Final answer:
Anton van Leeuwenhoek built his own microscope and made significant contributions to microbiology by crafting powerful lenses that were capable of observing microorganisms, which he was the first to discover and term "animalcules".
Step-by-step explanation:
Anton van Leeuwenhoek did not choose to purchase a microscope; instead, he built his own. Van Leeuwenhoek became proficient in crafting his lenses, which allowed him to observe microorganisms including bacteria and protists. With a simple but remarkably powerful single-lens microscope, he discovered tiny creatures, which he charmingly termed "animalcules" or "wee little beasties", laying the foundation for modern microbiology. His microscopes were noted for being more powerful than others of his time and nearly as strong as today's light microscopes. Notably, van Leeuwenhoek's lenses and observations greatly contributed to the scientific community's understanding of the microscopic world, establishing him as a pivotal figure in the development of microbiology.