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Microscopes have two primary lenses: the ocular lens and the objective lens. The ocular lens is multiplied by the objective lens to determine total magnification. Different objective lenses have different functions, and the type of specimen being examined should be considered when choosing an eyepiece. Most modern ocular lenses are a combination of two or three lenses. Microscopes are designed to work with a particular type of eyepiece lens. Wide-angle lenses are beneficial for working with large specimens. Eyepieces have a magnification of 10, but can also offer 5x or 20x magnification. The required resolution should be the primary consideration when selecting an eyepiece lens. Choosing the right microscope eyepiece depends on personal needs and most regular users prefer to keep a collection of lenses on hand.
When working with a microscope, there are two primary lenses that must be considered: the ocular lens, located in the eyepiece, and the objective lens, located closest to the specimen. The magnification of the ocular lens is multiplied by that of the objective lens to determine the total magnification of the microscope. Each objective lens has a different function, and to choose the best microscope eyepiece, you need to consider how the two lenses will work together to properly focus the image. The type of specimens to be examined will also be a determining factor in choosing a microscope eyepiece.
When they were first invented, the microscopic eye loupe had only one lens. This single lens, however, did not deliver very high image quality. Most modern ocular lenses are actually a combination of two lenses or, less commonly, three lenses cemented together in a single eyepiece.
Most microscope users looking for details on a particular specimen will use a high power microscope. These scopes usually offer three or four options for lens magnification. Manufacturers often design their microscopes to work with a particular type of eyepiece lens, and the limitations outlined by the microscope manufacturer should be considered before purchasing alternative eyepieces.
Many users find that they prefer to use a wide angle lens when working with their microscope. These wide-angle lenses are designed to allow the user to have an undistorted view of the entire lens area rather than being narrowed to the center, providing a wider view which is extremely beneficial when working with large specimens. Widefield lenses can be identified by the WF seen before the lens specification.
Most eyepieces have a magnification of 10, which means that all objects seen through the objective lens are magnified by 10 times the objective magnification. Most microscopes are also capable of operating with a microscope eyepiece that also offers 5x or 20x magnification. The eyepieces are removable, and the eyepiece lens is included with the eyepiece rather than separately, so you can maintain a collection of eyepieces at different magnifications for multiple uses.
Since the primary function of the microscope eyepiece is to provide the correct view of the specimen, the required resolution should be the primary consideration when selecting an eyepiece lens. The excessive resolution of a large sample makes a complete examination in a reasonable amount of time nearly impossible, so it is important to resist the temptation to purchase an ocular loupe with excessively high resolution. Conversely, insufficient resolution of a sample makes smaller samples difficult to see and makes full examination extremely difficult.
Choosing the right microscope eyepiece depends to a large extent on personal needs. It should not be considered a “one size fits all” proposition. Most regular users of a microscope for in-depth studies prefer to keep a collection of microscope lenses on hand to allow for variation with multiple samples.
