best way to check trichomes?

Is it better to check the bud itself on the plants, or to cut off a small sugar leaf or something and check?
I been checking on the buds and calyx s with my 60x-100x poicket microscope, basically putting the scope right on the buds, mashing down a little.

Your doing it right.
make sure to check a few flower clusters high and low.
Once you use your pocket microscope for a while you'll be able to just look at the whole trichrome mass, and make a judgement call.

Good Luck on Your Grow