Stereo/Binocular microscope

Question 1

What is a stereo/binocular microscope?

Answer 1

The stereo/binocular microscope is a microscope that produces a three-dimensional image of an object by focusing on the object from slightly different positions in each of two lenses.

Question 2

What is different between a stereo/binocular microscope and a light microscope?

Answer 2

Light microscope:

1. Used for viewing samples at high magnification.
2. Light is passed through the sample (reflected/transmitted light illumination).
3. A two-dimensional image of the object.
   Advantages: Go up to higher magnification, easy to learn and use for anyone.
   Disadvantage: Lower resolution than some more advanced types of microscopes.

Stereo/Binocular microscope:

1. Used for viewing samples at low magnification.
2. A three-dimensional image of the object.
3. Light is reflected off the surface of the sample (incident light illumination).
   Advantage: Fairly inexpensive, easy to use.
   Disadvantage: Low magnification