Buying a microscope is actually NOT an easy task, contrary to what many people may assume.
Getting one requires you to spend hours on research – reading reviews, and understanding specifications.
Not to forget attempting to find out what some technical jargon means and so on…
You are in the right place if you are sourcing for a Celestron microscope that will not burn a hole in your pocket while possessing features that put some brands to shame.
If you are unfamiliar with microscopes, it is unlikely that you have even heard of Celestron.
Since its launch of the C8 Telescope (an 8″ f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain) in 1970, Celestron has been a leading brand in the optical microscope market.
It is also well known for its development of many revolutionary products in the telescope, microscope and sport optical industry.
Celestron has a decent variety of biological, digital, handheld or stereo microscopes, no matter what application you have in mind for a microscope, we have it covered for you below.
In this post, we have decided to do a round-up review of the best 5 Celestron microscopes so that you will be able to find the right model that suits you most in terms of budget and features.
The list of 5 models we have reviewed below includes the best of biological, digital, handheld or stereo microscopes. Even if you are a lab research professional or a hardcore microscopic hobbyist, I am sure you will find a model that suits the application you are looking for.
In a hurry? Be sure to check out the comparison table below that showcase our best selection of Celestron microscopes that are categorized by various key specifications and applications.
Comparison Table of 5 Best Celestron Microscopes
Best 5 Models | Model Name | Type | Magnifications | Applications | How Much? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Celestron 44341 Microscope | LCD Digital/Biological Microscope | 40x up to 1600x | ||
 | Celestron 44308 Microscope | Handheld USB/ Digital Microscope | 20x-200x | ||
 | Celestron S10-60 Stereo Microscope | Stereo Microscope | 10x – 60x | ||
 | Celestron CB2000C Compound Binocular Microscope | Compound Binocular Microscope | 40x – 2000x | ||
 | Celestron 44316 Handheld Digital Microscope | Handheld Digital Microscope | 10x to 220x |
[1] Celestron 44341 LCD Digital Biological Microscope Review
Best for Examining Specimens and Samples
If you are looking for an inexpensive biological microscope that possesses decent quality and features, then this Celestron microscope may be right up your alley.
This Celestron 44341 model comes with a fully adjustable mechanical stage that offers a dual axis (X & Y) fine position control knobs that enhances accuracy , besides having ease of slide positioning.
Not only does this biological microscope comes with a built-in 5 megapixel digital camera that is capable of recording 30 fps video of your specimen, it also comes equipped with a 3.5 inch TFT (thin-film-transistor) LCD screen. This flat panel display allows you to get a close-up examination of your specimens while recording various details and perspectives.
I especially like the 3 position rotating click-stop nose-piece with objective lens that provide 4x, 10x and 40x magnifications.
What’s more, Celestron 44341 also comes with a 10x camera sensor eyepiece that yields up to 400x magnification power.
In terms of illumination, both translucent and opaque specimens can be examined with ease using the built-in adjustable upper and lower LEDs.
If you are getting a microscope for the first time, you will be glad to know that this LCD digital microscope comes with multiple accessories, including a 1GB SD card that has enough storage to capture up to 600 high-resolution images for various applications.
Overall, this feature-packed Celestron microscope is probably one of the most affordable professional-level biological LCD microscope you can buy at it’s current price point.
Celestron 44341 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 6.7 x 5.5 x 13 inches |
| Net Weight | 6.5 pounds (2.95 kg) |
| Max. Magnification | 1600x (with digital zoom) |
| Objective Lens | Achromatic |
| LCD Screen size | 3.5″ |
| Accessories Included | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
What We Like:
- Built-in 5MP digital camera
- Three Position Nose-piece (with Click-stop)
- 10 x Camera Sensor Eyepiece
- Measuring Reticle
- Full Adjustable Mechanical Stage
- Dual (Top & Bottom) Illumination LEDs
- 40x to 1600x magnification power
- Full-colored TFT LCD screen (rotates 180 degrees)
- Portable (Carrying case with shoulder strap provided)
- USB Connect Option
- Software included
- Free multiple accessories including 1GB SD card
- 2 years warranty
Not So Great:
- Take a while to get adjustment right for counting of cells
[2] Celestron 44308 Digital Handheld USB Microscope Review
Best for Stamp and Coin Collection Enthusiasts
At first glance, this 5MP Celestron handheld microscope looks pleasing to the eyes and I like the fact the this digital handheld microscope comes with an adjustable LED illuminator.
