Best "cheap" microscope for trichome check

[Delps8]

The USB microscope that's shown in previous postings is very common on Amazon. It's sold by itself, with the chrome plated plastic stand, and with a more significant microscope stand.

The key issue, as LoganGrowgan, points out is for the microscope to be held in a fixed position. I bought the chrome stand version and found it wanting - it does a poor job of holding the microscope steady and when adjusting the height above the sample, it was a chore to get it in the right position.

I couldn't return the model that I bought so I bought a "TOMLOV Aluminum Alloy Universal Extension Microscope Stand with LED Lights". It's far more stable than the chrome stand, the lights help, and the mechanism that moves the microscope up and down allows me to zoom in on the sample and then fine tune the focus. It's nowhere as smooth a standard microscope but does OK for looking at samples of weed.

If the stand pushes the setup out of your price range, go with the SkyBasic or some other model that has an arm that can be moved and easily locked in place rather than the chrome stand.

The focus ring on the USB microscope is what you'd expect from a $30 microscope. The one I got was pretty hard to turn and was not smooth when I turned it. It wasn't broken, it was a $30 microscope. I spent a few minutes spinning the focus wheel by running it back and forth on my hand and then I sprayed WD 40 under the edge of the focus ring. That helped a lot.

 

[Olderfart]

What microscope or loupe do you use to check trichomes? Investing today seeing if i can compare some get the best bang for my buck!

I tried loupes, a Carson microscope, my Iphone magnifier - they all suck either due to difficulty holding them still enough or insufficient magnification, usually a combination of both. I now use a macro lens on a micro four thirds digital camera equipped with a macro rail and tripod. The macro route is not cheap though.

I highly recommend one of the digital microscopes easily available these days, and suggest that you go with a wireless bluetooth or wifi one. The key to results is to use a secure support to lock the scope rigidly once positioned where you want it. Ideally, get yourself a cheap used tripod from the local junk store, and either use a proper macro rail to adjust the distance to the bud, or use some sort of jimmy rigged arm to allow distance adjustment. Bottom line, as others have pointed out, is that at the magnification needed, camera shake is a huge problem.

Good luck with it.

 

[DCLXVI]

I have this one from Plugable. Works very well. Stability is an issue but the mounting "clip" for the 'scope itself has a standard 1/4" photography thread. Use a decent tripod with an arm. The flexi arm tends to drift a bit and the suction cup mount is eh.... difficult.

Microscope wise, for $40 even my old eyes can see what's going on.

Plugable USB DIgital Microscope

Amazon product ASIN B00XNYXQHE

 

[JAB]

I have this one from Plugable. Works very well. Stability is an issue but the mounting "clip" for the 'scope itself has a standard 1/4" photography thread. Use a decent tripod with an arm. The flexi arm tends to drift a bit and the suction cup mount is eh.... difficult.

Microscope wise, for $40 even my old eyes can see what's going on.

Plugable USB DIgital Microscope

Amazon product ASIN B00XNYXQHE

I have a good tripod so this might work out good! I can see the biggest issue is the stability so i think ill find the one thats best bang for my buck and create my own stand and arm for it. Lol

 

[Olderfart]

I have a good tripod so this might work out good! I can see the biggest issue is the stability so i think ill find the one thats best bang for my buck and create my own stand and arm for it. Lol

If you have a good tripod already, you are golden. As for the "arm", there are cheap but effective macro rails available on Amazon. This is similar to the one I use:

Rail Slider, 2 Way Macro Focusing Rail Slider with 1/4" Mounting Screw, for Close-up Shooting : Amazon.ca: Electronics

You don't need sideways adjustment, just back and forth, so this is all you need. If the camera does not have a standard 1/4" threaded mount, you can make an adapter of some sort, or even just tape the camera in place.

Good luck with it.

 

[automan2]

Although I bought the newest wifi scope mentioned above and it is so much fun to see those mushrooms up close...over the years I've began to corelate a few other 'maturity signs' that become noticeable to the naked eye. The glistening trics or lack of them, is my first visual cue, then the juicy sacs below buds..... You scope users, watch the 'glistens' and 'juicy sacs' as you watch trics mature.....you'll see what I mean.

 

[JAB]

Although I bought the newest wifi scope mentioned above and it is so much fun to see those mushrooms up close...over the years I've began to corelate a few other 'maturity signs' that become noticeable to the naked eye. The glistening trics or lack of them, is my first visual cue, then the juicy sacs below buds..... You scope users, watch the 'glistens' and 'juicy sacs' as you watch trics mature.....you'll see what I mean.

Yea im excited to see it all happen. I bought a little 5 buck one from a dollar store science toy but it works! So cool. 4 days and ill get my good one and start posting pics!