DD14 got a cheapie microscope a few years ago for Christmas. I was hoping it would be good enough for her to use for biology, but when we got it out, the batteries had leaked and the light won't come on. We're going to make due it with for a little while using the mirror but we're going to need a new one soon. I need suggestions. I'd like to get a nice one, but cost is going to be an issue. The one they sell at Apologia online is $262-probably not going to happen. Under $100 for sure, less if possible.
Not sure but keep an eye out for used ones. My dd7 has had a microscope on her Christmas list since she was 3yrs old. It's never been in the buget though, and still isn't. My mom found one in the box that was missing things like slides but the microscope itself was all there. It was $3 at goodwill and then it was half price day so she grabbed it up fast and dd loves it. It seems to be descent, not like what I used in college or anything but still decent for her. I would check things like homeschool sites that sell used things, craigslist, thrift shops and such as well as looking into a new one. I know toysrus sells them not sure of the cost though.
Costco usually gets them in around the end of the year. Its around $100, if I remember correctly. I cannot vouch for the quality though, I have not bought it yet. Costco does have a good return policy, so if it falls apart after 2 uses, you could always return it.. I'm planning on getting one this christmas.
Hi, I'm just popping in and browsing abit, but we use a Bresser Biolux which was very reasonable. We live in Northern Ireland though so don't know if you can get them there. The brilliant thing about this is that you can connect it to a pc which is so much easier than looking through the eye piece. I'm sure many models have this feature, and it makes such a difference. Hope this is some help
If you're going to buy new....then I'd venture to say you are going to have to pay more than $100. Rainbow Resource has some....prices ranging from $109 on up. Home Training Tools has some...but starting prices are a little more than Rainbow. Years ago I got a brand new stereo microscope on eBay.....over $200. It's been such a great microscope to have. A friend got us an old heavy duty compound microscope from a garage sale. I should get that thing out and see if it still works....we generally just use the stereo one. But, for biology you'd probably need a compound one.
