Optical Or USB - Which Is The Best Microscope For Kids?

If you want to buy a microscope for your child and encourage them to enjoy science then there are two routes that you can follow. I have my own views on this and I'm going to tell you where to get the best microscope for kids currently on the market.

The two options I mentioned are these: You can buy them a traditional, turret microscope that they peer down, just like every scientist since the late sixteenth century, when the compound microscope was invented. Alternatively, you can buy an electronic version that plugs into the USB port of your computer. It's much newer technology and in some ways easier to use, but it's not necessarily better. So, what are the respective merits and downside of these two differing technologies?

The traditional type is undoubtedly the more powerful of the two. It relies on its magnification from the set of lenses that are built into the eyepiece and the objective lens. Usually there are three objective lenses (these are the lenses closest to the specimen) mounted on a rotating turret. They are of three different magnifications so, as you switch from one to the other you can see the object in close and closer detail.

The USB type usually has just one objective lens and therefore only one magnification. However, when the image is projected onto your computer screen you'll find that it's possible to zoom in on the object. Now, this isn't actually magnification in its truest sense - all that's happening is that the pixels of the image are being enlarged so the image seems to get bigger. But it's not actually giving you any greater detail.

The big plus for the USB type is that you can bring an image up on your computer screen for everyone to see, then you can point out features to your kids and discuss them. With the traditional type you need to say, when the child is looking down the eyepiece 'see that pink bit on the bottom right...' or something similar, in order to draw their attention to something.

The big plus for the traditional microscope is that it's generally sturdier, is free-standing and doesn't need software or a computer and has a much higher magnification too. On balance I'd go for the traditional type every time as I think they give a much better feel for what being a scientist involves.

Find out where to get the best traditional microscope with precision optics and a full set of accessories for your kids without having to pay the earth for it. Best Microscope For Kids