5 Things You Should Know About Stereo Microscopes

Here are five essential pieces of knowledge that will help you along in your understanding of Stereo Microscopes:

1. Stereo Microscopes enable 3D viewing of specimens visible to the naked eye. They are commonly known as Low Power or Dissecting Microscopes. An estimated 99% of stereo applications employ less than 50x magnification. Use them for viewing insects, crystals, plant life, circuit boards etc.


2. Dual Power Magnification: Dual Power stereo microscopes provide two or more fixed levels of magnification at a more affordable price, without sacrificing optic quality. The two most common types are 10x/30x and 20x/40x. Simply rotate the objective housing to click into the desired level of magnification. Dual power are excellent starter microscopes.


3. Zoom Magnification enables you to zoom, conveniently through a magnification range, similar to binoculars or an SLR camera. Some have detents or click stops at intervals through the zoom range so that you can quickly return to a precise level of magnification in the zoom range.


4. Focusing: When viewing a solid or opaque object, only use the incident (top) light. Use the bottom (transmitted) light for more transparent specimens. Most stereo microscope applications require only the top light.


5. Barlow Lens: You can use an optional Barlow or Accessory Lens to alter the focal length of your microscope, and therefore, the magnification power, field of view and working distance. A 0.5x Barlow lens, for example will halve a given level of magnification while doubling the working distance.

Should you buy a stereo or compound microscope for your child's first microscope? Read this article Compound or Stereo? for further guidance.