The majority of Entomological Microscopy is performed using low power (typically stereo zoom or digital) microscopes.  Most entomologists also wish to capture high resolution images of their specimens.  We have listed below the most commonly used types of microscopes and cameras

Tips on Entomological imaging

Most professional and amateur entomologists want to take high quality pictures of their specimens.

What to Buy
The most common and most successful method of achieving this is to mount a microscope camera (typically a c-mount camera) onto a stereo zoom  microscope that is equipped with a trinocular head (ie it has two eyepieces and a vertical phototube), you will also need a c-mount adapter, ideally a 0.5X type.


Why a Stereo Zoom Microscope?
There are 3 categories of stereo microscope (single mag., dual mag. & zoom) but only the stereo zoom type can be supplied with a trinocular head.  Stereo zoom microscopes also have numerous other advantages for entomological imaging such as attachable ring illuminators and additional auxiliary objectives.

Can I attach a Camera to Binocular Microscopes?
You can attach a camera to microscopes that do not have a trinocular head with a phototube.  This is achieved by attaching the camera to the eyepiece tube, this method works relatively well but the range of adapters available is limited and usually the image projected to the camera from a stereo microscope in particular is magnified compared to the eyepieces.  It is also an inconvenience to use because you have to remove the camera to look down the microscope.


What is a C-Mount Microscopy Camera?
C-mount means that the camera has a round threaded hole on the front of it which is 1inch in diameter, it has no lens and the chip is located precisely 17.52 mm away from the front of the hole.  Microscopy cameras can have either an analogue video output or a digital live image output to a PC (via a USB or Firewire cable usually).  The crucial capability is that they deliver a live image to a display, so you do not have to look down the microscope to focus, you simply look at the live image and when happy click on the capture button.  You will capture exactly what you see on the screen.  There is no exposure setting, the preview image is the same as the captured image, it is so simple and fast.  Because the results are guaranteed with this class of camera it is the only camera that professional microscope manufacturers will recommend for use with their microscopes and all manufacturers provide c-mount adapters as a standard accessory.

Can I attach my own camera to a microscope?
Certain types of cameras can be attached to a microscope , we will be pleased to advise you.  Although we would always recommend a c-mount microscopy camera for optimum results and convenience of use

Digital Microscopes for Entomological Imaging
Digital microscopes are extremely popular among entomologists.  They are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and capabilities.  Generally they are relatively low cost devices.  For entomology the most popular type are the DinoLite models which give good quality images, are highly portable, have a wide choice of models and stands and are simple to use.  They have a relative low resolution (typically 1.3MP ) but good enough for many purposes
Generally speaking a stereo microscope with a c-mount microscopy camera attached will give a greater choice of camera resolutions (up to 21MP), much more flexibility in terms of magnification range and illumination options and you do not have to be connected to a PC to use it.

Stereo Zoom Microscopes
Including trinocular models for attaching cameras
3.5X to 210X
with camera and illumination options
Ideal for identification, dissections and imaging

Dual Magnification Stereo Microscopes with rotating turret mag changer
2X -80X
with  illumination options
Suitable for identification  & dissections

Single Magnification Stereo Microscopes with interchangeable lenses
2X -120X
with  illumination options
Suitable for identification  & dissections

Stereo Microscope Illuminators
A large range of attachable and free standing illuminators

Research and routine grade biological upright microscopes for high magnification observations

Low cost basic biological upright microscopes for high magnification observations

Digital Microscopes
Great for teaching, fieldwork and routine imaging

Digital USB C-Mount Microscope Cameras

Illluminated Magnifiers, Desktop, G-Clamp, Handheld

See our  huge range of handheld magnifiers and loupes

3D Viewing
Manual & Motorised Microscopy Systems for all-round viewing of subjects
Built-in Cameras

See our Collections Imaging website for collections tray scanning systems and microscope automation