Frequently Asked Questions

Start with the specimens you will examine, the smallest features you need to see and whether you need transmitted light, reflected light, fluorescence or another contrast method. Other factors to consider include the required working distance, field of view, camera and software compatibility, ergonomics and throughput, as well as available space, budget and future expansion. 

A detailed guide can be read on our blog - click here to visit. For further support, our dedicated sales team are happy to help you find the right microscope for you needs - please click here to contact us. 

When looking at microscopes for teaching laboratories you need to consider a number of factors. Firstly, consider what will it be used for – depending on the courses taught, you may want to consider a combination of stereo, compound and inverted microscopes. Secondly, consider the construction of the system -  solid brass focus mechanisms are advantageous, increasing the lifespan of the system in a heavy use environment. Likewise, ergonomic features can be beneficial, for transport and storage of the system when not in use. 

Our blog post "The Best Microscopes For Teaching Labs: A Practical Guide" can be accessed here. You may also find it useful to read "Why the Best Microscope for Biology Is Not Always the Best Microscope for Teaching", which can be accessed here.

GT Vision provides end-to-end microscopy support for institutions, from selecting the right equipment through to installation, training, servicing and ongoing technical support. With over 20 years of industry experience and access to leading microscopy brands, we offer solutions for teaching, research, healthcare and industrial applications.

We also support institutional procurement through the APUC Framework, offer competitive pricing and volume discounts, and provide UK-based servicing, repairs, calibration and technical expertise throughout the working life of your equipment. For more information, please see our dedicated Institutions page here. 

A compound microscope uses transmitted or reflected light and high-magnification objectives to examine thin, prepared specimens such as cells, tissue sections and microorganisms or thin sample sections (typically no thicker than a slide.) 

A stereo microscope provides a lower overall magnification and larger working area, with a three-dimensional view of larger, solid objects such as insects, circuit boards and manufactured parts, usually using reflected light. Stereo microscopes have a long working distance allowing you to manipulate the samples while viewing them. 

An inverted microscope is similar to a compound microscope but the sample is viewed from underneath rather than from above. This difference in optical path allows you to view samples in a wider range of holders and preparations.  

When choosing magnification you need to consider the smallest detail you need to resolve, not simply the highest number available. You also need to consider the filed of view you would like to achieve. Larger magnifications have smaller fields of view but a higher magnification, allowing you to identify smaller features but in a smaller area. 
Image quality also depends on resolution, numerical aperture, illumination and specimen preparation; magnification beyond the microscope’s resolving power produces a larger but not more detailed image. Higher magnification doesn’t always need higher resolving power, there is a correlation between NA and objective correction. 

A range of magnifications can be the best option in many cases. For samples on slides the typical range is 2.5x, 4x, 10x, 40x and 100x oil. 

If you are using a microscope camera or digital system, using digital magnification won't necessarily increase your resolving power. Digital magnification is only as powerful as the objective used to achieve the image. 

It is important to avoid empty magnification. This happens when the image becomes larger without showing additional real detail. For example, enlarging a soft, low contrast 40× image digitally may make features easier to see on screen, but it cannot recover optical detail that the objective, condenser, or specimen did not resolve.

For further information, please see our our guide "How to Choose the Right Magnification for Your Microscope", available here. Alternatively, our experienced sales team are always happy to discuss what magnification is right for you - click here to contact them. 

Upgrading is a good choice when the microscope frame and optics are in good condition and the required improvement can be achieved with components, such as a camera, LED illumination, objectives, filters, a motorised stage or software. 

A new microscope is often the better option when the existing system is unreliable, incompatible with current accessories, costly to repair, ergonomically unsuitable or unable to support the required technique. A condition and compatibility assessment can help compare total cost, performance and expected service life. For more information, please contact our dedicated service team here. 

We sell most parts for a wide range of microscopes from microscope stands, illuminators, software, slides and coverslips, to objectives, gratcules and reticles, and camera adapters. These accessories are designed to improve microscope performance, usability, and imaging quality. Our full range can be viewed here.

For GT Vision cameras, a selection of software is available here. 

For any other manufacturer, you can obtain microscope or camera software from the equipment manufacturer. This will ensure that you receive the correct, current version for your hardware and operating system. Check the camera model and serial number, licence requirements, supported operating systems and any required drivers before installation. For further assistance with this, please contact the sales team here.  

GT Vision provides fast, friendly, expert advice and support, along with customer support, service and repair, and software downloads.

A digital microscope uses a camera to display, capture and share images on a computer or built-in screen. Some systems replace the eyepieces entirely, while others combine normal optical viewing with a camera. Depending on the model and software, digital microscopes can record video, add annotations, make calibrated measurements and support documentation or remote teaching. View our full range of digital microscopes here. 

In many cases, yes, provided the microscope has a compatible trinocular port or camera adapter. You will normally need a camera-specific T-ring plus a suitable microscope adapter or photo tube; some systems also require a projection lens to match the camera sensor and field of view. Check the microscope port, camera mount, sensor size, parfocality and the total load the stand can support before purchasing an adapter.

Digital microscopes offer clearer imaging, easier documentation, better ergonomics, and more efficient workflows than traditional optical microscopes. They also offer:

• High resolution imaging (HD/4K sensors reveal fine details)
• Live viewing on a monitor (no eyepiece strain)
• Image/video capture and measurement tools
• Easy documentation and traceability
• Improved ergonomics. As users view samples on a monitor, neck strain, back pain, and eye fatigue are reduced improving comfort during long inspection sessions. Pathologists and industrial inspectors benefit the most from this ergonomic upgrade.
• Better collaboration and remote sharing
• Ideal for manufacturing, research, education, and pathology

We have a wide range of digital microscopes for all applications, from fixed zoom systems to adjustable magnification systems. We are able to offer autofocus and manual focus options to fit all needs as well as higher end systems for detailed analysis and measurements. Our digital microscopes are not just limited to industrial applications - we offer systems to suit life science and clinical applications through a established network of suppliers. Our full range can be viewed here. 

Fluorescence microscopy uses selected wavelengths of light to excite fluorescent substances in a specimen. These substances then emit light at a longer wavelength, allowing specific cells, structures or molecules to stand out against a dark background. The technique requires suitable fluorophores or naturally fluorescent material, excitation and emission filters, and an appropriate light source and detector.

For more information on fluorescence microscopy, please visit the following article here. 

For our range of life science fluorescence microscopes, click here. 

Yes - LED light sources use significantly less energy than traditional halogen and mercury lamps, require less maintenance and typically provide around 20,000 hours of use, without the gradual reduction in light intensity associated with conventional bulbs.

LEDs contain no hazardous mercury, helping to reduce hazardous waste and improve laboratory safety. With EU restrictions on mercury-containing and metal halide lamps approaching in 2027, moving to mercury-free LED illumination is becoming increasingly important.

We work with CoolLED, whose mission includes reducing reliance on environmentally damaging mercury and halogen-based illumination. CoolLED is actively developing LED alternatives to replace these technologies, helping laboratories reduce hazardous mercury waste, energy consumption and maintenance requirements. 

We can advise on upgrading existing microscope systems to modern LED illumination and help identify suitable replacement solutions.