Since we are at the topic of microscopes, here's the best pocket microscope I know of: Carson MicrcoBrite Plus. It has magnification 60-120x [1]. The same manufacturer makes a few more models. I personally bought this model and 3 others, some of them multiple times (they make for nice presents):20-60x, 60-75x, 60-120x (this one), and 100-250x. I also bought some other pocket microscopes from other manufacturers, Carson leaves them in the dust. And among Carsons, this one is in my opinion the best. I am not affiliated with them in any way, I'm simply a happy customer.
Now, I'd like to make the jump to a higher magnification microscope, like 1000x, but they start being expensive, and you can't just use the strategy "buy and throw if you don't like" with them. If anyone from the HN crowd has any recommendations, that would be much appreciated.
I had a bit of a breakthrough a couple of years ago playing with a Microsoft USB camera. (Not that it's specific to MS but that's what brand it was.) Anyway, when I took the plastic shell off the outside, the lens was mounted on a threaded base that could be adjusted in and out. With the right adjustments, the camera became a microscope - not enough to see pollen or anything like that, but enough to get a 1080p picture dominated by an ant's face.
Paper towels, cloth, coins, written words on paper, the edge of a knife etc. I tried using slides too, but I don't remember being too successful.
One thing to note for whoever is interested: being pocket microscopes, you don't treat them as precision instruments. You (and your kids) drop them frequently. They are quite sturdy, but after countless drops the quality of the image starts to suffer.
That's a great recommendation, they even seem to ship internationally and seems to be good value for money. Could be used for magnification of tiny electronics as well, Thank you.
Now, I'd like to make the jump to a higher magnification microscope, like 1000x, but they start being expensive, and you can't just use the strategy "buy and throw if you don't like" with them. If anyone from the HN crowd has any recommendations, that would be much appreciated.
[1] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LAX52IQ/