by BaboonScience » Wed Feb 10, 2010 3:22 am
I have a few microscopes, they are an important part of my real job. For good resolution, I try to stick to the top manufacturers, past and present. Most are not in the price range of the average fish breeder but there are ways, ebay for one. Nikon, Olympus, Bausch and Lomb (older) and American Optical (older) among others all provide excellent optics and can often be had for a song on ebay. As far as newer options, there are several digital microscopes that provide reasonably good resolution for the price. There are a couple of threads discussing these scopes. UmFish has used these with good results.
For high magnification, I use a trinocular compound scope (B&L dynazoom) with a digital camera that allows resolution for good diatom identification. Similar scopes can be had used for under $100. The digital microscope camera is the more costly item at $100 - $300 depending on the resolution desired.
A good dissecting scope is the best option for looking at larval fish (IMO). The same digital microscope camera can be used for both.
Hope that this helps a little. I am a bit high end on my use requirements but try to keep the frugal perspective of the general user in mind.
John
"The exact contrary of what is generally believed is often the truth" Jean De La Bruyère (1645-1696)