13 replies to this topic

[Ikerrilove]

I saw a recommendation on one of the threads here saying they used this so that got me wondering if something like that would be worthwhile or if there was something better for a bit more money. 

 

https://www.amazon.c...node=3322590011

 

I've always been facilitated by microscopic images so I would use it for more then just anting. I know this isn't a high powered type so if you have any recommendations of a fair priced usb type microscope with some fun magnifying abilities please let me know. Even if you could only recommend the specs I should be looking for would be very helpful. I'd like to improve my photographs for identification so something that takes pictures or even video would be great too.

 

Thanks.

Kerri.

[BobJ]

If video is something that you are going to want then most of the cheaper usb microscopes only record VGA (640 x 480) resolution.  Read the specification very carefully and make sure it actually specifies at what resolution the video is actually recorded.   I've noticed some descriptions where they use 1080p in the text description but that refers to the photo resolution and not the video resolution.  Again, it if doesn't specify the video resolution specifically don't buy it, go on to the next one until you find a video resolution you would be comfortable with.

[AntsAreUs]

https://www.amazon.c...scope endoscope

 

This is what I've been using for a while now. I'm able to take sufficient enough photos to ID ants.

 

Here is a Pheidole major I got along with some image stacking.

 

Also a few Strumigenys:

[sirjordanncurtis]

From what I've used, the images those usb microscopes produce are extremely choppy, and small details don't really show up. Plus, they have less maneuverability adjustment for distance than you would think, which means that you'll only have one setting for an object.

One thing you'll have to consider is whether you can adjust the aperture on the camera. This is extremely important, because I have a microscope camera, and because of how its lights are placed, there's always a glare whenever you use it on a shiny surface like a test tube.

If you were were willing to spend more money, I would suggest you buy a usb 8mp webcam, which would have higher resolution like this one:

https://www.amazon.c...p-usb8mp02g-sfv

The webcams are slightly more expensive though.

[sirjordanncurtis]

https://www.amazon.c...scope endoscope

 

This is what I've been using for a while now. I'm able to take sufficient enough photos to ID ants.

 

Here is a Pheidole major I got along with some image stacking.

Also a few Strumigenys:

Are you able to take clear pictures of like an entire colony in a test tube? 

[AntsAreUs]

Are you able to take clear pictures of like an entire colony in a test tube? 

Not entire colonies. You could possibly get small portions of the nest or close up of eggs. It would be difficult to get pictures at all through a test tube with it though.

[Ikerrilove]

Thanks for the input. 

 

From what I've used, the images those usb microscopes produce are extremely choppy, and small details don't really show up. Plus, they have less maneuverability adjustment for distance than you would think, which means that you'll only have one setting for an object.

One thing you'll have to consider is whether you can adjust the aperture on the camera. This is extremely important, because I have a microscope camera, and because of how its lights are placed, there's always a glare whenever you use it on a shiny surface like a test tube.

If you were were willing to spend more money, I would suggest you buy a usb 8mp webcam, which would have higher resolution like this one:

https://www.amazon.c...p-usb8mp02g-sfv

The webcams are slightly more expensive though.

 

That's just a webcam right? That not a microscope? I'm more interested in the magnification then the video really. Thanks for the help though

[Ikerrilove]

If video is something that you are going to want then most of the cheaper usb microscopes only record VGA (640 x 480) resolution.  Read the specification very carefully and make sure it actually specifies at what resolution the video is actually recorded.   I've noticed some descriptions where they use 1080p in the text description but that refers to the photo resolution and not the video resolution.  Again, it if doesn't specify the video resolution specifically don't buy it, go on to the next one until you find a video resolution you would be comfortable with.

 

Video would be a bonus but but I'm more interested in the microscope idea but this will be something to research this fall.

Thanks for the help.

[DaveJay]

https://www.amazon.c...scope endoscope

This is what I've been using for a while now. I'm able to take sufficient enough photos to ID ants.

Here is a Pheidole major I got along with some image stacking.



Also a few Strumigenys:

That's pretty cool! Not a bad price, of course more in AUD but still not bad, Amazon is generally not worth buying from if you're in Australia as the postage is usually more than the item. Recently our Amazon site moved from being mostly books to being more like the American/International site so hopefully it'll be listed there.
With the image stacking does the subject have to be immobile for it to work?

[AntsAreUs]

 

With the image stacking does the subject have to be immobile for it to work?

 

 

Yes.

[DaveJay]

With the image stacking does the subject have to be immobile for it to work?

Yes.

Thanks. I assumed it probably did. Great pictures though, I think I should get one if I can.

[PaxxMantid]

The depth of focus is so poor on those, why not go for a macro lens instead?

[Ikerrilove]

The depth of focus is so poor on those, why not go for a macro lens instead?

 

I have that already, I just like using microscopes to look at things so maybe I'll just get a more traditional one for playing around with.

[Shaye]

I know this isn’t my topic, but I thought it would be better to ask here than create a new topic with the same purpose. Sooooo, does anyone have any experience with a usb microscope similar to this one?
https://www.amscope....ditional_tabbed