Rating of the best stereomicroscopes for 2020

A stereoscopic microscope is a great tool for chemists, biologists, geologists, electronics engineers or jewelers. Scientific research, technological operations or repair work, as well as the educational process cannot be imagined without this optical device.

The Russian market is full of optical products offered by the best manufacturers for use in various fields. Each case requires a device with a set of required characteristics. After all, you can buy a high-quality model at a high price, but the functionality of which will be used to a minimum. Our roundup of the best devices will help you choose the right device.

General information and purpose

A stereomicroscope is a high-precision optical device with lenses for multiple magnification of images of small samples or objects with their volumetric perception.

The principle of operation is to combine two microscopes into one housing, which has different optical paths that focus at slightly different angles to a single point, similar to the functioning of human vision. This allows you to create a 3D volumetric image for the analysis of structure and surface details.

Applications

• hobbies and hobbies for studying coins, stamps, precious stones;

• in the education system as a teaching apparatus for practical and laboratory work in biology, chemistry, botany, zoology, entomology, etc .;

• scientific research in chemistry, geology, oceanography, metallurgy and other fields;

• in medicine for daily research, analyzes, fundamental experiments, and also as a dental device;

• in forensic medicine for examinations;

• in the system of life safety and health protection to control the quality of water, food, medicines;

• in industry to control the assembly of electronic components;

• in jewelry production for the analysis and verification of products;

• in agriculture, breweries and wineries for product control;

• as gifts for a child or for a student;

Features:

Signs that distinguish stereomicroscopes from other microscopes:

• volumetric (3D) image that conveys the material under study in the form that it is separately observed by human eyes;
• not inverted image;
• focal lengths extended up to 40 cm, allowing to study large samples;
• slight increase not more than 100x;
• increased depth of field, allowing very accurate determination of the characteristics of a micro-object;
• wide field of view.

Advantages

• operational reliability;
• high resolution;
• crystal clarity without distortion;
• natural color rendering;
• brightness and high contrast;
• the ability to integrate with digital equipment;
• long service life.

General device

A typical design includes a rack where the main elements are attached.

Lenses

Optical system of consecutive lenses. They are made in the form of tubes, where up to 14 lenses are attached to increase the image taken from the surface of the lens in front. As a result, at 2x magnification with the first lens, the next will magnify this projection even more. The process continues until the picture is presented on the last lens.

What are:

• by design quality:
  • achromatic - use within the spectrum from 486 nm to 656 nm with obtaining a bluish-reddish image;
  • apochromatic - obtaining a clear image with accurate color reproduction;
  • flat field (plano lenses) - sharp picture for the entire field of view;
• by parametric characteristics:
  • tube with limited size (160 mm) or to "infinity";
  • magnification up to 10x (small), up to 50x (medium), more than 50x (large) or more than 100x (extra large);
  • apertures up to 0.25 (small), up to 0.65 (medium) or over 0.65 (large);
  • working distance is increased, long or extra long;
  • linear field up to 18 mm (normal), up to 22.5 mm (wide), or more than 22.5 mm (extra wide);
  • standard height (33 or 45 mm) or non-standard;
• by design features:
  • without a springy frame or with a springy frame;
  • without or with a corrective frame;
  • with an internal iris diaphragm;
• by research methods:
  • without or with a cover glass;
  • in reflected or transmitted light, polarizing, phase, luminescent;
  • non-immersion or immersion.

Lens markings:

• magnification value (times, x-krats) - 20x, 50x;
• aperture - 0.55;
• research methods: phase (F), polarization (P), luminescent (L), phase-luminescent (PL), epiolens (EPI);
• correction: apochromatic (APO), planachromatic (PLAN), planapochromatic (PLAN-APO).

Eyepieces

A system that projects the display of an object into the eyes. Consists of a lens group installed closer to the imaging plane and an eye group near the eyes.

