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  Stereo Microscopes: a discussion for an expensive choice


An overview of some of the Stereo Microscopes available at present time is reported here. They are technical instruments used in many research- and industry-related areas and represent an indispensable tool for any entomological study. The models listed here have some in-common features: a trinocular head (or a photo/digital potentiality, anyway), a variable magnification ratio (by continuous zooming or by fixed steps), a less or more wide accessory park and a not excessive price (relative to the other models of each Brand). Some Microscopes have a "Galilean" optical scheme, some others a "Greenough" one. In some cases, you can find "regional" versions of the same microscope, mainly because that optical scheme is well known and easy to clone. You can also find interesting shopping opportunities in the market of the used and of the "reconditioned" microscopes. The most famous brands are Zeiss, Leica, Wild, Olympus, but also the affordable Meiji Techno and Motic are considered herein.

I have selected the models on the base of an ideal configuration I was looking for a variable trinocular head and few indispensable accessories (a 2x objective to double the magnification, a couple of eyepieces with a magnification of 15x, a fluorescent ring (anular) illuminator to avoid shadows, complete photo accessories to take images either with traditional reflex and with digital Coolpix-like cameras).

From a photographic point of view, the trinocular tube extruding from the head (i.e. Soligor and Meiji Techno) seems to be a better solution than the other one that needs the insertion of a specific accessory inside the head (i.e. Motic and Nikon). But I can't say anything about the final result, because I haven't ever tested them. There's a third, less expensive way to take photos: a photo tube inserted into one of the two eyepieces, but this one is certainly the worst.

 

Motic Stereo Microscopes K-Series and SMZ-168
target: advanced
Motic online

Stereoscopic image erect and laterally correct through its multi-coated optical components, absolutely free from chromatic and spherical aberration. Long working distance and extreme large fields of view diameter. Always in sharp focus at all magnification changer position. The parfocal optical system with twin objective beam path changer computed for your relaxed, fatigue-free long hour viewing. It provides the finest details in the corrected original color rich in contrast, crystal-sharpness and with excellent depth of field. A very wide and complete choice of widefield eyepieces and large diameter objectives. Plane stands with large working surface and Large working stage with built in incident and transmitted halogen light 12V/10W with intensity control. 3-way illumination system enhancing choices of top, bottom and top and bottom light.

K-400: Body 4 step magnification changer at 6, 12, 25, and 50 ratio
K-500: Body 5 step magnification changer at 6.4, 10, 16, 25, and 40 ratio
K-700: Body Zoom range at 1:5:2 ratio, self-centering
SMZ-168 binocular
SMZ-168 trinocular

SMZ-168

 

Meiji Techno EMZ 5 TR Stereo Microscope
target: advanced
   
Trinocular zoom stereo microscope with the zoom controls on the sides of the body.
Zoom range 0.7x - 4.5x.
When the photo prism is drawn into the optical path, 100% of the light is directed to the photo tube. The image can still be examined visually through the right-hand eyepiece.
Zoom Ratio: 6.5:1, Zoom Range: 0.7x - 4.5x
Magnification: 7x - 45x (with 10x eyepieces)
Field of View: 32mm - 5.1mm
Working distance: 93mm
Dioptric Adjustment: Dual (+/- 5 diopters)
Extended Magnification Range: 2.1x - 270x (with supplemental objectives and eyepieces)
Extended Working Distances: 34mm - 251mm (with supplemental objectives and eyepieces)
Meiji Techno online

 

Nikon SMZ 800/1000 Stereo Microscopes
target: advanced
Nikon online

High optical performance and the flexibility of "building block design" are the key features of the SMZ1000. The zoom mechanism's magnification range is from 0.8x to 8x, a 10:1 ratio and with various eyepieces and objective combinations, magnifications of 4X to 480X are possible. Available apochromatic objectives are corrected for optical aberrations and distortions for the finest image quality you have come to expect from Nikon. The SMZ1000 is compatible with a full line of accessories, making this versatile microscope an excellent choice for numerous applications.

