Stereoscope - Stereo Microscopes

Stereo microscopes (also known as stereoscopes) provide low magnification (typically in the range of 7x - 50x) and are used for viewing samples that can be seen with the naked eye, such as rocks, flowers, insects or small manufactured parts. Most stereo microscopes have a light built into the stand, although some stereoscopes are on boom stands with external lighting. Digital stereo microscopes are used to capture images, or view live images on a tablet camera display.

Stereoscopes are typically available either with single or dual magnification, meaning that the microscope provides only one or two set magnifications (such as 10x & 30x), or with a zoom magnification that provides a large range of magnifications (such as 7x - 45x). Stereo microscopes provide space for larger objects to be placed beneath the microscope, whereas biological microscopes require the use of microscope slides and do not have much working room.