Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I need a professional one? I've done a search and found a couple of different opinions. What do you think?

Also, what would be the cons of using one of the ones in one of the kits compared to a professional?

Oh yeah, in case there's a difference in what I'm using it for I want to do my own fecals.

Thanks!
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Rob

I have found that he little cheapo ones are much more difficult to use. The stage adjustments are not nearly as nice if they are there. Also the focus aparatus is not nearly as nice. Some cheap kids ones only have a gross adjustment. The optics are not that great either on thos. I would go on ebay and spend about 200 to get a really nice one that has been retired from a HS or college biology lab. Also the light on the cheap ones is not nice. If you want to be able to do fecals easily and precisely you want 3 major things

1) a mechanically adjustable stage, so you don't have to slide the slide on a stationary stage

2) both gross and fine adjustment of the focus allows you to focus on different planes in the fluid, for more accurate results

3) an internal light source, those mirrors are just a plain pain in the rearside

But then again, I work in research and the only scopes I have really worked with were price in the 6 figure range so I am spoiled. But i did buy a cheap one and was very frustrated by it and haven't touched it sense, I do plan to buy a better one in the new year.
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Derek Affonce
DeKeAff Exotics
dekeaffexotics.com

go to http://www.melsobel.com/
Link

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Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

I agree with Derek 100%. If you really want to look at feacal you needa good 40X objective and those kiddie ones will only infuriate you.

Bennett, thanks for the link I am in the market for a video adapter for my microscope!
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Stacey

>>I agree with Derek 100%. If you really want to look at feacal you needa good 40X objective and those kiddie ones will only infuriate you.
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>>Bennett, thanks for the link I am in the market for a video adapter for my microscope!
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>>Stacey
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Rob

scopes on ebay tend to be in poor condition unless you realy know what to look for. I use a lecia microscope for my fecal exams and it works great. good microscopes are NOT cheap by anymeans and used ones can cost just as much by the time it is repaired for use
there are a host of things to look for. for instance the objectives have to be matched to the microscope not nessecarily by brand but by type and focal lenth ect.

any questions just ask

Mat Price