Home > Consumer Reviews > Celestron 44104 500x Power Advanced Biological Microscope

I bought this for use with my 5-year-old, and it's a great value for the money. Fine-focus knob, vernier adjustments for the stage X/Y movements, viewing-angle adjustment, sturdy construction, samples slides, and optical quality way beyond what I expected for $130-$140 (I paid $138).

My only niggling complaints have been echoed elsewhere--AC light source is too low, so don't use it on carpet or you'll run the risk of burning something. No switch on AC light source. Safety stop is a bit difficult to release with your fingers. I suppose you could buy a 'scope with all these features for $500, but this one is $130!

If you or your kids have any interest in microscopy, you should buy this scope.

The Celestron web site says that beginning in Jan 2009 the illuminator was upgraded to an LED system which is cool to the touch. I have not seen it, but it does address the heat concerns as LED's run at room temperature. I suppose that older inventory has the overheating issue. Be sure to check prior to purchasing.

I bought this microscope to replace my old plastic one and it's awesome!! It never breaks and when you buy the 100x objective lens, it's power is 1,250x!! That is really good for viewing bacteria and really small protazoan. The illuminator is great and the movable stage is good for looking at moving things. The prepared slides are really cool and are in great quality. BUY THIS MICROSCOPE!!!!!!!!!!

I bought this for my 12yo daughter who loves it! My husband is a research scientist and was impressed with the quality of the scope as well. I read the reviews about the electric light source heating up but we have had no issues with it other than it does not have a dimmer switch which would be ideal. It has always felt cool to the touch even after being on for an hour or more. It tends to be very bright though and my daughter prefers to use the mirror instead now because of it which works fine. Would definitely recommend this microscope for students.

I bought this for a young lady who is interested in Science. I expected a high-end toy but was pleasantly surprised to get a lab quality microscope. Reasonable price, good quality and literally a million things to explore!