Used Microscopes

Microscopes can be found in many types, shapes, sizes and colors. Depending on what you want to look at or study, you should look at the proper types of microscopes. Among the types for home use are the compound microscope, the stereo microscope and the digital microscope. Each one has it’s own properties and uses.

Now, as I said, dependent on what you are doing, some types of microscopes can be very costly when purchased as brand new. Some toy stores and hobby shops have lower quality ones available for anywhere from around $20 to $150, roughly. While these are brand new in the box items, you could save yourself some cash by looking around for used microscopes.

Used microscopes can be found just about anywhere on and off line. EBay, Overstock.com and Ubid.com are great places to look for used microscopes. Here in the auction style setting, you can choose the features you want, the price you want to pay and when you want to buy a used microscope. The thing I like most about auctions is that you can decide how much you want to spend ahead of time. Then if the bidding gets over your ceiling amount, you drop out of the bidding with no repercussions.

However, there are websites that offer used microscopes for really great prices. You are given the feature list, magnification levels and overall specs for your review. Sometimes (actually most times), there is a picture available.

One such site is www.usedmicroscopes.com. These folks specialize in used microscopes and accessories. They have a huge selection. Give them a try. Just follow the “USED” links to the product page.

Another one is www.microscopestore.com. This address gets you to the home page, so you need to find the “used equipment” link on the left side. This is a well organized and easy to navigate site. The used microscopes are divided into categories by type of microscope with the title of each category as live links. This way you can see only used optical microscopes or used stereo microscopes. Very neat and well thought out site.

Yet another used microscope site is www.nationalmicroscope.com. The address gets you to the home page. On the right side is a picture titled “used/demo equipment”. Click that picture for a list of their offerings. Very competitively priced, this is probably where I would go to buy a used microscope.

There are many other sites offering used microscopes in varying price ranges. Any of the above methods are good and will get you where you need to go.

As always, when it comes to online purchasing, be careful. Be sure you know the return policy and the refund policy. Ask about a warranty, as most sites should offer at least a limited warranty period. Some will even give a 7-day money back guarantee on used items, but that is not common.

Prices I saw while looking around went from about $250 for a quality used stereomicroscope to over $3000 for another very advanced type. Just look around and se what’s out there.

Good luck!