What to Consider When Buying a Used Microscope

Whether you are looking to invest in a used microscope for your research facility or high school science lab, there are a few important things to take into consideration before committing to the purchase.

 

What materials will you be analyzing?

Ensuring the microscope you purchase features the appropriate optics may seem like a no brainer, but when purchasing a used microscope it’s important to realize where it came from and its full range of capabilities is very important. For example, many microscopes used in hospitals and research facilities are equipped with phase contrast, which typically isn’t required for strictly educational work.

What state is the microscope in?

Again, this is something else that may seem like an intuitive thing to contemplate, however it’s important to examine all of the moving parts of the microscope. Do the focusing knobs turn freely? Does the condenser move easily up and down, while not falling downward due to its own weight? Does the iris diaphragm open and close without issue? These are all aspects that could potentially be overlooked, but are ultimately very important.

What is your budget?

Are you looking to equip an entire classroom, or just purchase an extra piece of equipment or two? This will help you determine how much you are able to spend and may also help you narrow down the variety of instruments you can/should consider.

What consumables are required?

Different microscopes require different sets of consumables in order to be utilized, so while you may be getting a deal on the piece of equipment itself, you could end up paying more in the long run.

Is a service or warranty package offered?

Depending on the reseller, some may offer warranties for a predetermined amount of time. Depending on the age and state of the microscope at purchase, this can ultimately save you a lot of money, should any major issues arise.  Click here to view our current inventory of used microscopes