They differ in characteristic features:

• no compensation or compensatory action;
• the field is normal or flat;
• wide-angle (eyepiece number greater than 180) or ultra-wide-angle (greater than 225);
• with extended pupils to work with glasses;
• for projection, photography;
• with or without internal guidance.

Lighting

A system of diaphragms, lenses and mirrors for uniform illumination of the object and full filling of the lens aperture.

Includes elements:

• a collector that increases the size of the luminous body;
• a condenser that increases the luminous flux.

Subject table

Mechanical unit of the product with a flat surface for fixing or fixing the object of study.

Types of stage:

• motionless;
• coordinate;
• rotating:
  • not centered;
  • centered.

Classification

The wide scope of application determines the variety of products that differ in characteristic features.

By sight

1. Digital.
2. Analog.

By type of magnification change

1. Constant - for the simplest devices.
2. Step (discrete) - simple switching of the optical mechanism handle.
3. Smooth (zoom, pancratic) - for modern universal products.

By optical scheme

Grenou's scheme

Image formation is carried out along two symmetrical optical paths that diverge at a stereoscopic angle. Each system for viewing objects is equipped with a separate objective and eyepiece, has precise centering, and is also combined into one housing.

The optical unit is equipped with a pair of wrapping mirrors or prisms that correct the image orientation to form a correctly oriented image.

• excellent depth of field and stereoscopicity;
• ease of correction of optical aberrations;
• compactness;
• low cost.

• keystone distortion of the picture.

Abbe's scheme

Image formation is carried out by two independent parallel optical channels located perpendicular to the plane of the studied sample, with a common objective lens of large diameter. The construction provides the projection of the image to infinity for convergence of the optical channels to the focal point of the object plane.

• large aperture;
• high accuracy of research results;
• good correction of optical aberrations;
• improved resolution;
• accurate color reproduction;
• additional accessories and sets for polarization, fluorescence, heated tables.

• significant dimensions;
• lack of visual sensation of a three-dimensional image;
• high price.

Criterias of choice

If necessary, which one is better to buy a stereomicroscope, first of all, you need to work out and answer the following questions:

• why do you need such a device;
• what objects need to be examined, visualized or fixed;
• how long will it take to use the product;
• financial capabilities that determine the types of models - budget or luxury class.

After determining these conditions, you can proceed to clarify the technical characteristics, the values ​​of which are selected individually for the purpose of the research:

• total magnification, the value of which is the sum of the indicators of the regulator, objective and eyepieces;
• zoom block (regulator). Popular models provide 16x (zoom block) in the 20.5: 1 range and also have the necessary elements for accurate measurements;
• depth of field;
• object field, depending on the degree of magnification. Eyepieces with 10x have a visible field value (F.N.) of 23, i.e. with a single increase it will be 23 mm in diameter, and with a threefold increase it will decrease by a third and will be 7.66;
• quality optics with a high degree of aberration correction;
• working distance from sample to lens. With increasing magnification, it decreases;
• ergonomic parameters for comfortable work;
• correct definition of lighting:
  • falling - for all opaque objects;
  • passing - when studying transparent samples;
  • bright field of transmitted light - for studying high-contrast objects;
  • passing oblique - when studying colorless materials;
  • dark field - the use of a special tripod with mechanisms for redirecting light at an oblique angle;
  • contrast for transparent materials - to display refractive index changes using brightness.

Choosing the right product for a specific application is the main factor in achieving the desired result. Due to the constant workload of stereomicroscopes in any institution or laboratory, purchasing officials must be confident that they are easily adaptable to any user.

It is important to know what to look for in order to avoid mistakes when choosing.

Where can I buy

It is necessary to buy the best inexpensive stereoscopic microscopes in specialized stores selling equipment for the educational process, scientific and medical research, as well as in sales offices of well-known manufacturers of optical equipment.

Today, the opportunity is used to order online in an online store that supplies stereomicroscopes. In addition, on the pages of the largest electronic marketplaces Yandex.Market or Ozon.ru, you can find out the necessary information on the product - how much the required product costs, study the description, compare the characteristics, find a store and complete an order for the product.

