Objects for Stereo Microscopes

One of the reasons I like stereo microscopes is that you can use this type of microscope to observe just about anything at hand. Out of habit, I collect rocks, old wasp and insect nests, even dead insects, themselves, dried flower and seed heads, twigs, rotten pieces of bark, chunks of moss and fungi and many other mementos from my travels on the bike trail. Closer to home, you can also use this kind of microscope for looking at coins, stamps, electrical components, tiny details on model trains and other toys. In other words, if it fits under a stereo microscope, go for it. My stereo microscope of choice is the LOMO SF-100, to which I have added an aftermarket ring light. Originally I added the ring light for photography - a ring light reduces glare on the specimen - but I was also pleased to learn that a ring light also reveals more detail in the specimen than a standard reflected light.