Other points/FAQs

Which microscope has the best resolution?
Resolution is a term that is often misused. Resolution means the smallest distance between two objects that can be seen (resolved) as two objects not one. Confocals have slightly better resolution than widefield systems but resolution is not usually the most important factor. Choosing the right microscope for your particular sample and aim is important and different modalities and systems have different optimal capabilities.

How much does a microscope cost?
A lot. A good fluorescence scope system might be about $100K, a confocal more like $500 000. It's worth remembering a confocal costs more than one of these, so please try not to break them. Objectives range from $1000 to $12 000, (cf one of these), so try not to break those either.