The EM1 Portable Field Microscope is a compact, versatile optical microscope designed for field applications such as environmental monitoring, water testing, and disease diagnostics. It offers magnifications up to 1000x using precision-ground Schott glass optics and features integrated LED illumination, making it suitable for on-site analyses. Weighing just 480 grams and measuring 154 x 122 x 64 mm, the EM1 is highly portable and includes a universal smartphone adapter for image capture and sharing. Its rugged design and ease of use make it an invaluable tool for professionals and educators working in diverse and challenging environments. In contrast, a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a laboratory-based instrument that uses a focused beam of electrons to scan the surface of a specimen, producing high-resolution, three-dimensional images of its topography. SEM requires a vacuum environment and conductive sample preparation, making it less suitable for fieldwork. While SEM provides greater magnification and resolution, instruments like the EM1 offer the advantage of portability and ease of use in various field settings.