Stereo Microscopes - Takmly microscope

Unlike a compound microscope that offers a 2-dimensional image, stereo microscopes give the viewer an erect (upright and un-reversed), 3-dimensional image because they use two completely independent paths of light (one to each eyepiece) that are created using objectives that are focused at slightly offset positions in relation to the sample. The name “stereo” comes from the term “stereoscopic,” meaning, using two different angles of viewing to create an impression of depth and solidity.

Because of this, true stereo microscopes only come in binocular and trinocular styles, however, a special type of stereo microscope called an “inspection” microscopes exists as well. These are very similar in nature to stereo microscopes, however, they only have a single ocular tube, so they provide a flat image view of larger, opaque objects, rather than a true stereoscopic view. We classify these here as they are capable of viewing the same sample types as stereo microscopes. 

Stereo microscopes are particularly useful for biologists performing dissections, technicians repairing circuit boards, paleontologists cleaning and examining fossils, or anyone who needs to work with their hands or tools on small objects, that are large enough to be seen or handled without the aid of a high power compound microscope. Thus, stereo microscopes have a very broad set of potential applications across many industries.

There are two main subdivisions of stereo microscopes at the most basic form, based on the magnification type—fixed power & zoom power. Fixed power stereo microscopes have a set number of fixed position objectives, and offer only the magnification options listed; nothing in between. They are best for their ease of use and ease of focusing, making younger audiences and amateurs great candidates for these kinds of stereo microscopes, but they lack the flexibility of other stereo microscope types.

On the other hand, zoom power stereo microscopes have much greater flexibility because the objective lenses can be moved closer or farther from the sample within the microscope. This allows a range of magnification options to be achieved within the maximum and minimum values the microscope provides, such as 7X through 45X. They require finer levels of refocusing when changing magnification values making it a bit harder to use, but offering far greater flexibility in terms of how much working distance, magnification, and field of view can be achieved.

Most stereo microscopes are used at magnifications from 2X to 90X, but with the proper microscope and accessories, magnifications up to and approaching 180X can be achieved, or even up to 225X! This is achieved using an accessory called a Barlow lens with or without different magnification eyepieces (15X, 20X, 25X, or even 30X eyepieces) that we also offer.

https://amscope.com/