There are three main types of microscopes that are available in the market today. The monocular, binocular, and the trinocular types. Know which type you should get and for what purpose.

Are you looking for a microscope to match your special requirements? If you are, then you might just be daunted with the many options presented to you. And if you are a student, beginner, or a hobbyist, you might not even know the difference between monocular, binocular, or trinocular microscopes just yet. Let’s help you with that.

To know which type of microscope is best for you, here are the three basic types of microscope defined and analyzed:

1. Monocular Microscopes. A monocular microscope is a rather simple microscope that has one eye piece tube. These are the microscopes that are commonly seen in schools and some homes. Basically, when you use microscopes of this type, you are to peep into the single eyepiece with one eye closed for better viewing. Generally speaking, this is a good microscope for beginners.

But even if this microscope is monocular in nature, it doesn’t mean it is a simple optical microscope as well. In fact, there are a lot of compound optical microscope that are monocular in nature. Compound microscopes have different objectives. This feature allows for better viewing of specimens. There are even monocular microscopes that have magnification powers of 1000x.

Monocular microscopes are good for hobbyists. If you need a microscope for your stamp or coin collection, for observing small bugs and insects, or any other small things out of curiosity or simple researches, then monocular microscopes should be good enough for you. All you really have to think about is to determine the right magnification power you need. This microscope is also advisable for home use, especially if you are not to use the microscope for long hours.

2. Binocular Microscopes. At first glance, binocular microscopes are a little more complex than monocular microscopes. And as its name suggests, these microscopes are equipped with two eye piece tubes just like that of a binocular telescope. In essence, when you use these devices, both your eyes can peep through the hole. You need not close the other eye just like you do when using monocular microscopes.

Binocular microscopes are mostly used in the laboratories and research facilities of hospitals and clinics. And because you have both your eyes open, you have better viewing comfort while using it. This makes it the perfect device if you intend to use the microscope for an extended period of time. You eyes won’t be strained while using it and of course, you can view the specimen for as long as your task requires.

Binocular microscopes are more preferable if you intend to manipulate the sample while observing it. For example, you want to dissect an insect while you look through the eyepiece, you are better off using a binocular microscopes for that project than the monocular type.

3. Trinocular Microscopes. Trinocular microscopes are the most complex type of microscope between these three. Trinocular microscopes have three eye piece ports. While you might find a third port unnecessary since you only have two eyes, think again. The third port of the trinocular microscope hold a lot of functionality at that. For starters, the third port can be used by another person who might want to view the specimen. In a classroom setup, it is used by an instructor to show his student the important points of concern.

But better yet, the third port can be used to attach a digital camera or a video capturing device. It then becomes possible for the image seen under the lenses of the microscope to be transferred to a digital monitor or a computer screen for better viewing. Most trinocular microscopes have continuous zooming capabilities as well. So diving through the sample while viewing it through the computer is possible.

Trinocular microscopes are used in advanced laboratories as they are the most expensive type among the three. The laboratories of large pharmaceutical companies are one of the many facilities that uses this device. If you are a person who is not tight on budget and requires a image or a video feed of the microscope, then this is the type you are going to need.

With these information presented, you should be able to know which type of microscope best suits your requirements. Choose the right one accordingly because microscopes are not really cheap, when you think about it.