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Student Compound Microscope AP1500WL
In a side-by-side comparison with the Observer IID and the 3000FF, I thought these offered a slight advantage over the Observer, and they were pretty much on-par with the 3000FF model as well. The clarity was excellent, and the illumination was bright and easily adjustable. They were easy-to-use, and I especially loved the mechanical stage on Model AP1510WL (it took me back to the vet school histology lab there for a moment!). Features of both models AP1500 and AP1510 include:
- - Monocular 45° inclined head
- - 360° head rotation
- - 10X wide field eyepiece with built-in pointer
- - Revolving nosepiece with objectives and click stops
- - Coaxial coarse and fine focusing with built-in slip clutch
- - 4X, 10X, 40XR objectives, all DIN achromatic, parfocaled, parcentered, and color-coded
- - Positive stops to prevent slide damage
- - adjustable LED illumination
- - Rechargable battery power and an AC charger
Both are excellent microscopes, and of excellent quality, but we wanted to offer a more "basic" version and a fancier version to suit both needs. Model AP1500WL includes all the features found in the list, and features a stage with spring-loaded clips to hold the slide, as well as a 0.65 N.A. condenser, and a 6-hole disc diaphragm. Model AP1510WL offers more options, including a 100X, oil-immersion objective, a moveable 1.25 abbe N.A. condenser iris diaphragm, and a mechanical stage. The mechanical stage is a terrific feature that’s hard to wean from once you’ve tried it; it allows the user to move the slide using two knobs, one that moves the slide’s horizontal position, and another that adjusts its vertical position on the stage. No more fingerprinted slides or "oops, where did it go?", just because you moved the slide by hand in the wrong direction, or with more force than you intended. Both models include a dust cover, a charger and basic instructions. Model AP1510WL also includes immersion oil and a blue disc filter. We think you’ll be very happy with either of these excellent student microscopes. Both of the microscopes below now feature LED illumination, which replaced the 20W tungsten bulb models we had previously. We do offer replacement bulbs for the older models and the LED models if needed. - Jess
If you’re not sure which microscope best fits your needs, check out our Microscope Comparison Sheet for a side-by-side comparison of all microscope models we offer.
