Updated February 22, 2019 by Daniel Imperiale

The 6 Best Phase Contrast Microscopes

This wiki has been updated 11 times since it was first published in February of 2019. If your work in the laboratory or the classroom uses specimens that don't show up very well with traditional bright-field microscopy, one of the excellent phase contrast microscopes on our list might be the solution. These devices render sharp, high-contrast edges around the materials in a slide, and we've ranked them here by their optical quality, magnification, and added features. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. Skip to the best phase contrast microscope on Amazon.

Best High-End

★ ★ ★ ★

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Best Mid-Range

★ ★ ★ ★

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Best Inexpensive

★ ★ ★ ★

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This wiki has been updated 11 times since it was first published in February of 2019. If your work in the laboratory or the classroom uses specimens that don't show up very well with traditional bright-field microscopy, one of the excellent phase contrast microscopes on our list might be the solution. These devices render sharp, high-contrast edges around the materials in a slide, and we've ranked them here by their optical quality, magnification, and added features. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. Skip to the best phase contrast microscope on Amazon.

6. Omax 40x-2500x Compound

The Omax 40x-2500x Compound (around $645) is a good choice for labs where multiple people will need to take a look at the same slide, as its pupillary distance adjustments are quick and simple. It comes with three condenser plates for phasing.

Long-lasting led illumination
Individual eyepiece diopters
Lockable focus knob

5. AmScope IN400TA

Thanks to its inverted design and its ability to stream live video to a PC, the AmScope IN400TA (around $4480) makes an excellent teaching tool. For precise study, though, its lack of clamps or ruler markings on its stage make it somewhat less useful.

Superb chromatic correction
Nine bright-field magnifications
On the pricey side

4. Omax Digital Compound

The Omax Digital Compound (around $737) is surprisingly compact when you consider that it houses a capable imaging system in addition to its outstanding optical array. It doesn't offer terribly high resolution in its pictures, but it should suffice for classroom use.

360-degree swiveling binoculars
Five-year warranty
No dark-field option

3. AmScope 40x-1600x T600A

The AmScope 40x-1600x T600A (about $1617) is one of the better dark-field models on the market, giving you the ability to observe specimens that would transmit too much light in a bright-field setting. It comes with four condenser elements offering varying magnifications.

Immersion oil included
Reverse-mounted nosepiece
Very fine focusing capability

2. AmScope Lab Clinic Trinocular

While the AmScope Lab Clinic Trinocular (around $670) may not be equipped with any photographic capabilities of its own, it does have a port dedicated to the connection of such gear, if you happen to own it. Its 3D mechanical stage moves smoothly and with precision.

10x and 16x eyepieces
20-watt halogen bulb
Comes with a case for its optics

1. Omax Trinocular LED

The Omax Trinocular LED (appx. $898) boasts an attached digital camera with a nine-megapixel resolution, so you can record exceptionally sharp and detailed images of whatever it is you've got under observation. It also offers coarse and fine adjustment knobs on each side.

Rack-and-pinion condenser adjustment
Dark-field illumination
Shoots nearly two frames per second

Last updated on February 22, 2019 by Daniel Imperiale

Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).

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The 6 Best Phase Contrast Microscopes

6. Omax 40x-2500x Compound

5. AmScope IN400TA

4. Omax Digital Compound

3. AmScope 40x-1600x T600A

2. AmScope Lab Clinic Trinocular

1. Omax Trinocular LED

Editor's Notes

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