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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.
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Motic
Stereo Microscopes K-Series and SMZ-168
target:
advanced |
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| 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 |
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Meiji
Techno EMZ 5 TR Stereo Microscope
target:
advanced |
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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) |
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Nikon
SMZ 800/1000 Stereo Microscopes
target:
advanced |
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| 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 |
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Zeiss
Stemi DV4 Stereomicroscope
target:
student |
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| 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. |
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Leica
MS5 and MZ6 Stereomicroscopes
target:
advanced
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| 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
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Wild
M5 & Wild Leitz M5A Stereomicroscope
target:
research
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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 |
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Olympus
SZ Series Zoom Stereo Microscopes
target:
research
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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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