What, *Another* Microscope?

Not that long ago I upgraded my trusty old Apex Practitioner compound microscope. This old friend had served me well and I was sad to see it go, but I felt I was ready for something better. After considerable research and some disappointing customer service from a company I have used in the past, I finally settled on an AmScope T720 microscope. Things didn't work out that well. For one thing, after a couple of attempts at different configurations, darkfield microscopy proved to be impossible with this instrument, which was a disappointment. As I used it more, the limitations became more apparent. Let me be clear, the T720 isn't a bad microscope, it just wasn't the upgrade I was looking for. AmScope (and similar) microscopes definitely have a place in the market. If you need a cheap microscope, I'd definitely consider one, especially a used one - of which there are plenty around. Consider it a disposable item and don't expect much in the way of customer service. Don't overpay for one.

After some more poor customer service from my previous supplier, I finally settled on a Brunel SP300 compound microscope, which is the top model in their line. I went for the brightfield option with infinity corrected plan x4, x10, x20, x40 and x100 (oil immersion) objectives but one of the nice things about this instrument is the flexibility. A sub-condenser slider makes darkfield and phase contrast possible, although I've decided to skip phase contrast again for now. It's not "proper" darkfield, just like this instrument doesn't have "proper" Kohler illumination, but if it gets the job done it's good enough. A couple of simple and economic attachments also make polarized light microscopy available, which for my purposes is a "nice to have" (and nice to play with on a rainy day!). I was able to reuse the camera adapter bought for the AmScope so incurred no extra cost. It was suggested to me that the SP300 was "equivalent to a Leica". Never having owned a Leica I can't verify that. I'm still assessing the optical performance but first my first impressions are favourable. Importantly, in contrast to my recent interactions with microscope companies, I cannot praise Brunel's customer service highly enough - a very important factor. 

In summary, if you're looking to step up from an entry level microscope but can't/don't want to spend silly megabucks, I strongly recommend the Brunel SP300 microscope. 

Cardiastethus fasciiventris male paramere. 

Tilia stem section, polarized light, focus stack of 480 images (prepared slide).