Don’t Be Limited by Magnification

Is higher magnification always better for microscopes?

When it comes to digital microscopes, the way magnification is calculated differs significantly from traditional optical microscopes. For optical microscopes, magnification is determined by multiplying the objective lens magnification by the eyepiece magnification. However, digital microscope magnification is typically based on the ratio of an object’s size on the display screen to its actual size.

This means the larger the display, the higher the magnification a product can claim. That’s why some products are advertised as 1000× or even 2000×—often because the image is enlarged on a bigger screen, not because the system provides genuine optical resolution at that level.

So the real question is: Is higher magnification truly better? And does a higher price always mean better performance?

The Reality of High Magnification

Higher magnification often comes with major trade-offs:

• Smaller Field of View (FOV): The observable area becomes extremely restricted.
• Shallower Depth of Field: The focus range becomes very narrow, making it hard to inspect anything beyond a single plane—especially inconvenient for inspection or rework.

These limitations make extremely high magnification less practical for tasks that require speed and flexibility, such as defect inspection or repair.

Qzzy: Achieving the Perfect Balance

Recommended range for real-world inspection

Magnification: 2.5× to 60× (based on an 8-inch screen)

Qzzy digital microscopes offer an optimal magnification range of 2.5× to 60× (based on an 8-inch screen). This range is ideal for PCB and manufacturing applications—especially for defect inspection and repair.

Within this range, users can:

• Maintain a practical FOV to inspect a larger area efficiently.
• Achieve usable depth of field for clearer defect images.
• Work comfortably with sufficient working distance for rework and adjustments.

Educating Consumers

At Qzzy, we believe it is our responsibility to explain that higher magnification is not always better. Choosing the appropriate magnification range is the correct approach to microscope selection and use.

Need guidance?

Consult Qzzy—we’ll help you select the ideal microscope for your application.

Contact us