The AmScope SM-3B-FOR professional stereo zoom microscope has a pair of 10x super-widefield high-eyepoint eyepieces, a 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective, and a single-arm boom stand. The microscope has an overall magnification range of 7x-45x. The binocular viewing head has an interpupillary range of 55 to 75mm, a 45-degree inclination to reduce eye and neck strain, and 360-degree rotation to enable sharing. The WH10x20mm super-widefield high-eyepoint eyepieces combine with the 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective to provide continuous zoom magnification and a longer working distance for inspecting large-scale specimens that require handling or repair. High-eyepoint eyepieces ease viewing for users who wear glasses, and dioptric adjustment accommodates individual eye-strength differences. A stereo microscope, sometimes called an inspection or dissection microscope, has low magnification and a long working distance that enables users to manipulate the object being inspected.

The fiber-optic ring light has a 150W/21V cool-light halogen light source for observing temperature-sensitive specimens. The ring light provides shadow-free illumination, and a rheostat controls the amount of light emanating from the lamp. The ring light has a 2-1/8″ (56mm) inner diameter, a 3-1/8″ (80mm) outer diameter, and a 35″ (890mm) metal-sheathed light cable. Power and adjustment controls are located on a control box to speed adjustments. The light source has a forced-air cooling system to prevent overheating, and a built-in filter slot can be used to change the light color (filters sold separately). The top-mounted door eases access to the bulb, and automatically turns off the power supply when opened. The light uses a 110V power supply. The microscope has a 17″ pillar that has an 8″ vertical working distance. The 16″ single-arm boom has a 24″ overall length. Bilateral focus eases use for left- and right-handed users. The microscope head can be rotated on the X- and Y-axes. The solid cast-steel base is 1-3/4 x 9 x 9 inches (H x W x D, where H is height, the vertical distance from the lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back).

Microscopes are instruments used to enhance the resolution of an object or image. Types include compound, stereo, or digital. Compound microscopes use a compound optical system with an objective lens and an eyepiece. Stereo microscopes show object depth in a three-dimensional image. Digital microscopes are used to display an image on a monitor, rather than looking through a lens. Microscopes can have monocular (one), binocular (two), or trinocular (three) eyepieces, with varying magnification abilities. Magnification ability refers to the size of an image. Resolution, also known as resolvant power, refers to the clarity of the image. The interaction between field of view (FOV), numerical aperture (NA), and working distance (WD) determines resolution. Microscopes can control magnification through a fixed focus, or through a range of adjustments. They can also utilize LED, fluorescent, and mirror light sources to help control viewing capabilities. Microscopes are widely used in education, lab research, biology, metallurgy, engineering, chemistry, manufacturing, and in the medical, forensic science, and veterinary industries.

United Scope manufactures microscopy equipment and accessories under the brand name AmScope. The company, founded in 1996, is headquartered in Irvine, CA.

What’s in the Box?

• AmScope SM-3B-FOR stereo zoom microscope with single-arm boom stand
• WH10x20mm eyepieces, 30mm, one pair
• 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective
• Focus rack
• Fiber-optic ring light (HL250-AR)
• Eye guards, one pair
• Instructions