FAQ

Compound

If you are viewing very small specimens like blood samples, bacteria, parasites, algae, tissue, and thin sections of organs, you will need a compound microscope. High power magnification allows you to see the detail accurately, and a typical compound scope has 3-5 objective lenses ranging from 4x-100x. Assuming 10x eyepieces and 100x objective, the total magnification would be 1,000 times!

Stereo

A stereo microscope is ideal if you’re viewing larger specimens like insects, leaves, gemstones and rocks. Less magnification power is required here, with many stereo scopes offering ranges of 6.5x – 45x. With every stereo microscope you essentially have two compound scopes side-by-side, meaning you have a natural offset from one another, ensuring excellent depth perception in opaque and 3D objects.

We're here to help!

Finding the right microscope can be difficult, especially if you’re investing in your first stereo or compound microscope, but we’re always on hand to answer your questions and make recommendations once we understand your workflow, budget and needs.

In microscopy, the term “depth of field” (DOF) is the depth of the object space that is simultaneously in focus. There are various factors that affect DOF, such as objectives, eyepieces and tube factor. One key fact to remember is that depth of field decreases when you increase magnification.

“Eyepoint” or “exit pupil” is another commonly used term in microscopy. It refers to light rays from all points in the field of view as they converge together. This is the point where the user’s eye must be positioned — it corresponds to the focal point of the eye.

There are many leading manufacturers in the industry, such as Nikon, Meiji, Microtec, Leica and Olympus; however, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. They are all top-quality brands, leading in the microscopy sector by designing, developing and manufacturing innovative scopes for all applications. The best brand and product for you depends entirely on your requirements and preferences. We can help you make an informed decision to get the very best performance for your application and budget.

Absolutely. It’s crucial to ensure your microscopes and accessories are performing correctly, in excellent working order. With a talented team of engineers, we can help you improve clarity and elevate overall performance with regular servicing or repair work. In turn, you make your facility more efficient and productive, minimising downtime whilst saving money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs. You’ll also be best placed to achieve compliance with strict regulating bodies.

How can we help you?

Whether you're looking to buy a new microscope, need help sourcing the right product for your requirements or wish to arrange an ongoing servicing contract to keep your microscopes, cameras and lighting equipment in excellent working order, we're here to help. We remain up to speed with emerging technologies and instruments from leading manufacturers, cutting through the complexities to help you make an informed decision — recommending the right products and services for your needs, applications and budget.

You can learn more about us, our products and how we can help you by calling us on +44 (0)1926 817021. Alternatively, please send us a message, and we'll be back in touch as soon as possible.