Common notion is that microscopes are expensive tools. Yet there are actually a variety of sources of cheap microscopes that don’t push to scrimp on quality.

A microscope is a very powerful tool that allows anyone to view the minutest object that can’t be seen by the naked eye. Used for almost 4 centuries, this equipment has become one of the greatest allies of medical researchers and students who are always tasked to perform detailed scientific investigation. However, because microscopes are often expensive, research is hampered. Not all can afford one. So why not try to find sources of cheap microscopes? In case you don’t know, there are many.

Cheap Microscopes

You can find cheap ones for about $100. Proper research on the market will help you find better prices. There are a number of reasons why they’re inexpensive. For one, they can either be refurbished or used. Or they can be brand new but perfect standard imitations of the more complex and expensive ones.

Cheap microscopes can be bought in any of the local medical shops around your area. They’re also sold online. You may have to look in online auction sites such as eBay, where you can definitely find great bargains of microscopes. Another source will be children’s shops. They can be of excellent design, which make them truly attractive at first glance. There can be one hitch, though. They can either have great resolving power or excellent magnification—these two usually don’t go together. For high-standard inexpensive microscopes with magnification power of even 1000x, you can order them straight from China, which manufactures them using low-cost parts.

Cheap microscopes are often made of low-grade quality materials, such as wood, plastic of inferior metals. So you can’t expect too much out of them. Nevertheless, if you’re going to buy one, there are things you need to avoid. These include poor focus mechanism, bad illuminators, and plastic lenses. Also, be wary of toy microscopes that are marketed as cheap real ones. For children too, don’t settle for those with high magnification since their price is almost as equal as those of high quality.

Used Microscopes

If you can’t buy new ones, then go for used. Majority of used providers are factory repair centers duly licensed by the state to operate and sell them. Normally, they can offer excellent customer support as well as after-sales services, such as repair. Of course, you can use the mighty Internet to look for used microscope online sellers. Their microscopes range from clinical microscopes, surgical microscopes, student microscopes, stereo microscopes, and research microscopes. They’re also categorized in terms of price, type, and brand.

A lot of factors can affect the price of used microscopes. These may include the brand, manufacturing or providing company, and how long the equipment has been used. Normally, their prices will be $800 to $8,000 for advanced microscopes and between $75 and $150 for standard compound microscopes. Used parts are also available. For medical and research facilities, however, buy new ones, not used.
Discount Microscopes

You can buy cheap microscopes without having to scrimp on quality. Normally, this is the common guarantee of providers who are giving their equipment at a discount. This can either be in a form of purchasing microscope at a discounted price, free shipping with discount offers, or a money-back guarantee good for 30 days, just in case you aren’t satisfied of the product’s performance.

You can ask for discount microscopes from wholesale dealers, who sell these items in bulk. As to how many you need to order before enjoying the discount, you can get some information from their catalog or from their website, if they have one. So if you’re running a school, college, or a medical facility, discounts are often given as you are one of their potential regular clients. Discounts may also be extended for any new model sold in the market or during seasonal promotions.

Microscopes such as scanning microscopes, compound microscopes, and stereo microscopes can enjoy excellent discounts which can range from 10% to 35%. Microscope accessories, meanwhile, can be bought at 20% off the price.
Student Microscopes
Microscopes for students vary, depending on the users. For beginners, they can settle for something basic and inexpensive. Costly and high-quality ones may be attributed to those of higher education. Student microscopes can be classified according to their objectives, which can normally be 2 or 3, with 10x or 40x lenses. In some instances, those with magnification power of 1000x are also offered. Furthermore, student microscopes may differ from the light used, which can be Tungsten bulb, which is cheap, or halogen and fluorescent lamps, which are pricey.
If you’re buying a student microscope, go for specialist microscope suppliers. You need excellent repair service as most likely you’ll get to damage the equipment once in a while because of inexperience. You can also reduce the cost further by ordering in bulk or bargain with these companies to do so. You may even request for discounts in cases or repair or reductions for extra purchases.
Smart buyers know where to look. These sources of cheap microscopes only tell you that cost doesn’t necessarily equate to poor purchase. It’s in a manner of choosing.