First things first. This well be my first microscope, actually the first time I will ever look through a microscope, but I know I want to observe and identify pond life. A good trinocular head is essential to me since I want to hook the microscope up to my 1080p TV. I have been very impressed by the quality of video and microscope that this individual is using and would like similar results.
His setup is as follows
Microscope: Nikon Fluophot Flourescence Research Microscope
Camera: Canon T1i w/ EOS Extension Tube adaptor w/Nikon 2.5X Projector lens
Scope Settings: 15.1 MP Canon 1.6x Camera over 10x or 40x Objective
Which he shows and outlines here: http://www.flashbax....n-fluophot.html
However this microscope seems to be impossible to find online and is probably out of my budget anyway. I am currently the winning bidder on a different microscope: http://cgi.ebay.com/...8BV3cdqkx8%253D
for $400 and I was wondering if I could get similar results from it if I was to upgrade (later on) to PLAN objectives and hook up a high quality camera of my own (Canon Ti or Nikon D90). I figured I could enjoy the protozoan life through the binoculars and regular objectives until I upgrade this unit.
Or would I be better off saving my money and buying something like a Nikon Optiphot/ Labophot which I imagine would have similar quality as the Fluophot used by the individual I mentioned? I have seen these for around $800.
I don't know much about microscopes, just what I have read in the last two days actually, so let me know if I'm on the right track. I understand that a compound microscope is my best choice (for a first at least) that way I can also use it for high resolution (1000x plus). Well that and all the inverted trinocular microscopes I have looked at are extremely expensive. It's hard to find information specific to observing pond life but from what I have read phase contrast is the best technique for this purpose. Any information helps!
