Microscopes?

[Mom4tot]

I am looking for some input as to what features to look for ina microscope. We have one from Hearthsong from a few years ago. I have been thinking about getting a little better quality one, possibly a stronger one and with a close up range. We can probably only afford the monocular versions, tho I've heard the binocular ones are nice. We are doing biology this year and dd especially is very interested in using the microscope. She wants to be a vet

Does anyone have one or a suggestion for a paticular model?

[frogguruami]

I like the Brock Microscope. It is very durable and the lenses are upgradeable as the child advances. It also comes apart so you can take the lens portion to the park or look at things that wouldn't normally fit under the microscope. It also has no moving parts and no electronics to break.

[ShaggyDaddy]

Anything with a light and several lenses is a great start. When I was little we got a surplus well used one from a local school (I assume it was cheap cause we were pretty poor at the time). It was great having a "real" microscope and not the cheap flimsy ones you see at craft stores and school supply stores.

Looking on ebay it looks like for 40 bucks you can get a lab quality beauty... it looks like you can get one not quite as good, but not quite a toy for 20 bucks at toys r us.

[Mom4tot]

I didn't find any on ebay that were much cheaper than the Microscope Depot. Just wondering what features you all look for and where I might look.

Thank you

[zonapellucida]

I bought mine in graduate school so I admit I hover when the kids use it but they KNOW how to properly use a microscope. It is an Olympus CH-2