I got one used from a university for around $50. I can mount my phone onto it (aftermarket attachment) to get pretty cool images. I don’t have any handy now, but here are some I took with my phone just in my hand.
Thanks! The photos are quite impressive - I was thinking of buying a new one but having seen these, I'll probably also look for a good quality used one.
Similar to cameras, going used and skipping fancy features can get you incredible glass for very low prices. My scope is a V 350 Wilomed which normally goes for around $400 CAD on the used market.
I’d happily pay closer to that amount for this scope. When I got it I thought I’d be getting something much worse given the price, but it’s a real lab-capable device.
If you got something considerably less powerful I bet you could spend very little and still have a ton of fun. You definitely don’t need something this powerful.
https://imgshare.io/image/ppVR4g https://imgshare.io/image/ppVlc7 https://imgshare.io/image/ppVaiq
My kids really enjoy it, so that’s good enough for me. I’d definitely take a look around for cheap used stuff!