Parallel Optical Design for flexibility and versatility
10:1 zoom ratio, capable of magnifications of 8X to 480X
Eight Objective Lenses available from 0.5x to 2x including apochromats
Illuminated bases with features, such as Up-Front Focus, Oblique Coherent Contrast, Toroidal Darkfield Mirror and Anti-Backlash Focus
Available Fluorescence Illuminator with integral video port for the bright, high contrast images and four filter positions
Superior ergonomics and versatility for every application

 

Zeiss Stemi DV4 Stereomicroscope
target: student

Double Lens Vario compact stereomicroscope with zoom factor 4.
A new, proprietary Zeiss zoom lens guarantees images of excellent resolution, definition and brightness - with reflections cut down to an absolute minimum.
Object field coverage 25mm (optional, 3.1...83.3 mm).
Flattened field of view 20 mm. Front lens with protective glass.
Zoom range 4:1 (8x...32x); expandable to 2.4x...64x with supplementary lens systems.
You can select between brightfield reflected light, brightfield transmitted light, and mixed light.
Eyepiece adapter to furnish the Stemi DV4 Stereomicroscope with a digital viewfinder camera, a 35 mm SLR camera, a videocamera with C thread mount, or a plug-in eyepiece camera for monitor presentation.


 

Leica MS5 and MZ6 Stereomicroscopes
target: advanced

The LEICA MS5 with five-step magnification changer and LEICA MZ6 with 6:1 zoom are composed of modules. The basic instrument can always be combined with a wide range of accessories including discussion bridges, fluorescence and co-axial illuminators, brightfield/darkfield bases, drawing tubes and swing arm stands, etc. From a choice of six (6) binocular tubes with different viewing heights, users of the LEICA MS5 and LEICA MZ6 can select the one, which allows them to sit most comfortably at their stereomicroscope. Ideal for all applications is the binocular tube with variable viewing angle of 10° - 50°. Twelve (12) different objective lens choices offer a magnification range for any application.

Ultra flat field of view, with resolutions up to 450 line-pairs/mm
Basic magnification range with 10x eyepieces; 6.3x - 40x, extended range 2x-320x.
Field of view diameter range with 10x eyepieces; 4.2mm - 26.6mm, extended range 0.8mm - 104.2mm
Basic working distance; 89mm, extended range 27mm - 297mm
Achromatic, planachromatic and planapochromatic objectives
360° rotatable optics carrier
Stereoscopic or vertical observation
Fluorescence (GFP) illumination
Complete interchangeability of accessories between other similar Leica stereomicroscopes

 

Wild M5 & Wild Leitz M5A Stereomicroscope
target: research

Probably the most known stereomicroscopes. M5 first introduced in 1958, and still in demand. The WILD M5 IS A high end stereo zoom microscope with high quality optics. There is smooth operation of the zoom range and the height is adjustable via focus control. Many optional accessories are avaialble like the reflected dual light system or fiber optics illumination.

Power:  6x, 12x, 25x, 50x

 

     Olympus SZ Series Zoom Stereo Microscopes
target: research
   

The SZ Series high cost-performance microscopes are ideal for biological research that demands higher-precision observation, offering high magnification, superb resolution and long working distance. This series employs newly designed Greenough optics, based on MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) analysis, for improved image flatness and contrast. A choice of cost-effective microscope bodies is available including a built-in coaxial vertical illuminator version, as well as various types of accessories such as a trinocular observation tube.

SZ11 - This series offers an extended zoom range to provide total magnification from 18X to 330X with a variety of functions.
SZ60 - This series delivers sharp, high-contrast images and offers an excellent zoom range of 6.3:1 to assure images of high resolution over a wide magnification range.
SZ40 - This series offers a long working distance of 110mm and an extended zoom range to deliver magnification from 0.67X to 4X.
SZ30 - Offering excellent cost performance, this series provides a long working distance and large zoom range of 0.9X to 4X.

 

 



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