This USB handheld microscope can be operated with a single hand and the focus wheel barrel is well-positioned for easy manipulation.
And just like any other handheld microscopes, this Celestron microscope can be connected to a laptop or computer (Mac and Windows OS compatible) for you to appreciate the intricate details of stamps, coins and what not while allowing you to view and capture amazingly high resolution images and videos.
You may also be glad to know that Celestron 44308 comes with an adjustable and weighted stand to ensure you get a steady viewing and image taking experience.
The Celestron Handheld Digital Microscope Pro is both lightweight and portable, perfect for countless applications like scientific research, component inspection, medical investigation and so on.
Personally, I love curating stamps from all over the world. Checking out each and every stamps that I have in my collection often provide me with countless hours of pleasure. And if you are like me who are into collecting small, tiny objects (rocks, gems, coins) or artifacts, you should be getting this handheld USB microscope from Celestron without a second thought. 🙂
Celestron 44308 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 9 x 7 x 5 inches |
| Net Weight | 1.43 pounds (0.65kg) |
| Max. Magnification | 200x |
| USB Cable Length | 4 foot |
| Shutter speed | 1 second to 1/1000 second |
| Accessories Included | Yes |
| Light source | LED |
What We Like:
- 5 Megapixel sensor allows capturing of high resolution images and videos
- 20 – 200x Magnification
- Lightweight and portable
- Adjustable and weighted stand provided
- Comes with Adjustable LED illuminator
- Hassle-free connection to laptop or computer using USB cable (provided)
- Easy single one hand manipulation and focus
- Multiple accessories included
- Celestron Micro Capture Pro software included
- Compatible with both Mac and Windows OS
Not So Great:
- Pole for the stand is a little short
- Software provided is not the latest, will need to download from the official site
[3] Celestron S10-60 Stereo Microscope Review
Best for Inspection and Examination of Plants, Insects, Rocks, or Large specimens
After looking at the good quality features and functional specifications of Celestron S10-60, I have to say that the price point is indeed very irresistible.
S10-60 is a 60x mid-grade stereo microscope that comes with 2 sets of adjustable stereo eyepieces (10x and 20x) and a set of objective lens that allows viewing of specimens of up to a maximum of 60x magnification.
In additional to that, this Celestron microscope possesses a full-metal construction and a coarse focusing knob.
Besides having an upper and lower halogen illumination for viewing opaque and translucent specimens, this affordable stereo microscope also come equipped with a single focus control as well as a large viewing stage area.
If you are into specimens, you will be happy to know that there are 4 insect specimens that come included in the package.
Whether you are an aspiring Biology student or a lab professional who would like to have a working set of stereo microscope at home, Celestron S10-60 is truly value for money given the features and specifications that come with it.
Celestron S10-60 | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 13 x 12 x 16 inches |
| Net Weight | 6.6 pounds (3 kg) |
| Magnification ranges | 10x, 20x, 30x & 60x |
| Eyepieces | WF 10x and WF 20x |
| Nose-piece | Two position click-stop rotating objective |
| Illumination | Upper and lower halogen |
| Head | Adjustable binocular with 45-degree incline |
What We Like:
- Single Focus Control
- 60x Magnification
- Large viewing Stage
- Dual Illumination sources
- Adjustable Stereo 10x and 20x Eyepieces
- 1 – 3x Adjustable Objective
- Free 4 insect specimens included
- 2 x Stage Plates provided
Not So Great:
- Nil
[4] Celestron CB2000C Compound Binocular Microscope Review
Best for Viewing Live Specimens as well as Cover-slipped and Pre-prepped slides
Celestron microscope CB2000C is definitely not a model for students or typical hobbyists.This compound binocular microscope which comes with 4 fully achromatic objectives are for professionals who are doing lab and research works or hard-core hobbyists that do not mind spending high dollars for such high-end features.
