A stereo microscope on the other hand is generally used to inspect larger objects such as small mechanical pieces, minerals, insects, and more. It should be noted that both stereo and compound microscopes are optical microscopes, which means that they use visible light.
One of the main differences between stereo and compound microscopes is the fact that compound microscopes have much higher optical resolution with magnification ranging from about 40x to 1,x. Stereo microscopes have lower optical resolution power where the magnification typically ranges between 6x and 50x. Because of this difference, stereo microscopes cannot be used for viewing very small details microscopic of small specimens. These microscopes should not be confused with stereo microscopes, which also have two eyepieces.
Compound microscopes are not capable of delivering a stereoscopic 3D image, even if they have a binocular head. Compound microscopes have other advantages. They allow you to see much smaller objects. Microscopic water life and single-celled microorganisms can be seen much better with them. If you want to see individual cells then you need a compound microscope.
You can see that every microscope has its own world to explore. For this reason, many people who do amateur microscopy will have both of these microscopes. Each microscope type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends much on what you want to observe.
People who are interested in observing whole insects or plants may most likely chose a stereo microscope, while those who are interested in viewing the much smaller individual cells should go for a compound microscope.
You can also watch a video where I explain the differences:. Stereo microscopes are also sometimes referred to as dissecting microscopes because they are also used during dissection of plans and animals.
Stereo microscopes are also often used by people who are doing electronic repairs, where some parts are so small that they are difficult to see otherwise. If you want to look at large objects, such as whole insects, flowers of a plant or rocks and minerals, then a stereo microscope is better suited. You can put these objects directly on the stage of the microscope and start observing. Stereo microscopes are suitable for objects that are opaque.
These objects do not allow light to go through. Stereo microscopes have light coming from above some also from below and allow you to observe the surface texture of objects. Stereo microscopes therefore allow you to look at pretty much anything that will fit on the stage and there is no need to prepare the object so that it fits on a microscope slide. Coins, whole insects, your skin, clothing, and other textiles — almost all objects that you can place on the stage of the microscope can be observed.
If you like to collect postage stamps or rocks and minerals, all these things can be directly observed with a stereo microscope.
A stereo microscope does not only give you a stereoscopic 3D image, but also an image that is upright. This is made possible, because there are prisms built in into the microscope that make sure that the image is upright.
In this way, a stereo microscope is almost like a natural extension of your normal vision. Most specimens are stained, sectioned and placed on a glass slide for viewing. A compound microscope can magnify up to 1, times and provide the ability to see much more detail. The working distance varies from 0. A compound microscope is used to observe ultra-thin pieces of larger objects.
Examples could be the stem of a plant or a cross section of a human blood vessel. In both cases, the specimen is not living. The piece is placed on a slide and stained with dyes to highlight features. A stereoscope can be used for items that light cannot shine through.
The actual colors of the specimen will be observed, and the specimen can be manipulated by the observer while being viewed. The intricacy of butterfly wings, the detail of a scorpion claw and the weave in a fabric are a few examples of items that could be viewed.
Stereoscopes also might be used to observe some living organisms such as those in pond water. Stacy Taylor is an accomplished scientist, educator and writer. Taylor has been teaching college biology courses since What is the Difference Between a Magnifying Glass and
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