Jumping into the hobby of microscopy is not an easy feat. There are many different models out there but little information. What is out there is technical mumbo jumbo understood only by those carrying a Ph. D. However, the basics are out there — I’ve even covered quite a few on this very blog!
The Omax compound microscope we’re looking at today is a great starter package on promotion, and is quite literally just about everything you need to get started right in one box. We’re looking into the complexly model numbered “CS-M82ES-SC100-LP50,” which I’m sure breaks down to Compound Scope – M82ES – 100 Slides/Covers, and 50 Lens Paper” as the title denotes. Phew, got that out of the way.
Omax Compound Microscope Review “CS-M82ES-SC100-LP50”
The Omax compound microscope itself is the CS-M82ES. It is LED lit which is great for the young ones to avoid being burned by touching a halogen light source. The LED light additionally lasts much longer than a halogen bulb.
In terms of the magnification values, having a microscope that goes up to 400x is typical for a elementary or junior high level microscope. ut going up to 1000x minimum is where you want to be for most hobby applications, or high school/university level viewing. This Omax compound microscope, like most of the units I recommend, goes up to 2000x with the included 20x eyepieces. There really isn’t anything you can’t view with this microscope. it’s the proper type of sample (translucent and microscopic).
The included slides with the CS-M82ES-SC100-LP50 set allow you to make your own samples–commonly found ideas in the book are tap water, pond water, saliva/cheek cells (with a cotton swab), and blood. All are easy and cheap to access (except for the blood). Blood –that takes a bit of work and pain with a lancet to get some out of you).
The double layer mechanical stage gives you full movement of your sample for scanning purposes, or centering purposes. Instead of the clips moving around on the stage, the stage moves in the X, Y, and Z dimensions. Your slide won’t slip off when you’re trying to locate your point of interest on your slide.
The book primes you started with ideas for projects and explains how the Omax compound microscope works. Unquestionably, Omax did a solid job putting this starter package together at an affordable price point. All that packathe quality level that makes microscopy available to everyone of all economic backgrounds.
You can check it out on Amazon to get more information on ordering one to help break into microscopy yourself here: CS-M82ES-SC100-LP50
As usual, feel free to message me or comment if you have any questions that I can help answer for you!
Can you tell me how I can get the Omax model without the camera and then buy my own separate USB high powered camera (maybe 5.0 MB) to set on it?
Certainly. The item I reviewed above was just for the microscope, so any link from the post above will take you straight to the microscope with slides and a book ready to go out of the box.
For the camera, it uses 23.2mm ocular tubes. I’m not sure what USB camera you wanted to use, but I’d recommend the MU300 from AmScope for it, or MU500A if you want to go to 5MP.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have more specific questions that I can help answer for you.
Hi,
Do you know if the eye piece has a pointer?
Hello Akhil! Mine did not come with a pointer or reticle in either eyepiece. They are easy to swap though, so if you need one, you can purchase one separately to replace an eyepiece. In my experience, binocular microscopes rarely come with pointers, but they are fairly common on monocular microscopes.
My son just received the microscope for Christmas and the light bulb is not working. It was a gift from Grandparents. Do I try to fix the bulb myself or contact the distributor? Thanks.
Susan
Hello Susan! My apologies for the extremely late reply. You’ll want to contact the seller or manufacturer about the warranty, as LED lights are generally soldered on items and not easy to change out. Changing it yourself would likely void your warranty. Also there is no guarantee that the bulb is the problem–LED bulbs are extremely reliable and long lasting, so it could be a loose wire/bad solder instead of a bad bulb. Better to have the professionals fix or replace it for you. Hope this helps!
Your blog = AwEsOMe!! This homeschoolin’ mama cannot thank you enough!! I have a forensics and criminal profiling obsessed 15 yo daughter and I was LOST as to what I should get her for her college classes. I was looking at this very microscope and was aghast (at first) at the price, thinking that it must be a poor choice at $1070.00 off! But, I’m gonna pull the trigger. :o) Thank you ever so much! I and my kiddo’s will be frequent visitors to your blog. Perchance any book recommendations to get the most out of a microscope for various ages? Or any advice on forensic specific slides? Thanks again!
Hi Anji! Thank you for your comments! I’m sooo sorry that I took so long to get back to you–things have been quite hectic lately. I haven’t even had time to update or respond to anything.
Forensic specific slides aren’t the easiest thing to come across unfortunately. I’d recommend getting blank slides and making your own samples from them. Perhaps even getting a lancet like what is used for diabetic blood testing would help in drawing blood with minimal pain from extraction.
Hope this helps!