyone got any recommendations perhaps?

 

[Nycdeisel]

I am also looking into a good microscope. I have a little pocket microscope, just like the little 420 scope. its a pain to use.

I am looking at the Veho USB microscope on aqualab for $120

 

[OhTheAgony]

Which model is it that you're looking at? I'm also checking out the VMS-001 (up to 200X) and the VMS-004 (up to 400X). I may be able to get a demo model of the 001 for just ten bucks without a stand.

edit: the 004 goes for around 45 euro's on ebay, you may want to shop around a little if that's the one you're after.

 

[max]

I am also looking into a good microscope. I have a little pocket microscope, just like the little 420 scope. its a pain to use.

I am looking at the Veho USB microscope on aqualab for $120

You can find it elsewhere for $60-70. Aqualab prices suck. :/ This is also not a real 400x scope. Take a look at the reviews for this model on Amazon to make sure it's what you're looking for.

 

[lepstadder]

I dont know if you need a specifically usb microspoe


But if not, radio shack sells really nice 60x-100x little mini ones for 10$

They work really well

 

[smokum]

Although I've yet to spring on one.... Deal Extreme carries usb scopes here: DX-usb scopes

 

[Nycdeisel]

I have trouble staring into a little handheld scope, so i feel like a usb scope would help that.

I didnt actually choose that one thats on aqualab, only looking at it. I have seen many similar Veho usb microscopes on amazon. I will def be doing more research for one.

 

[Havelock Vetenari]

I'm using this one(didn't get it there but came up first when googled ).
It is finicky and can be a pain to keep in focus.
I could see the advantages of something not handheld,but also the disadvantage of not getting that easily near your buds when they're still growing.
The newer DSLR's with a decent macrolens also get the job done

but that would hardly be in the affordable range i'm afraid.

 

[VaporNation]

I have a microscope that attaches to my iPhone for taking bud shots. It was a cheaper model and it can be difficult to get some solid photos, but for less than $20 shipped it was worth it. Definitely looking at getting a higher quality one when the opportunity arises.

 

[OhTheAgony]

Yeah, I already had second thoughts about the cheap ones, hence the thread. I'm still curious what the minimum magnification should be though.


That looks pretty good actually Havelock, and very appetizing as well

I have a decent digital compact camera with a Leica lens and a pretty good macro setting and I've shot some pictures to try it out, but my card reader just died on me so I need to get a new one of those first tomorrow to have a proper look at the result.

 

[hereatlast]

The handheld RS scope I've used (cheap but great for what it does) has a 60x-100x range. That range allows a beautiful look at trichome form and color IME. Considering the price of this scope, maybe that range could be established as a minimum reference point?

 

[Puget]

I bought a 30x eye loupe that works.
Got it from central China.
Printed on the side: "Mand in Germany"

 

[Sour Deez]

I also got the radioshack one, only $10 for up to 100x zoom isnt bad.

I love checking the color of the trich heads on the buds i get to see if the grower chopped early or let them mature.

 

[djonkoman]

I use an ld miscroscope I got for free(from a familymember), apparently a respectable brand
still has a mirror instead if electric light to provide the light

also bought a jewelers loupe from dealextreme but haven't had the chance yet to really use that for trichs

 

[Nosferatu]

Whats the cheapest one with a stand that is USB? So I can look up close on the computer screen and get pictures. If those go for over $100 what is the best one with a stand but not USB? Or best brands at least so I know where to start.

 

[OhTheAgony]

Check out the one I linked in the OP, it's the cheapest one I could find, has a stand and USB connectivity.

I can't guaranty it will provide useful images though

There are also a few interesting models in the link Smokum posted from about 30$ or so, actually there are to many to choose from, lol.

I think I'm just gonna order the 200X version of the cheap one I linked first, it's cheap and it doesn't have to come from very far so I can have it quicker then one from Dealerextreme.

 

[OhTheAgony]

I'd almost forgot about this one. Did anyone try any of the cheap scopes mentioned in this thread already?

I ordered this one myself: ebay link

I'll post some results to show what it can do when I get it.

 

[Abysmal Vapor]

Guys i have successfuly made shots of trichomes with a simple web cam . Try to google shooting trichs with a web cam.. I got the hint from rollitup i think or grass city.

 

[OhTheAgony]

Something like this you mean?

click me

 

[OhTheAgony]

It arrived today, I didn't expect it yet but that's always good of course.

I didn't have much time to play around with it but so far it's not really usable. This is the sharpest image I've been able to make with it up to now. I better dive in to the manual tonight to see if it's me or the scope.

 

[t-dub]

Was looking for a scientific hot plate and stumbled across 2 pocket models and a Celestron USB, very nice.

http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm/subsection/4/category/43

The Celestron looks cool and is under $65 . . . not bad.

t-dub

 

[OhTheAgony]

Mine looks practically the same but with slightly better specs, I have the one I linked in post 17. But it was only 10 bucks, although I payed another 15 euro's for shipping.

I've looked in to my problem a little more and it seems I miss a sharpness setting, judging from a screenshot of the settings menu in the manual. May have to look around for an updated version of the software that came with it. There's also a way to calibrate it though, that may work too but I haven't quit figured out how to do it yet. I'll have sometime to play around with it in the next few days though, not giving up yet.