Microscopes are of different types and used by different people for different purposes. Stereo microscopes are special in many ways and are used by professionals and hobbyist for all manner of tasks that need 3D magnifications. Also referred to as dissecting microscopes, these devices are specially designed to provide a three-dimensional view for examining solid samples with complex surfaces. Stereo microscopes also provide depth perception. They usually do not offer very high magnification but can be used to clearly examine thick or opaque specimens through which light will not pass, ordinarily.
Stereo microscopes are used in a variety of industries for tasks that require low magnification and 3D visualization. They are very useful in electronic component repair and inspection, watch repair, circuit repair, dissecting, soldering, insect observation and several other tasks. Many stereo microscopes offer users the ability to manipulate specimens and share images to a computer, projection systems or storage device. They can allow individuals or groups to view 3D images of specimens in real-time. Their major features have endeared them to hobbyist, manufacturers, researchers, and students too.
Just like every useful device, stereo microscopes are of different types. You will find so many models from different brands competing for market dominance. While this gives the buyers so many options to consider, it normally leads to selection headache. To help make the process easier, we have done the bulk of the research a buyer will need to do to find the right model to buy. Here, we will review some of the best stereo microscopes and discuss how buyers can buy exactly what they need.
Our Top 7 Picks
If you are looking for the best stereo microscopes, here are the top seven options to consider at the moment:
1. Amscope SM-4TZ-144A Professional Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope
This is a professional stereo microscope with a boom stand that is applicable in many fields. The device features a trinocular viewing head with a pair of 10X super-widefield eyepieces, adjustable interpupillary distance, fixed 45-degree vertical inclination, and 360-degree rotation capability. The device is well-designed to reduce eye and neck-strain and also to enable sharing of magnified images.
With this professional stereo microscope, users will obtain outstanding magnification as they have the choice to use a 0.7X-4.5X zoom objective or select from any of the available magnifications between 3.5X and 90X. This allows for viewing specimens of all kinds. The working distance is another impressive thing about the device, thanks to the double-arm boom stand with 20-in arms and a 17-in pillar. It also has an adjustable LED illumination system with 144 bulbs.
2. Amscope SE306R-PZ Forward Binocular Stereo Microscope
This is another excellent option from the dominant manufacturer in this category. This is a great option for individuals who want an excellent Amscope stereo microscope but are constrained by their budget. It is the perfect device for students and beginners. Though it is an affordable device, this microscope performs excellently in different areas. It offers three magnification powers including 20x, 40X, and 80X. It also comes with a high quality widefield optical glass lenses.
The Amscope SE360R-PZ Forward Binocular Stereo Microscope features a versatile illumination system that provides both incident (top) lighting and transmitted (bottom) illumination. You can efficiently use it for the observation of 3-D objects and also for the observation of slides. It will reliably produce sharp, clear stereo images that can be incredibly useful in various areas of application including geology, archeology, forestry, agriculture, and biology. It can also be used for educational purposes in schools and hospitals.
3. Celestron S10-60 Stereo Microscope
This is a professional grade stereo microscope from one of the top manufacturers. It features a large viewing stage that makes it easy to examine all sorts of solid materials like insects, rocks, plants, and other large specimens. The eyepieces are also adjustable, letting you position each as needed for a comfortable and clear stereo image. There is also a 1-3X adjustable objective nosepiece that combines with the eyepieces for up to 60X magnification. This device is also very easy to use with a single focus control dial for quick viewing of specimens.
In addition to the features mentioned already, this Celestron stereo microscope also offers dual illumination sources: there are upper and lower halogen illuminations for viewing opaque as well as translucent specimens. It has a full-metal construction with coarse focusing knobs: it is obviously a durable device. Another incredible thing about this microscope is the price. It is super-affordable when you consider the grade.
4. Swift S41-20 Professional Dissecting Binocular Stereo Microscope
This is another top quality and affordable professional-grade stereo microscope that you should consider buying. It is a great product from Swift Optical, a reliable industry leader with so many innovative products. This is an exquisitely designed device that is also very user-friendly. A highly flexible stereo microscope, this device is applicable in different fields and offers lots of comfort viewing for the user. One feature that will likely make you fall in love with it is the dual flexible goose-neck lights that let you direct the lights to the exact point you need them. The brightness of the LED light is also very impressive.
The Swift S41-20 Professional stereo microscope is a practical multipurpose tool that can be applied to various uses. It features interchangeable pairs of WF10X and WF20X eyepieces that will combine with the 1X objective lens to provide 10X and 20X magnification. It is perfect for circuit board repairing, soldering, and examining coins and other objects of interest. It is also applicable in the medical field where it is majorly used by dentists. Gemologists, collectors, and individuals who work with small electronic components and semiconductors can also find it incredibly useful.
5. National Geographic Dual LED Student Microscope
This is a science kit with one excellent stereo microscope from National Geographic. You can tell from the company that made it that this is a great device for discovering nature and learning about science and the environment. As an excellent stereo microscope, it is also ideal for various other applications that the hobbyist will find more interesting but the kit is specially made for STEM learning activities.
