This Velleman DVM 1300 Light Meter displays measurements between 0.1 and 50K lux in (5) different ranges on a liquid crystal display with (4) 1/2" high digits. Filtered 1-1/2" dia sensor on a 13" coiled cord. The 4-5/8" x 2-3/8" x 7/8" case has reflective tape on the back for dealing with a shadow. Comes in a vinyl case with a recommended-illumination chart and a 12-volt battery.

Advanced Student Microscope With extra-sturdy construction, international-standard DIN, fully coated eyepiece and objectives, this is an excellent student microscope. It provides good resolution and centering, and maintains focus when objectives are changed. Stage clips, rack stops, smooth positive mechanical movements, built-in illuminator, coarse and fine focus.

• Magnification: 40X, 100X, 400X, 1000X (oil)

• Objectives: 4X, 10X, 40X, 100X (oil) spring-loaded, parfocal, centered achromatic.

• Eyepiece: 23mm 10X wide field with pointer.

• Illumination: Built-in 5 watt fluorescent, 110V with condensor.

• Stage Size: 120mm x 110mm with locked-in stage spring clips.

• Focusing: Rack and pinion, coarse & fine controls.

• Weight/Height: 8 lbs/14".

• Viewing Angle: 45°

It's made for holding a microscope, but it's a fine large carrying/storage case with endless possibilities. In navy nylon with grey straps, it's 18" tall x 11-1/2" wide x 8" deep with (4) small feet on the bottom so it stands upright. The straps extend beyond the top to serve as handles. The whole case is foam-padded, with a couple of hook-and-loop straps for securing whatever is inside, (2) elastic pockets in the lid for accessories, and a zip closure around (3) sides. Fits most microscopes, but would hold any number of things, from electronics to dinner-to-go for six, and would be a very nice way to organize assorted stuff in the trunk or back of an SUV.

If you want something done right…. And yes, that includes laboratory slides. This 17-piece slide-making kit from Elenco includes (10) blanks, (12) cover glasses, labels, and static slide covers, magnifier, (2) vials & graduated cylinders, shrimp eggs, methylene blue, micro-hatchery, goggles, and more.

You’ll look really good with these Karma PRO 8 x 32 binoculars from Levenhuk® with multi-coated optics, twist-up eye-cups, right-eye diopter adjustment and rubber coating. Includes a standard 1/4”-20 mount opposite the focus wheel for a tripod, rubber objective and eye-piece covers, shoulder bag and a cleaning cloth. Lifetime warranty available through the mfr.

We don't like to brag, but it's tough not to in a case like this. This is a wonderful pen-shaped laser pointer, 5-1/4" long, flat black or silver with gold pocket clip and head. It throws a red point a loong way (we've thrown it two city blocks at night, and it would've gone farther, but buildings got in the way). And what are we so proud of? We've seen a very similar item-not identical, mind you, but essentially the same-in one of those glossy, toys-for-grown-men catalogs. Their price? $20! We're proud not to be profit-mongers, buy it here and you can take pride in your smart shopping habits. Batteries included.

A tripod with true portability -- It weighs only 2 lbs, the 4-ft aluminum legs (which can be locked down independently at any length) telescope to a convenient 22", and it slips easily into a zippered black-nylon quiver. The mast, which has a standard 1/4-20 camera mount and a built-in level, can be cranked up (literally) another 9-1/2". The manufacturer doesn't say how much weight the tripod will bear, but we'd keep it to under 10 lbs. Very nice for the money.

...and we are merely microscopes? Develop your own (better) metaphor with this solid black plastic microscope stage, 5" x 4", another fine product from the old Soviet Union. With a 1-7/32" dia hole in the center and a threaded 1/8" dia hole straight through, and (4) threaded holes (Also 1/8" dia) on the underside for mounting the iris and condenser assembly.

One of those clear plastic jobs that goes over an automotive light or some such. It provides a bit of focusing to strengthen the beam and some protection, but isn't really an optical element. This one is 2-7/8" sq. x 9/16" thick. Actually, the plastic is only about 1/8" thick, but there is a rim to the rear which gives it overall depth. Good protection for outdoor lights. Could be set in the outhouse door to admit distorted light. Or flip it over and serve nuts in it.