CB2000C offers a good varieties of viewing magnifications (40x, 80x 100x, 200x, 400x, 800x, 1000x and 2000x) ranging from 40x to a maximum of 2000x.
Feature-wise, this compound microscope from Celestron comes with a fully adjustable mechanical stage PLUS coaxial dual speed focus that offers both coarse and fine focusing knobs for viewing and micrography.
Some other great impressive features I like includes built-in, adjustable halogen lower illumination with Abbe condenser and iris diaphragm – as well as interchangeable eyepieces for 40x, 80x, 100x, 200x, 400x, 800x, 1000x, and 2000x.
As if these are not enough, there are also a rotating click-stop four position nose-piece with 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x objective lenses in additional to having a trinocular eyepiece tube for attachment of digital camera ( or for secondary eyepiece viewing capability).
As I mentioned earlier, Celestron CB2000C is definitely a lab-grade compound microscope that is most suitable for professional use and probably for people who needs it for very specific gigs that requires such high-end features.
Celestron CB2000C | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 11.75 x 12.75 x 17.63 inches |
| Net Weight | 14 pounds (6.35 kg) |
| Condenser | Abbe NA 1.25 |
| Focuser | Coaxial coarse and fine focus controls |
| Illumination | Adjustable lower halogen |
| Magnification range | 40x, 80x 100x, 200x, 400x, 800x, 1000x, & 2000x |
| Eyepiece(s) | WF10x and WF20x eyepieces (10x with pointer) |
What We Like:
- Rotating Four Position Click-Stop Nosepiece
- Interchangeable Eyepieces (for 40x, 80x, 100x, 200x, 400x, 800x, 1000x, and 2000x)
- Built-in, Adjustable halogen lower illumination
- Trinocular Eyepiece Tube
- Coaxial Dual Speed Focus Control
- Fully Adjustable Mechanical Stage
- Multiple Accessories included
- 4 Fully Achromatic Bbjective lenses – 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x
- Abbe condenser and iris diaphragm
Not So Great:
- Can be quite heavy as there is very little plastic built into this Celestron microscope
- High price
[5] Celestron MicroDirect HD Handheld Digital Microscope Review
Best for Teachers, Students, Forensic Scientists, Microscopic explorers, and more
It can be easy to mistaken Celestron MicroDirect 44316 for Celestron 44308 at first glance as they look a tad similar and are both handheld digital microscopes.
Their key difference is that Celestron MicroDirect can be connected directly to a monitor, projector or TV while Celestron 44308 will need a computer operating system in order to display microscopic images.
In additional to that, this Celestron microscope model is also able to stream images at full 1080p high definition – perfect for classroom demonstrations or sales presentations.
With this handheld Celestron microscope, there is no need to worry about power source as it can be powered via USB port or USB power bank, 120V A/C outlet or external batteries.
I am particularly impressed with the shutter button feature in which microscopic images can be saved directly to a SD card just by pressing the shutter button on the body of the microscope.
Coupled with an adjustable stand that is included, there is literally no limit to what you can do with Celestron MicroDirect 44316.
All in all, getting Celestron microscope should be a no-brainer if you have always wanted a handheld microscope that you can bring anywhere and connect to any monitor, TV or projector without ever needing a computer. 😉
Celestron MicroDirect | Specification Table |
| Dimensions | 6.12 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches |
| Net Weight | 1.3 pounds (0.59kg) |
| Photo Resolution | 2304 x 1536 pixel array |
| Video Format | 1080p HD – 30 FPS (HDMI Connect) |
| Magnification | 10x to 220x |
| Color | Grey |
| Power source | USB Port/ 120V outlet / External battery or powerbank |
What We Like:
- Connects directly to monitor, TV or Projector (no computer needed)
- Perfect for Classroom presentation or Sales demonstration
- Shutter Button for saving images
- Adjustable Stand included
- 3 x Power Sources
- One hand use and Barrel wheel for easy focus
- 10 x to 220x magnification
- Images are saved directly to SD card (not included)
Not So Great:
- Sensor size is only 3.5MP
