Stereo Microscopes
Also referred to as stereoscopic, stereo zoom, or dissecting microscopes. Stereoscopic (3D) vision is possible by the combined vision of two eyes. This requires an independent optical system for each eye (similar to how binoculars work). A stereo microscope features two tubes with independent optical systems with two eyepieces and two objectives. Which means that a stereo microscope is, in fact, a combination of two compound monocular microscopes whose optical axes are at a right angle to each other and directed at the same specimen area.
Stereo microscopes are used for viewing natural specimens such as minerals, insects, plant parts; they are also used for technical applications such as illuminating coins, textiles and electronic components. Because of its long working distance, dissection and precision assembly are possible under the stereo microscope.
The magnification levels on a stereo microscope can be either at fixed levels (i.e. 2X or 4X), or they can be in a gradient range between two limits, as with the stereo zoom microscope (i.e. 0.7X to 4.5X).
There are various stands available for stereo microscopes. The most common utilizing both an upper (incident or reflected) and a lower (transmitted) light source. There are also pole stands - without any illumination for applications where an external light source is being used, and boom stands - also without illumination, where greater maneuverability of the microscope is required.
VanGuard 1100ZL Series Stereo Zoom Microscopes
VanGuard 1200SL & 1100SP Series Stereo Microscopes
VanGuard 1200ZL Series Stereo Zoom Microscopes
