Stereo Microscope Buying Guide

Stereo microscopes, also known as dissecting microscopes, were designed to provide a three-dimensional view for examining solid samples with complex surfaces at low magnification using incidental or reflective lighting (as opposed to the strictly transmitted lighting that is provided in a biological microscope). Stereo zoom microscopes, like the S6.7 stereo microscope shown at left, sometimes have both reflected and transmitted light. Stereo microscopes are particularly useful for performing close-up work required by watch-makers, printed circuit board manufacturers, quality control production lines even dissection and inspection.

Stereo microscopes are best used for examining thick or opaque specimens through which light ordinarily will not pass. The stereo microscope was designed to provide slightly different viewing angles to each eye in order to render a multi-dimensional view that is necessary for analyzing miniscule details. The stereo zoom microscope shown at right is the S6D-BMSQ stereo zoom microscope on a boom stand with a USB microscope camera attached. The boom stand provides room for viewing larger objects that won't fit under a standard track stand stereo microscope. The USB microscope camera will show a live image on the computer and includes software that allows image capture, making measurements and capturing live video.

Stereo microscopes available include:

Single Magnification Stereo Microscopes

• MW1-L2 Single Magnification Stereo Microscope
• Mitutoyo Handheld Pocket Microscope 25x
• Mitutoyo Handheld Pocket Microscope 50x

Dual Magnification Stereo Microscopes

• Richter Optica S2-BL 10x / 30x Stereo Microscope (LED Ring Light)
• Richter Optica S2-BL 15x / 45x Stereo Microscope (LED Ring Light)
• Richter Optica S2-BL 20x / 60x Stereo Microscope (LED Ring Light)
• Richter Optica S2-BLED 10x / 30x Stereo Microscope (Top & Bottom LED Lights)
• Richter Optica S2-BLED 15x / 45x Stereo Microscope (Top & Bottom LED Lights)
• Richter Optica S2-BLED 20x / 60x Stereo Microscope (Top & Bottom LED Lights)
• Swift SM101 Stereo Microscope 10x / 30x
• Swift SM102 Stereo Microscope 20x / 40x
• MW3-LED1B Dual Power Stereo Microscope
• National Optical 410-1105 Boom Stereo Microscope

Zoom Magnification Stereo Microscopes

• MW3-L9 Stereo Zoom Binocular Microscope 10x-30x
• Richter Optica S6-BLED-10 Stereo Zoom Microscope 6.7x-45x (Top & Bottom LED Lights)
• MW5-L5 Stereo Zoom Microscope 10x-40x
• Richter Optica S6-LDG Stereo Zoom Microscope 13x-90x (Dual Pipe LED Light)
• Swift SM105 10x-30x Stereo Zoom Microscope
• Richter Optica S6-BMSQ Stereo Zoom Boom Stand Microscope 6.7x-45x
• National Optical 420-AARM Articulated Arm Stereo Zoom Microscope 10x-40x
• Motic SMZ-168 Stereo Zoom Microscope on Articulated Arm
• Motic SMZ-168 Stereo Zoom Microscope on Ball-Bearing Boom Stand
• Motic SMZ-168 Stereo Zoom Microscope on Lighted Post Stand
• Motic SMZ-168 Stereo Zoom Microscope on Post Stand
• Motic SMZ-168 Stereo Zoom Microscope on Universal Stand
• Motic SMZ-168 Stereo Zoom Microscope, Articulated Arm Clamp Stand
• Motic SMZ-168 Stereo Zoom Microscope, Ball-Bearing Clamp Boom Stand