Low Power Stereo Microscope Buyer’s Guide
Low Power Stereo Microscopes
Low power stereo microscopes are used to look at larger samples such as a bee, a fly, fabric weaves, coins, stamps and grains of sand. Low power microscopes are also referred to as stereo microscopes, zoom microscopes or dissecting microscopes.
Low Power “Stereo” Microscope
Low Power Microscopes are Used for Looking at Larger Things
- Low power microscopes usually have both a top and bottom light (reflected and transmitted light) and are good for looking at transparent objects as well as opaque objects. Specimens include coins, stamps, whole insects, fabric weaves, insect wings, sand, soil and tiny electrical components. Magnifications range from 10x to about 80x.
- Most low power microscopes are called “stereo” or “dissecting” microscopes and have two eyepieces and a separate objective lens for each eyepiece lens. This allows triangulation and provides a “stereo” or 3 dimensional image. When you look through the stereo microscope the image will have depth.
- Low power or stereo microscopes are usually chosen for a particular application. The most common magnification used are 20x, 30x and 40x. More magnification is not always better as you see less of the object at higher powers. A coin collector for example, would want a 10x model and someone who collects sand would want a microscope from 30x – 40x.
- There are three general types of stereo microscopes. Those with a single power (20x or 30x is recommended), those with two separate powers (10x / 30x or 15x /45x is typically best), and zoom models. Zoom stereo microscopes provide continuous range of magnifications, from about 10x – 40x. These offer the most options for magnification, but are also more expensive than a single magnification stereo microscope.
Recommended Low Power Models
For Ages 6-12 Model 185 (about $90)
The 185 is not a “stereo” microscope because it has only one eyepiece. Rather, it is an inexpensive inspection microscope with only one power, 20x. It does not have an internal light but works well under all normal ambient light conditions. Compact in size (measuring 10 1/2″ tall) the 185 has glass optics. This microscope has a 1 year warranty. Shop for this model here.
General Purpose – Ages 10 and up Model MW1-L2 (about $195)
Top and Bottom Lights on this stereo microscope. The MW1-L2 is a single power stereo. Choose a single magnification of either 20x or 30x. This microscope is compact in size (about 11″ tall) and uses 110 volts. If you want several magnifications an inexpensive way to do this is to purchase a different pair of eyepieces along with the microscope. This microscope has a 5 year warranty. Shop for this model here.
General Purpose – Ages 10 and up Model MW2-L1 (about $255)
The MW2-L1 is a compact size dual power microscope. This is a good economically priced stereo microscope with two magnifications. Compared to the microscope above, you get an additional magnification for about $60. For general purposes 10x and 30x or 15x and 45x are recommended magnifications, but a variety of combinations can be obtained based on the eyepieces selected. Note that eyepieces can be changed out but the objective lenses are built into the microscope and can not be changed. This microscope has a 5 year warranty. Shop for this model here.
General Purpose – Ages 10 and up Model S2-SPS (about $425)
The S2-SPS is a dual power stereo microscope with 10x and 30x magnification. Rather than having built-in magnification, this microscope utilizes an LED ring light. The post stand allows the head to be moved up a bit higher in order to view larger objects beneath the microscope. Different eyepieces could be used to change the magnification. Richter Optia provides a 5 year warranty on this microscope. Shop for this model here.
General Purpose – Ages 10 and up Model Swift SM102 (about $339)
The Swift SM102 is a dual power stereo microscope with 20x and 40x magnification. This microscope has a built-in top and bottom LED light. The stereo microscope can be purchased corded or cordless. Swift provides a lifetime warranty on this microscope. Shop for this model here.
General Purpose – Ages 10 and up Model Richter Optica S2-CL (about $399)
The S2-BL is a dual power stereo microscope with 15x and 45x magnification. This microscope has a built-in top and bottom LED light. The stand is compact in size. Different eyepieces can be used to change the magnification. Shop for this model here. The microscope is also sold as a 10x / 30x model here, or a 20x / 60x microscope here.
Advanced – Adult Model Richter Optica S6-RLT (about $769)
Richter Optica makes the S6 zoom stereo microscope with 10x – 67x magnification. The microscope has built-in top and bottom LED lights. This microscope is often used in industrial settings or in Universities. The S6 stereo microscope has a 5 year warranty. Shop for this model here.
You may want to view the other Microscope Buyer’s Guides here: