Microscope for trichomes

Just curious what you guys use to view the trichs. Maybe some links for purchase. Curious before I buy. Heres what I was looking at so far. Just wanting 1 tho. Thanks in advance people

I bought this one from Amazon. It was more expensive, but probably close to the same product:


These USB microscopes can produce some beautiful pictures (please attached). The problem though, is the slightest bump of the unit will send what you are trying to capture out of view. I think part of the reason it's so touchy is because the magnification is so high. That tabletop stand it comes with is crucial for stabilizing the microscope. Unfortunately, the stands are made of cheap plastic so you must be careful with them (my stand broke eventually). The devices lend themselves much better to photographing dried bud on a table as opposed to wet bud attached to a plant.

For the price, I think they are worth picking up. You can have a lot of fun exploring the surface of these flowers, and it takes videos too. But, I would recommend thinking of it as more of a toy than a tool. Due to the issue I mentioned above, it doesn't seem like a worthy replacement for other methods.

I do also own a Carson Pocket Microscope which is similar to your second shot. I think it's a little easier to use due to how compact it is. And, you're not trying to take photographs at the same time (it can't). My Carson starts at 60x, so I run into a lot of the "in focus, then suddenly gone" thing. Maybe since the one you picked out starts on a lower magnification, you won't have that issue as often. So far, have found either a lighted jeweler's loupe or a camera with a powerful macro mode is the easiest way to view trichomes on a live plant.

Strain-wise, the first two attachments are "Wonka Bars" while the second two are from an "LSD-25" Auto-Flower.

If you have a decent phone you can buy a jewel loupe and attach it to your camera with rubber bands. Makes some sick pics

Millo said:

If you have a decent phone you can buy a jewel loupe and attach it to your camera with rubber bands. Makes some sick pics

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That's something I never thought of. I'll give that a try later on.

I just use my eyes. I don't bother zooming in on the trichs. I can tell when the plant is done just by a visual examination. Too many people get too focused on the trichs and harvest early because they spot some amber here and there. That does not always mean the plant is done. And some strains don't even go amber which is why I don't bother looking at trichomes anymore.

I bought the 1st cheap usb microscope pictured and put it on a dowel rod. I can poke it all over in there without brushing anything.
Honestly though, you can see the trichomes with your regular eyes when they are getting ripe. Any new phone also takes pretty nice pics also.

The microscopes are really neat though. You will find all sorts of things that need a good looking at.

xtsho said:

I just use my eyes. I don't bother zooming in on the trichs. I can tell when the plant is done just by a visual examination. Too many people get too focused on the trichs and harvest early because they spot some amber here and there. That does not always mean the plant is done. And some strains don't even go amber which is why I don't bother looking at trichomes anymore.

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Using your eyes is the best way... But can be confusing for beginners that have not yet had enough harvests

Great info everyone. And examples @Ukulele Haze

I like the cordless ones myself