We have a large and diverse range of biological compound microscopes. To assist in selecting a suitable microscope, here are some recommendations.

As standard all of these microscopes are supplied with the full range of standard microscope objectives (4x, 10x, 40x and 100x oil immersion). Other objectives (20x, 60x etc) are available as extras. All have LED illumination for long life and low running costs.

UltraBIO-3. This is a good quality and good value microscope for hobbyists and routine microscope applications. This is available in a couple of configurations- binocular head with mains power, binocular head with battery power (good for use away from the lab!) and trinocular head (for use with a microscope camera). The microscope offers very good image quality with a robust all metal body and quality glass optics.

BioBlue. This microscope offers a good optical performance but still at a reasonable price. The modern microscopes of the BioBlue series are especially developed for educational purposes with primary focus on ergonomic and today’s quality standards. There are a number of options with this range of microscopes- monocular, binocular and trinocular heads, and a range of objectives.

UltraBIO-5. An excellent value microscope for university teaching laboratories and routine use. This feature laden microscope has, as standard, auto power off, an enclosed safety stage, and good quality optical and mechanical performance. This is often purchased by university teaching laboratories, where they are looking for a microscope with good optical quality, a robust construction and a reasonable price. This microscope can be equipped with a fluorescence illuminator as an excellent value fluorescence microscope for teaching or routine use.

Leica DM500. Based on the same optical platform as Leica’s research microscopes, this microscope has outstanding optical performance, plus a range of features making it quick and easy to use. These include:-

• EZ Store- integrated carry handle makes it easy to move and integrated flex holder for easy storage
• SafeStage- enclosed safety stage with rounded corners minimises injury to users
• EZ Lite- LED illumination provides long life time and low running cost illumination
• AgTreat- applied to all touch points on the microscope, this inhibits the growth of bacteria
• Pre-centered, pre-focussed Abbe condenser so no need for any adjustment

Olympus CX43. This microscope is designed for users who spend many working hours at their microscope. It has an excellent ergonomic design, with all of the controls close to hand. Users can easily place a slide on the stage with one hand while adjusting the focus and operating the stage with the other. All of the standard microscope functions- changing the objective, focussing and moving the stage can be done with minimal movement of the user’s hands. This makes the microscope comfortable to use for extended periods of time and reduces any repetitive strain. The stage surface can be easily seen from the eye point position, which enables users to smoothly set and check specimens on the stage. The stage knob can be controlled with just a light touch and can be adjusted at the same time as the focusing knob, since they are located close together.