There is a variety of materials and tools used for fiber optics inspection. But the most used and most common is a scope of some kind. Your choice will depend upon your use. Microscope, camera, handheld, portable, benchtop, or computer options are available. It is important to remember to clean the scope adapters, lenses, cameras, and viewing screens for all scopes used in fiber optics inspection.

Microscope, handheld portable- Many versions of handheld fiber connector inspection microscopes are available. Two common powers of magnification are 200x and 400x. Some are single power while others have options to purchase both magnifications with either switching or changing lenses. Designs will vary a bit, some being lighter and easier to hold. Lighting is important since the microscope is being used to inspect the endface of the connector. The microscopes will have a momentary switch to light the endface. Some may have an adjustment to direct or shadow the lighting to help in revealing possible defects. Both handheld and benchtop microscopes are available. The handheld are probably most common because of their versatility - they can be used and moved easily from bench to test setup to toolkit, etc. They are totally portable having a battery powered light source. They come with optional adapters for the different type connectors that would fit on the end for inspection.

Microscope, benchtop- As with the handheld microscope, there are many versions of benchtop fiber connector inspection microscopes available. Common powers of magnification are again 200x and 400x, but powers are not limited to just two magnifications because it is not necessary to simplify the tool for portability. Again, lighting is important since the microscope is being used to inspect the endface of the connector. Lighting options are wider for a benchtop unit because of available size and space. Front, side, and back lighting, as well as shadowing and filtering can be done with a benchtop microscope. The microscopes may be battery rechargeable or AC operated, eliminating the requirement of a momentary switch. Benchtop fiber inspection scopes have lost their popularity over time, mainly because of the wider use of fiber optics in other labs and the field, not just research. They come with optional adapters for the different type connectors that would fit in a custom fixture.