In recent years, stereomicroscopes have been actively ordered from Ali Express.Numerous positive reviews and recommendations, according to buyers, demonstrate the high quality of the services provided and determine the popularity of the models.

Rating of the best stereomicroscopes

The review presents the best devices on the Russian market, differing in their optical channel design. The positions were largely determined by the opinions of consumers using the indicated technique to solve their problems, and not only by the popularity and characteristics of the models.

The best stereomicroscopes with Greenough's scheme

Micromed MS-2-ZOOM version 2CR

Brand - Micromed (Russia)
Country of origin - China.

The rating of high-quality products opens the products of the Russian brand of Chinese production for the study of film (transparent) and bulk samples. It is used when performing delicate technological operations, preparation, and study of minerals.

Research is carried out in natural or artificial light. For this, there are built-in illuminators for reflected and transmitted light with brightness control.

Equipped with a visual attachment with the function of displaying images online on a computer using a video eyepiece (additional option).

The warranty period is up to 1 year. Offered at a price of 29,890 - 34,030 rubles.

• smooth change of magnification in the process of work with the preservation of quality thanks to the pankratic lens;
• convenient image output to a computer through a video eyepiece;
• large depth of field with good contrast throughout the field;
• color accuracy and excellent detail;
• stereopair with smooth and precise focusing;
• modular layout with the ability to choose a configuration at the user's request;
• expansion of the scope of use due to a large set of additional accessories;
• simple control even for a child;
• good value for money.

• additional accessories are not included in the basic delivery.

Altami CM0655

Brand - Altami (Russia)
Country of origin - Russia

Domestically produced model for repair work during soldering or inspection of printed circuit boards, in the restoration process, jewelry or research centers.

It is produced in binocular or trinocular versions; additional equipment with a digital camera is possible to obtain digital images with their saving on a computer.

1 year warranty. It is offered at a price of 42,900 - 45,000 rubles.

• long working distance;
• wide range of magnification;
• high depth of field;
• performance in binocular or trinocular version;
• good resolution;
• a large set of additional accessories;
• compactness.

• there is no field curvature correction;
• additional accessories are not included in the basic package.

Bresser Advance ICD 10x – 160x

Brand - Bresser (Germany)
Country of origin - Germany.

A universal model for professional use, combining German quality optics, reliable mechanical part, functionality and convenience. A wide range of magnifications allows you to apply in various fields, working with objects directly on the stage.

Good for jewelry repairs, electronic devices, and for examining rock or mineral samples.

10 year warranty. You can buy at a price of 68,950 - 72,360 rubles.

• wide area of ​​use;
• high-quality optics with multilayer coating;
• good image brightness and contrast;
• accurate color reproduction;
• comfortable eyecups with side illumination prevention;
• smooth focusing without backlash;
• the possibility of installing a digital camera on a trinocular attachment for photographing an image or demonstrating it on a screen for a large audience;
• massive metal base with built-in two illuminators, switched on together or separately;
• metal body for reliability and long service life.

• weak backlight.

Microscope video review:

Stemi 508

Brand - Zeiss (Germany)
Country of origin - Germany.

Popular professional model of German production for solving research or industrial problems. Displayed objects are presented as they really are.

The stable tripod makes it easy to move the device to a new location. The extension arm allows you to examine large samples, control the quality of textile, glass and metal products. The modular design is easy to combine to expand functionality.

The resulting image is very contrasty. The 8: 1 zoom provides a 3.5cm field of view on the subject at 50x.

The average price is 395,000 rubles.

• excellent sharpness;
• high resolution;
• a large set of tripods and lighting devices;
• the ability to connect digital equipment for photo and video recording of images and broadcast to a computer;
• polarizing filter;
• high precision mechanics with a long service life.

• high price.

Olympus SZ61

Brand - Olympus (Japan)
Country of origin - Japan.