The AstroMaster 76EQ Telescope by Celestron® is great for budding stargazers. 76mm dia with a 700mm focal length. Includes a (35X) eyepiece, starPointer, erect image optics, and a German Equitorial mount, which allows you to track a celestial body on its elliptical path across the sky with the turn of a simple knob; no more chasing the moon and stars through endless blackness. Also has a steel-tube tripod, coated glass optics for crisp images and the SkyX-First Light Edition astronomy software with a 10,000-object database, printable sky maps and 75 enhanced images. Quick and easy, no-tool setup. For versatility, pick an additional Plössl eyepiece: the 15mm eyepiece at 46X magnification; or the 6mm at 116X magnification.

See clearly with this 20X stereo microscope; coins, fossils, circuit boards, bugs and splinters have never been larger. Dual 10X eyepieces provide a stereoscopic view with a 2-1/2" to 3-7/8" working distance while an LED illuminator powered by (2) "AA" batteries (included) brightens and a black/white stage plate with aluminum clips improves your contrast. Eyepieces are also adjustable for those who like to play with interpupillary distance and it stands 10-1/2" tall. Great for students, hobbyists, crafters and more.

A recipe from the Elizabethan Cable Food Network? No, just a couple of samples from our collection of (48) specimens preserved for your classroom examination, with (4) well-labeled specimens on each of (12) standard-size slides. You get animal, plant, insect, textile, and pollen and spore specimens, including camel hair, camellia leaf, plant louse, fruit fly, fern spore, bee wing, nylon, wool, lily pollen, bamboo shoot, goldfish scale, and three dozen more, including our homonymic favorite, hare hair. Grades three and up.

For students or professionals, this Celestron® handheld digital microscope that captures still images and videos is a terrific computer accessory. Plug the USB 2.0 cable into your computer's port and take advantage of the built-in, upgraded 2mp digital camera (Up to 5mp with interpolation.), 10X to 40X and 150X magnification, and LED illumination. The 4-oz, 4-1/4" x 1-1/4" dia scope may be handheld, or slipped into its metal stand for steadier viewing. CD-ROM software includes a measurement function. Minimum requirements UVC Plug & Play with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and MAC 10.4.9 and later, CD/DVD drive, open USB port. Very cool.

Serious high resolution 80mm dia binoculars with a 15-45X zoom, for serious gazing. These big boys measure 13" long and weigh 4.6 lbs (they have a 1/4"-20 tripod mount) and have coated optics, a rubberized housing, roll-back eyecups, interpupillary adjustment (say that ten times fast) and focus, and a variable zoom from 15X to 45X. They come with a chamois, neck strap and a padded, zippered black leatherette carrying case with a strap. Not for the opera, unless you really want to see the fat lady's tonsils. Near focus of approx 25 feet. Great viewing, whether you're into wildlife or astronomy. Includes a 2-year manufacturer's warranty. Makes a great gift!

LOMO microscope objective: 100X spring-loaded oil immersion semi-plan achromat with a numerical aperture of 1.25, designed for a 160mm tube, with RMS threaded nosepieces and a parfocal distance of 45mm. Normally sells for $100--high-quality Russian optics for an amazing American surplus price!

Select from our collection of compensating microscope eyepieces from LOMO® at microscopic prices. All of these are standard DIN size, all are F.N.18. Pick the 7X eyepiece (part #EF-7X), the 7X with a reticle (part # EF-7XS) or the 10X (part # EKW-10X).

Completely self-contained, this hand-held digital microscope has a 2.4" color LCD screen, captures still and video images and can be used as a regular, non-microscopic video camera when not in the lab. Our Optics Evaluation Boffin calls it an "amazing little device." Camera is 3 megapixels, up to 12 with interpolation, 3.7X and 54X optically, 4X digital zoom for 216X, 128MB internal memory, SD card slot (up to 8G), adjustable 0/3/6 LED illumination. Has adjustable exposure, resolution and color settings. USB 2.0 cable and carrying case included. You add (2) "AA" batteries. Model #44310 from Celestron®.

Cardboard binoculars are for observing paper lions. (Mahogany binoculars are for watching wooden performances, but we don't sell those.) These binoculars fold very nearly flat to 3" x 4" and magnify 3X through acrylic lenses. Flex them when they're unfolded and the focus adjusts somewhat. They're really made and priced for kids, are much better than they have any right to be, and can even be taken apart and used in a science fair telescope! Bonus: We'd keep some in the briefcase and glove box, we would.