Unlike a compound microscope that offers a 2-dimensional image, stereo microscopes give the viewer an erect (upright and un-reversed), 3-dimensional image because they use two completely independent paths of light (one to each eyepiece) that are created using objectives that are focused at slightly offset positions in relation to the sample. Middle School is often referred to as a time of transition for children and so it is for microscopes. Although the general rule is that compound microscopes are used for smaller objects and stereo microscopes are used for viewing larger objects, it really depends on the type of objects you are going to be analyzing on a regular basis. Stereo microscopes illuminate objects from above, which allows the surfaces of many large objects to be viewed in a good amount of detail. Fax: 540-904-0885, JuniorScope, The Ultimate Kids Microscope, LabZZ M101 Kids Microscope, Azure Blue, # 69300, OM36 40X-1000X Compound Student Microscope, OM118-M3 40X-400X Monocular Student Compound Microscope, OM2300S-GX4 3.5X-45X Zoom Stereo Boom Microscope, OM2300S-V7 7.5X - 45X Zoom Stereo Boom Microscope, Edge AM73915MZTL 10X~140X 5.0MP Metal USB 3.0 AMR, EDOF, EDR Handheld Digital Microscope, Pro AM4113T 10x-50x, 220x Handheld Digital Microscope, Here’s the Coronavirus Under an Electron Microscope. Therefore, making them ideal for visualization of larger objects. The preparation time is infinitely longer than the actual viewing, which depending on your viewpoint is either a good thing or a bad thing! Unlike stereo microscopes, compound microscopes only have a single optical path. In contrast to the stereo microscopes, compound microscopes have a much higher power of magnification to see the details of a subject. Do you Need a Compound or Stereo Microscope? A stereo microscope is typically used to inspect larger, opaque, and 3D objects, such as small electronic components or stamps. The reason for this is that they provide two different optical paths which are offset from each other. Many people assume that a compound microscope with a binocular head (with two eyepieces) is a stereo microscope. They learn and perhaps most important, they retain some wonderful visual images that help fire their imagination in other ways. A biological or compound microscope (pictured left) might have a binocular (two eyepieces) OR monocular head, and magnifies at a much higher power than a stereoscope. A compound microscope is designed for viewing small cells, or thin sections of … As a result, each is intended for viewing different types of objects and therefore for different applications. Therefore, compound microscopes are also known as high power microscopes. Have a greater magnification power, which can exceed 1000x, Use a single ocular lens and interchangeable objective lenses, Have two different optical paths, allowing stereoscopic (3D visualization) of the specimen and depth perception, Have a lower magnification, typically 50x and below, Use two objective lenses and two ocular lenses. Instant gratification, immediate engagement and ease of use. Essentially, you can use either type of microscope to view many types of a specimen. However, in summary, here is a brief overview of the differences: Both stereo microscopes and compound microscopes can both be used for a wide variety of biological and hobby based activities. All strong benefits of a stereo microscope helping to develop a child's interest in science. Your email address will not be published. As you might expect, the answer depends on the level of your child's cognitive ability, but there are some good guidelines that we typically recommend. An alternative is to opt for a monocular dissecting microscope or, as my kids did, to use one eyepiece until they are old enough to use both. As you may have expected, the key differences lye within their optics. After all, they grow like weeds! These dissecting microscopes also offer enough magnification power to make viewing the surface of large objects possible. For parents, it is something other than a video game or TV to share with them while also lending the satisfying knowledge that, apart from being fun, it is also educational! Compound microscopes have the advantage that they allow you to magnify an object to a much greater extent (up to 1000x) compared to a stereo microscope (max… For looking at small objects, like microscopic pond life or thin sections of plant and animal tissue, it is better to use compound microscopes. A stereo microscope is by definition, binocular. Compound Microscopes: Compound microscopes use high powers of magnification (40x-1,000x), and are used to view micro specimens not visible to the naked eye: cells. Although the general rule is that compound microscopes are used for smaller objects and stereo microscopes are used for viewing larger objects, it really depends on the type of objects you are going to be analyzing on a regular basis.