A versatile instrument with high quality lenses, suitable for microscopic studies in medicine, biology or metal science. Can be used to solve problems that require registration of the resulting images.

The large working distance allows for various manipulations with large samples. It is possible to use a variety of transmitted and reflected lighting devices, as well as ring LEDs. The built-in micrometer allows you to measure the distances between the elements of the studied materials.

1 year warranty period. Sold at a price of 178,500 - 210,000 rubles.

• large selection of lenses;
• smooth change in magnification;
• flat field with excellent depth of field;
• accurate color rendering;
• high contrast;
• availability of a port for connecting digital photo and video equipment;
• ESD protection system.

• high price.

comparison table

Parameters	Micromed MS-2-ZOOM version 2CR	Altami CM0655	Bresser Advance ICD 10x – 160x	Stemi 508	Olympus SZ61
Magnification, times	10x - 40x	6x - 55x	10x - 160x	6.3x - 50x	6.7x - 45x
Eyepieces, fold / field	10x / 23; 5x / 20; 15x / 15; 20x / 10	10x / 23; 15x / 17; 20x / 14; 30x / 9	10x / 22; 10x / 11; 20x / 11; 20x / 5.5	10x / 23; 16x / 16; 25x / 10	10x / 22; 20x / 12.5; 15x / 16; 30x / 7
Lenses	1 - 4	0.37x; 0.5x; 0.7x; 1.5x; 2	2x	0.3x; 0.4x; 0.63x; 1.5x; 2x	0.5x; 0.75x; 1.25x; 1.5x; 2x
Working distance, mm	85	108	80	92	110
Visual nozzle	trinocular	binocular or trinokuyar	trioncular	binocular	binocular
Tilt angle	45	45	45	35	45; 60
Interpupillary distance	55 - 75	52 – 75	55 – 75	55 – 75	52 – 76
Dimensions, mm	240 x 310 x 350	161 x 189 x 248	330 x 148 x 502	370 x 212 x 380	194 x 253 x 324
Weight, kg	5	3.4	4.7	13	3.5

The best stereomicroscopes with Abbe's scheme

MSP-2 option 5

Brand - LOMO (Russia).
Country of origin - Russia.

An optical device of Russian production for studying small objects and performing delicate work, such as preparation, mineral research, and technological operations.

Equipped with a zoom-click system with a zoom ratio of 10: 1. When using a 2x plan-achromatic objective and 30x eyepieces, a maximum magnification of 480x and excellent detail are achieved. The design uses a fine focusing system, LED illuminator of transmitted light, and LED ring illuminator of reflected light.

It is offered at a price of 190,000 rubles.

• excellent picture quality at high magnification;
• high resolution up to tens of microns;
• the use of plan-achromatic objectives;
• the presence of a photo-video output on the binocular attachment.

• not identified.

Levenhuk 850B

Brand - Levenhuk (USA).
Country of origin - China.

Binocular model for the study of small objects from China under the American trademark. Used in medical institutions for laboratory research.

An interchangeable magnification revolving mechanism easily sets four lenses into working position.The aperture and field diaphragms are controlled by the classical type of illumination (according to Kepler).

Focusing is carried out with fine and coarse adjustment screws. Precise aiming of the product is carried out by moving the stage in the vertical plane using the focusing levers. In addition, the table can be moved horizontally.

The warranty covers the entire service life of the product. Sold at prices from 55,000 rubles.

• high magnification up to 2000x;
• excellent optics;
• practically no aberration;
• rotary binocular nozzle;
• moving the stage in two planes;
• built-in halogen lighting;
• the ability to connect a digital camera;
• excellent value for money;
• full metal body.

• small eye relief, which creates inconvenience when working with glasses;
• The halogen lamp will heat up the base of the product.

Video review of this microscope:

Olympus SZX7

Brand - Olympus (Japan)
Country of origin - Japan.

