| Stereo microscopes or dissecting microscopes are | | | | stands. |
| one in the same instrument – the name is | | | | There are many illumination options available for |
| often used interchangeably. They are used for | | | | the stereo microscope, including but not limited to |
| looking at specimens with a three dimensional | | | | fiber optic dual light guides and ring lights, light |
| view. In reality stereo microscopes are like | | | | emitting diodes (LED), coaxial through the lens |
| having two compound microscopes looking at the | | | | illumination and fluorescence. |
| focus point of reference at slightly different | | | | Camera options include large format, 35mm, video |
| angles, thus creating a three dimensional image. | | | | and digital systems. With digital options there is |
| The magnification level is much less than that of a | | | | software available that offers a full-featured |
| standard upright compound microscope. | | | | image capture software suite to easily control all |
| Magnification for stereo microscopes is usually in | | | | of the camera's advanced settings and have |
| the range of .7X to 50X. However, there are | | | | simple but powerful graphic interfaces. |
| upscale models that will magnify to higher levels | | | | Full-capture solutions are included to provide the |
| up towards 300X with when accessory lenses are | | | | user with the ultimate in live image analysis and |
| added. The magnification points can be fixed, | | | | archival storage. |
| stepped or zoom depending on the model and the | | | | An example of a stereo microscope is the |
| desire of the user. | | | | VanGuard model 1274ZH. This microscope |
| There are many different stand designs available | | | | comes standard with a total magnification range |
| for stereo microscopes such as the pole stand, | | | | of 7-45X, and can zoom from any point in |
| rigid arm stand with or without built in illumination. | | | | between the upper and lower magnifications. It |
| Boom stands can also be used to get the | | | | also includes a stand with both upper and lower |
| microscope above and over larger objects for | | | | built in halogen lighting. |
| examination, and may have articulated arm | | | | |