I asked for recommendations for field microscopes and I’m listing them below. Thanks, Don…
- Portable Stereo Microscope with Case (10X/30X), Omano OM13L. About $200 a piece. You can buy an extra lens for it. LED lights, runs with batteries. Really dependable. Available at microspes.com - I've had some good experiences with Amscope. Cheap and work vey well considering. I have a few different models now and have taken them to the field, typically just use external light sources (or sunlight). - I have a Nikon field microscope. They are only 20x and the magnification is not adjustable, but otherwise they are great. The newer models have a built in light (highly recommended) and they also make a model that he an attachment for a Nikon Coolpix camera if that's something you're into. They probably cost like $800 new, but you can usually pick them up on ebay for ~$400. I was lucky and got a used one in great shape for around $250. Again, the biggest drawbacks are max mag of 20x and not being able to adjust magnification. They are made of plastic, which makes them lightweight, but I suppose if you think you might really bang it up this could be an issue. They do come with their own little dust cover and padded carrying case.