The Dual LED student microscope in this kit features two LED lights that are made to be used for viewing different kinds of objects. You can use the lower LED lights to view biological specimens on slides while the upper lights are specifically designed to be used for viewing 3D objects in full detail. This is a simple yet powerful microscope that comes with two sets of high-quality optical glass eyepieces for 20X and 50X magnification. The microscope comes with over 50 accessories included in the package: there are curated set of prepared slides with biological specimens, petri dish, eye dropper, tweezers, and more. You have everything you need for a complete brine shrimp experiment. It is a durable microscope and comes with a 2-year warranty.
6. Aomekie Stereo Microscope 40X Microscope
If you want to buy a microscope for kids, this is an excellent choice to consider. It is also a good option for students that need stereo microscopes for learning and research purposes. One of the outstanding things about this device is the design: it is a very beautiful microscope that will look great anywhere. In terms of technical details, it features interpupillary adjustable from 55 to 75 mm and a mixed upright inclination to make it simple for kids and adults to observe specimens in different elevation easily and comfortably.
This Aomekie Stereo Microscope features a top light illumination with intense brightness and optical stability for all kinds of observation needs. It is perfect for home and classroom use. It can also be very helpful for SMD repair, small electronic components repair, observation of coins and similar activities. This is an incredibly affordable stereo microscope and the manufacturer offers 18 months warranty.
7. AmScope SM-1BSX-64S Professional Binocular Stereo Zoom Microscope
Rounding our list of the best stereo microscope is another wonderful product from AmScope. At this point, you should know it is the dominant company in the market. This professional-grade powerful stereo zoom microscope with a pillar stand is an absolute game-changer. It features a binocular viewing head with 10X super-widefield eyepieces, adjustable interpupillary distance, fixed 45-degree vertical inclination and 360-degree rotation capability.
In terms of performance, this will match whatever you will expect from any professional stereo microscope. The 0.7X-4.5X zoom objective provides continuous magnification and longer focal length for examining large specimens. For more comfort, the 0.5X Barlow lens will extend the working distance. You will also be able to safely work with temperature-sensitive and live specimens, thanks to the removable 64-bulb LED ring system that provides bright, cool light. The package also comes with a pair of eye guards, a pair of stage clips, and dust cover, among other accessories.
How to pick the best stereo microscope
As stated in the introductory part of this article, there are lots of stereo microscopes on the market. Finding the right one can be very difficult when you don’t have a deep knowledge of them and how they work. A lot of research will need to be performed if you want to pick the right model. To simplify the process for you, we have reviewed seven of the best options you can find at the moment. This section, we will concentrate on how you can pick the perfect one:
Factors to consider when choosing a stereo microscope
Just like in other instruments, certain features significantly influence the usefulness of stereo microscopes. Before you pick any particular model, make sure you consider the following factors:
Your specific need
Understanding exactly what you will do with a stereo microscope and what you will not do with it will help you pick the perfect one. While all of them have very similar features, they are variously designed to serve different kinds of users. It is possible to find multipurpose stereo microscopes that are applicable in different fields but it is always better to buy the one that is best suited for your need unless you intend to use it for different purposes.
Magnification power
You should understand the magnification power you will be able to get from a stereo microscope before buying it. This will significantly influence what you can achieve with them. Due to their various purposes, stereo microscopes do not offer excessive magnifying power but make sure the model you want to buy has enough magnifying power for the use you intend to put it to.
Optimal illumination
Lightening is of the utmost importance when you want to view objects at the molecular or micro level. For clear depth perception and 3-D images, you need optimal lightening. A top-quality stereo microscope, therefore, needs to offer adequate lighting. LED lighting is the standard for modern microscopes.
Manufacturer
Looking at our list, you will observe that it is dominated by AmScope. This is simply because they are industry leaders with several innovative stereo microscopes. It is important that you buy products from a reputable company that can also offer a warranty for their products.
Price
Stereo microscopes are not often expensive. You can get very good models at very affordable prices but you mustn’t go for cheap inferior products. You also need to be ready to pay more for professional-grade stereo microscopes if you really need them.
Frequently asked Questions
Is there any major difference between stereo microscopes and other types of microscopes?
Yes, stereo microscopes are specifically designed to use two independent optical paths to provide depth perception, and three-dimensional images of the objects being observed. They are also not equipped with high magnifying power. Overall, they are different from other microscopes.
Where can I find the perfect studio microscope?
You can buy a top-quality studio microscope online. In fact, the products reviewed here are the very best options for you to consider.
Can I use stereo microscopes for major science projects?
While some stereo microscopes can be used for some science projects, most do not offer the sort of magnifying power you may need for some projects. You have to understand what you are required to do in a project and find a perfect microscope for it.
What is the ideal magnification power for a stereo microscope?
Stereo microscopes with single power should have a magnification power of 20X or 30X. Those with two separate powers may have 10X/30X or 15X/45X. For zoom models, the magnification power can be between 10X and 40X.
Should I buy a zoom stereo microscopes?
Zoom stereo microscopes provide continuous range magnification from about 10X – 40X. This gives you more control over how the object you are viewing should look. They are great and you should certainly consider them.
Conclusion
Finding the right stereo microscope shouldn’t be too hard. We have done our part to make the process easier for you. The products reviewed here are top quality microscopes from reliable manufacturers. They are also products that have been positively reviewed by verified buyers and users. You can order with confidence, knowing that they are the best options on the market.
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