Review of Discovery Exclusive Macro Microscope

Customer Ratings:

We used this in our homeschool science studies and found it to be durable, good quality and easy to use. The macro scope is used for looking at bigger items such as pollen, skin, newsprint, plants, fur, & insects. (We also bought a good biological microscope for studying cells.) We all, from the 4 year-old on up, have enjoyed this microscope; it has held up for 10 years and is still in fine condition.

Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>

I researched microscopes for a month before settling on the Discovery as a birthday present for my grandson. My primary complaint is that the 40x (400x with eyepiece) came with an internal flaw which should have been caught in quality control. The packaging of the contents was also so buried in sticky tape that I suspect it may have been a repack. I'm awaiting an RMA as I write this.

Design-wise, the upper stage illumination is via a fixed acrylic light pipe which works beautifully with the 40x and 100x combined objectives. The 40x and 100x imaging couldn't be better. When the 400x objective is in place, however, the lens barrel blocks almost all the light, making it nearly useless as a light source. Under-stage illumination is excellent.

Structurally, the microscope is first-rate, ideal for an 8-year-old boy. Controls are big and bold and it seems damage-proof, one of the reasons I chose it. However, the accompanying instructions are aimed at a far older reader, are superficial, and are preoccupied with advanced concepts like staining instead of the very basics (simple things that are fun to look at-house dust, salt). The token sample slides are of herbal and wood cells, a neural cell, and, of all things, mummy wrap, all subjects far beyond the interests or understanding of 8-year-old boys, who, in this age of diminishing attention spans, want something that can be comprehended intuitively, set up immediately, with a high WOW! factor, and instructions and peripheral materials aimed at a second-grader. But vials of methyl blue and gum media?

I'm also curious as to why this product is considered a "toy," when the manufacturer's description indicates a more sophisticated instrument intended as an introduction to scientific research and exploration, which it would be but for the defect and other drawbacks mentioned above.

Best Deals for Discovery Exclusive Macro Microscope

I bought one for my daughter a couple if years ago and it works great so when my grandson wanted one I ordered another one. It is fairly easy to use and has clear focus I would recommend this to anyone with a child that loves to explore and learn

Honest reviews on Discovery Exclusive Macro Microscope

I have originally purchased another maker's device and they have all been a disappointment, this however was very straight forward to setup and my son loves every minute of it.