Discover the fascinating world of surface details with the Dual Power Stereo Microscope, 10/30X Model. This stereo microscope delivers crystal-clear, three-dimensional views perfect for exploring larger specimens like insects, rocks, plants, and coins. With its wider field of view at lower magnifications, this model excels at viewing complete specimens and larger objects that need to be examined as a whole. Built with quality optics and dual illumination, it's an excellent choice for students, collectors, and anyone eager to explore the details of everyday objects.
- Two magnification settings (10x and 30x) optimized for viewing larger specimens and complete objects
- True stereoscopic 3D imaging for enhanced depth perception and natural viewing
- Dual top and bottom tungsten lighting for versatile illumination of opaque and transparent specimens
- Comfortable 45° inclined binocular head with diopter adjustment and 55-75mm interpupillary range
- Rugged cast aluminum construction with heavy-duty rack and pinion focusing
- Backed by our Lifetime warranty
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Where Curiosity Blooms
Lower magnification means you see more at once. The 10/30X model excels at showing entire objects—from flowers and insects to complete mineral samples—making it easier to understand structure and context at a glance.
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- Dual Power Stereo Microscope, 10/30X Model
- Paired WF10x widefield eyepieces
- Rubber eyeshields
- Reversible black/white stage plate
- Translucent stage plate
- Dust cover
- Replacement tungsten bulb
- Operating instructions
- Eyepieces: Paired WF10x widefield inclined eyepieces (15mm exit pupil distance)
- Head Design: Binocular fixed head with left diopter (±5 diopters) and 55-75mm interpupillary adjustment
- Objectives: Rotating turret with dual 1x and 3x objectives (for 10x and 30x magnification)
- Objective Quality: Parcentered, parfocaled, and achromatic to prevent color distortion and maintain focus when switching magnification
- Imaging: True stereoscopic imaging provides 3-dimensional viewing
- Field of View: 20mm at 10x and 6.6mm at 30x
- Focus System: Heavy-duty rack and pinion focusing with slip clutch and tension adjustment
- Working Distance: 55mm with maximum specimen height of 55mm on-stage; post-mount design allows specimens up to approximately 120mm off-stage
- Stage Plates: 95mm reversible black/white contrast plate (black for light objects) and 95mm translucent plate (use with bottom lighting)
- Stage Clips: Locked on stage clips
- Illumination: Top and bottom high-intensity 10-watt tungsten lighting with rotary switch (top, bottom, or both simultaneously)
- Construction: Rugged cast aluminum base and frame, 13" tall
- Also Available: 20x/40x dual power stereo microscope, replacement tungsten bulbs
Note: Some earlier models of this microscope require replacement halogen bulbs.
The Ideal Stereo Microscope for Larger Specimens
The Dual Power Stereo Microscope, 10/30X Model is designed for viewing larger three-dimensional objects that benefit from a wider field of view. Unlike compound microscopes that magnify tiny transparent specimens on slides, this stereo microscope excels at examining solid, opaque objects you can hold in your hands—whole insects, mineral specimens, plant structures, coins, stamps, and much more. The lower magnification range means you can see more of your specimen at once, making it easier to examine complete objects and understand their overall structure.
Choosing Between 10/30X and 20/40X Models
Both the 20x/40x model and this 10/30x model offer excellent quality and features, but they're optimized for different viewing needs. The 10/30X model provides a wider field of view (20mm at 10x), making it perfect for examining complete specimens where you want to see the whole object at once. The 20/40X model, with its higher magnification and narrower field of view, is better suited for examining smaller details and finer structures. Choose the 10/30X if you're primarily interested in viewing larger specimens like rocks, insects, coins, and plant structures. Choose the 20/40X if you need to zoom in on smaller features and intricate details.
Quality Construction and Optical Performance
This stereo microscope features high-quality optical components that deliver sharp, clear three-dimensional images. The parcentered and parfocaled objectives stay in focus when you switch between magnifications—simply rotate the turret 180° to positive click stops to change from 10x to 30x. The achromatic lenses prevent color distortion for accurate viewing. The dual illumination system with both top and bottom tungsten lighting gives you flexibility to view opaque specimens with top lighting or transparent specimens with bottom lighting. The rugged cast aluminum construction ensures years of reliable use, while the rack and pinion focusing with slip clutch provides smooth, precise control.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between a stereo microscope and a compound microscope? A stereo microscope (also called a dissecting microscope) is designed for viewing larger, three-dimensional objects at lower magnifications with dual eyepieces that create a 3D image. Compound microscopes use higher magnifications to view very small, thin specimens on slides. Stereo microscopes are perfect for examining insects, rocks, coins, and plants, while compound microscopes are best for viewing cells, bacteria, and other microscopic specimens.
- Why would I choose 10x magnification instead of higher magnification? Lower magnification provides a wider field of view, which is crucial when you need to see an object's overall structure, orientation, and features in context. At 10x, the 20mm field of view is wide enough to examine larger specimens comfortably. Higher magnifications show more detail but sacrifice field of view—you might only see a small portion of your specimen at a time, making it harder to understand the complete picture.
- Can I use this microscope for dissection work? Yes, the three-dimensional view and 55mm working distance make this microscope well-suited for dissection work. The depth perception helps you navigate around specimens with tools, and there's adequate space between the objective lenses and stage to work with your hands or instruments while viewing. The lower magnification also makes it easier to see what you're doing during dissection procedures.
- What's the advantage of having both top and bottom lighting? Top lighting illuminates opaque specimens from above—essential for rocks, insects, coins, and most solid objects where light cannot pass through. Bottom lighting works with transparent or translucent specimens, allowing light to pass through to reveal internal structures or make thin specimens more visible. This versatility means you can examine a much broader range of specimens effectively.
