Kid's Microscope?

[charmd2]

My eleven yr old son wants a microscope for christmas. We have a Walmart cheap one, and it is worthless and a waste of money.

My question is can anyone recommend a microscope that would be user friendly for a child of that age, and yet still functional? As in able to see the amoeba in pond water. Without breaking the bank. Something under $250 or $300 would be nice if it is possible. Anyone got any ideas? I don't even know where to start looking..

[WannaBee]

We do not have a microscope, but we get a lot of things from this place and they always seem to have quality. http://www.timberdoodle.com/zPix_200_Microscope_p/247-109.htm I hope you find what you are looking for.

WB

[Hambone]

Everywhere I looked the Omano got great reviews.

http://www.microscope.com/student-microscopes-c-50.html

[brac]

If your buying one anyway, I would get one good enough to see nosema spores.

[magnet-man]

The zPix I think is a good compromise. I have high end Nikon scopes both stereo dissecting and a slide microscope and have been wanting to purchase a little computer scope like the zPix.

The stereo dissecting is the most interesting and the easiest to use. It is great for looking at pollen, insects, leaves, and doesn't require any slide preparation. I even use it for tracheal mite inspection. Pollen is really cool to look at.

A regular slide microscope is not a good idea for an 11 year old. To do anything with those you either need to purchase prepared slides or purchase the supplies to prepare your own. Pond water gets boring real fast.

Whle the zPix is neither it will function to some degree as both and you can save the pictures. Just think of the pollen pictures you can post on Beesource. :)

Don't drag your feet or you won't be able to get it for Christmans.:doh:

[randydrivesabus]

this one got good reviews...no personal experience however.
http://www.amazon.com/My-First-Lab-MFL-02-Microscope/dp/B00005J377/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=office-products&qid=1257012060&sr=8-1

[charmd2]

Magnet-man, the zpix is amazing. I think that's exactly the type thing I'm looking for. I'm going to check some reviews and go from there. Perfect!!!

[magnet-man]

Get the Zpix 200 mm-740 (http://www.opticsplanet.net/carson-zpix-200-usb-microscope-mm-740.html) and not the mm-640 (http://www.opticsplanet.net/carson-digital-microscope-camera-epix.html) The mm-740 is the better of the two. This place has free shipping right now too.