SCI-TECH

It started with an innocent leaf. We held this gadget up, expecting to see some gentle ridges or tiny veins. Instead, we were face-to-face with what looked like an alien. 

That’s the magic (and mild horror) of this pocket-sized digital microscope. With 80x magnification and built-in photo and video recording, it turns a simple walk outside into a full-blown nature documentary. If you want to unlock a whole new way of seeing the world (literally), you can save $30 on the gadget right now.

The microscope that fits in your pocket

Let’s zoom in even further. The bug on that leaf—something we all normally brush off without thinking—suddenly has textured armor, segmented legs, and what looks like tiny antennae in full alert. It’s like stumbling onto a sci-fi set, except it’s right in your backyard.

That’s the thing with this handheld microscope: Once you start, you can’t stop. The 80x zoom opens up an entire universe of details you’ve never noticed, and the 4-inch LCD screen means you don’t need to squint through an eyepiece to see them. You get a full view, in full color, without the neck strain of a traditional microscope.

Curious about what’s crawling on your windowsill? Or what’s hiding in the grooves of a dollar bill? You can snap 2MP stills or record full 1080p video, all saved straight to the included 32GB microSD card. It’s perfect for creating your own bug archive, plant diary, or just proving to your friends that, yes, spiders have hair.

Even better? It’s not just for daytime adventures. Built-in, adjustable LED lights let you get crystal-clear shots even in low lighting, like under your porch at dusk or in the corner of your garage where something just moved (probably best not to zoom too far in there).

And don’t worry about batteries. This thing runs on a rechargeable 2,000mAh battery, so it’s ready for field trips, camping explorations, or late-night investigations without constantly hunting for AAAs.

Order one of these pocket microscopes with recording for $69.97 (reg. $100).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

 

Portable Handheld Pocket LCD Microscope with 4″ Screen – $69.97

See Deal

What makes this deal special

Spring’s finally here, and this gadget might be the nudge you need to spend more time outside. It’s a fun way to reconnect with nature, whether you’re dragging your kids away from screens for a backyard bug hunt or just rediscovering how weird and wonderful the world looks up close. For $69.97, this pocket microscope adds a dose of curiosity and discovery to every walk, picnic, or lazy afternoon in the sun.

The post Turns out, every bug is horrifying when you zoom in x80 appeared first on Popular Science.