[csb (Craig)]

I considered a proper microscope but realised a digital microscope was better for my hobby viewing - it does not require the subject to be mounted or even prepared. So can view nearly anything: carpet, shirt, salt, book pages, ball point pen, knife blade, table, house brick.

So, I have a digital microscope (Supereyes) that is quite good to use. Easy to get out and set up. Just plug into the laptop and start the program. Viewing is done via the laptop screen.

This microscope has continuous zoom, from 25x - 500x. Not sure if 500x is true. I previously had a different model which was purported to be 200x and the Supereyes easily zooms in closer. Cost approx $100.

2 important features are auto-focus and auto-lighting. The Supereyes has both but my previous microscope was all manual so made it a little tricky.

These are pics I took with Supereyes: Book pages 500x, Bees eye 500x, Red ballpoint pen 500x, Bees wing 250x