What is a Stereo Microscope?

A stereo microscope is a type of optical microscope that's designed for examining 3D objects at much lower magnification. They use light reflected from the surface of an object rather than light shining through it (like a compound microscope does). It's often called a stereoscopic or dissecting microscope.

What is the difference between a stereo microscope and a compound microscope?

The difference between a compound and a stereo microscope comes down to magnification level and sample type. A compound microscope is usually used for samples that you can’t see with the naked eye, displayed on a slide. Whereas a stereo microscope tends to use a large sample that’s often opaque and is used to see 3D objects in more detail.

What is the smallest thing a stereo microscope can see?

Stereo microscopes can see items like coins, mineral specimens, fossils, insects, plants, and more. Some of our stereo microscopes have the ability to view electrical components like circuit boards. You can achieve a magnification of 400x if you configure a stereo microscope the right way.

How does magnification work with a stereo microscope?

There are two types of magnification systems in a stereo microscope, Fixed and Zoom. Fixed magnification is achieved using a paired set of objective lenses with a set degree of magnification. Zoom magnification is capable of a continuously variable degree of magnification across the set range of the stereo microscope. You can also adjust magnification by changing the microscope eyepiece.

What magnification do you need on a stereo microscope to see bacteria?

In order to view bacteria on a stereo microscope, you need to achieve a 400x level of magnification. While compound microscopes are typically useful for this type of application, you can achieve higher magnification when you use the ocular lens.

What kind of lenses does a stereo microscope use?

A stereo microscope consists of the ocular lens (the eyepiece that you look through) and the objective lens (the main optical lens that’s closest to the sample). Our stereo microscopes give users a three-dimensional view with lenses that have two optical eye paths.

What are the limitations of a stereo microscope?

The main limitation of a stereo microscope is the low level of magnification when compared to a compound microscope. Our compound microscopes for sale can achieve higher levels of magnification than our stereo microscopes.

Can I take a picture through a stereo microscope?

If you have a stereo microscope that can connect to a microscope camera, then it can be used to take a picture of your sample. See all of our available microscope cameras that can be purchased separately to be used with our stereo microscopes for sale.