If you’re trying to select the best microscope for home use there are a few things that you should consider. These include your budget, how you will be using the microscope, the space where you’ll use your microscope at home and how much magnification you’ll need.

Best Type of Microscope to Use at Home

The first question you should ask yourself when selecting a microscope for use at home is how you intend to use your microscope. If you’re a hobbyist then a high-end electron microscope is certainly overkill, but you shouldn’t invest in a microscope that has low magnification or that is made with cheap components either.

My advice is to purchase a mid-range compound microscope (sometimes called a light microscope), which will provide the performance most hobbyists or home-schooled children need without breaking the bank.

Where Will You Use Your Home Microscope?

Where (and how often) you’ll be using your microscope makes a difference and is an important consideration when selecting the best microscope for you to use at home. Will your microscope be used in a single position on a desk? Do you plan to move it from one room to another, or to use it outside? What sort of light is available in the location where you intend to use your microscope? Do you have access to a wall outlet for electricity?

Answering these questions will steer you toward a home microscope that will be best for your at-home use. If you plan to use the microscope outdoors on some occasions, perhaps in a field that doesn't have quick access to an outlet, select a microscope that can run on batteries. You'll want to select a microscope that has a light (so it doesn’t rely on ambient light in the room and can be positioned comfortably).

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