A universal Japanese-made optical device for research and work with microscopic objects to obtain a volumetric image.

The modular design allows you to select the optimal configuration for different tasks. Connecting digital video-photo equipment provides registration of the results of the samples under study. To do this, you can change the binocular attachment to the trinocular one.

The large working distance allows you to freely manipulate the sample in front of the objective using a variety of tools.

The warranty period is 1 year. You can buy at a price of 343,400 rubles.

• wide range of magnifications;
• convenient zoom control;
• modularity of construction;
• the ability to replace eyepieces;
• long working distance.

• high price.

Primo star

Brand - Zeiss (Germany).
Country of origin - Germany.

An entry-level universal binocular device of German production for laboratory research. Fixed configuration options provide research using basic microscopy methods.

 

Product warranty 3 years. Cost - from 265 thousand rubles.

• high-quality lenses with intelligent adjustment with infinity correction;
• convenient adjustment of eyepieces;
• with a binocular attachment of the Siedentopf type;
• the possibility of equipping with a digital camera;
• good illumination according to Keller with a 30 W halogen lamp with adjustable brightness;
• ease of use;
• long service life;
• modular design;
• excellent value for money.

• high price.

How to install this microscope - in the video:

Nikon Eclipse Е100

Brand - Nikon (Japan).
Country of origin - Japan.

A type of optical device equipped with high quality Japanese Nikon optics, for long-term scientific research, in the educational process, or as a child's gift. The ergonomic product is comfortable to operate even with one hand. The eyepieces have a wide field of view and independent settings. For this model, the designers have developed special plan-achromatic objectives.

The stage is equipped with LED lighting to achieve better contrast of the observed samples. Provides high sharpness of the image in a wide range up to 1500 times.

The service life of the product is increased due to the use of a special antifungal coating in the most vulnerable places to protect mechanisms from dangerous bacteria and fungi.

It is offered at a price of 70,000 rubles.

• high intensity LED lighting;
• special lenses for performing flat images;
• antifungal protection;
• ergonomic design;
• compactness;
• ease of use;
• equipping with trinocular and binocular tubes;
• easy replacement of the halogen lamp;
• ease of transportation;
• low average price.

• not detected.

Video review:

comparison table

Parameters	MSP-2 option 5	Levenhuk 850B	Olympus SZX7	Primo star	Nikon Eclipse Е100
Magnification, times	8x - 80x	40x - 2000x	4x - 112x	4x - 100x	40x - 1500x
Eyepieces, fold / field	10x / 24; 20x / 10	10x; 20x	10x / 22; 20x / 12.5; 15x / 16; 30x / 7	10x / 18; 10x / 20	10x / 18; 15x / 12
Objectives, times	0.8x - 8x	4x; 10x; 40x; 100x (oil)	0.5x; 0.75x; 1x; 1.25x; 1.5x; 2x	4x; 10x; 20x; 40x; 100x	4x; 10x; 20x; 40x; 60x; 100x
Working distance, mm	78	24,95	110	12 - 0,21	60
Visual nozzle	trinocular	binocular or trinocular	binocular or trinocular	binocular or trinocular	binocular or trinocular
Tilt angle, degrees	45	30	30 or 45	30	30
Interpupillary distance, mm	50 - 75	55-75	50-76	48-75	47-75
Dimensions, mm	240 x 301 x 530	260 x 410 x 320	194 x 253 x 375	186 x 289 x 398	235 x 237 x 378
Weight, kg	6	6	4.5	9.6	6.5

Conclusion

Stereomicroscopes are widely used, which predetermines the variety of manufactured models. Moreover, they often differ in optical schemes and design, which makes no sense to compare with each other. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

When choosing a suitable product, you need to look at how much the functionality of the device suits your tasks. Otherwise, you can become the owner of an unnecessary novelty at a very high price. In case of problems - how to choose or which company is better, contact the professionals and listen to the advice of knowledgeable people.

Happy shopping and good luck!