Types of Microscopes

Did you know that there are two basic kinds of microscopes used in class work in botany (there are many other kinds of microscopes used by botanists in research commonly called compound and stereo. When looking to purchase a microscope for the first time these terms may be confusing, because a stereo microscope is technically a compound microscope (the image is magnified by more than one lens)and you will find that all higher quality optical microscopes have binocular eyepieces, although all do not provide a 3-dimensional (stereo) view of the specimen or target. Preferred are the terms high power and low power; these better specify the use of the two types in the laboratory and not the quality of the instrument. High power provides (depending on the lens system magnifications between about 300X and 1000X. A very small or thin specimen is placed on the stage (usually on a glass slide under a cover slip) and viewed close to the objective lens, typically illuminated by light passing through from below. Used to view cells, tissues, very small organisms such as single-celled algae and bacteria. Attention to sample preparation is necessary to achieve good results. Low power microscope provides magnifications typically in the range of 60 to 500X. The specimen is placed on the stage and lighted from above or the side. There is ample room to access and manipulate the specimen while viewing it and for this property, this type is also called a dissecting microscope for its use in plant and small animal dissections. Although most low power microscopes have binocular eyepieces and give a stereo view, some student models do not. Sample preparation is not especially important; what you have is what you will see. If you are looking for a good quality Stereo Microscope take a look at the LOMO LA-MI-SF-100B. This is a binocular stereo microscope that will provide you with exceptional quality for the money. This microscope is just $395.00! You can't beat it for the quality. Comparable optical performance from Western European and Japanese manufacturers of parallel path stereo microscopes literally can cost $3,000-$6,000).