If you are looking to buy a microscope, a key criterion is always cost. It is a real consideration because, lets face it, not many billionaires are buying scopes. While we all wish we had more to spend, a budget can actually be liberating. With so many choices and variations, it helps to focus your search and get you closer to your purchasing decision. Of course this is little consolation when scopes sit just outside your price range. You might feel powerless, but you’re not. There are things you can do to gain more control of the process and extend your budget.

Alternative Brands

This is something I have touched on many times, but it is worth repeating. While The Big Four (Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss) produces high quality microscopes, they are far from the only game in town. The microscope landscape has changed in recent years, and there are plenty of Brands that offer great quality at reasonable prices. Just to name a few:

Accu-Scope

Labomed

Motic

Meiji

Refurbished Microscopes

Ok, so you love your classic Bausch & Lomb, Nikon, Olympus or Zeiss. You’ve had it for 20 years, and it still works great. Now you want to add another, but the price just isn’t right. It might be time to check out a refurbished microscope. Get that “Big Four” quality/optics without the big price tag. It may not have the “new look”, but that’s just cosmetics. What’s important is that the instrument will function like its new and you will save money.

Demos

If there is a specific microscope that you must have, ask a dealer if they have any Demos for sale. Often there are new scopes that have only been used for product demonstrations. If the dealer is willing to part with it, you might get a great deal.

Trade-In

Do you have unused microscopes sitting around taking up space? Objectives and accessories lying around collecting dust? Trade them in to Microscope Central, and you will receive cash or credit toward your next purchase. The process is simple:

• Send a picture of your microscope equipment to tradein@microscopecentral.com
• We will evaluate, and if interested, make you an offer

For more information about extending your microscope budget, email Microscope Central at sales@microscopecentral.com.