The AmScope SE306R-PZ-MT digital stereo microscope has interchangeable pairs of 10x18mm and 20x10mm widefield eyepieces, 2x and 4x objectives, upper and lower halogen lighting, two stage plates, and a pillar stand. The 1.3MP camera has a CMOS color sensor, a reduction lens, image capture and editing software, and USB 2.0 output to capture or display still or video images on a computer or projector. The forward-mounted binocular viewing head has an interpupillary range of 55 to 75mm and a 45-degree inclination to ease viewing for young users. The WF10x18mm and WF20x10mm eyepieces combine with the 2x and 4x objectives to provide 20x, 40x, and 80x magnification, and a longer working distance for inspecting large-scale specimens that require handling or repair. The optical glass lenses provide sharp images, and are fully coated to ensure high-resolution images. Dioptric adjustment accommodates individual eye-strength differences, and eye guards ensure comfortable viewing. A digital 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, and is used where image capture, detailed records, or documentation is required.

The 1.3MP digital camera has a CMOS color sensor for displaying still microscopy images and streaming live videos to a computer or projector. The camera has 40x magnification and a built-in 0.5x reduction lens that ensures that the display has a similar field of view as the microscope eyepiece. The camera can be mounted in a C/CS-Mount or any 23mm eye tube. The camera includes image capture and editing software that provides still image and live video capture and editing. Measurement functions including length, area, and angle. The software supports JPEG, BMP, TIFF and RAW, and is compatible with Windows (32- and 64-bit XP, Vista, 7, and 8), and Mac OS X (32-bit). Camera drivers are compatible with Windows (XP, Vista, 7, and 8), Mac OS X, and Linux. The camera has a USB 2.0 data port (cable included).

The microscope has upper (episcopic) illumination that reflects light off the specimen for enhanced visibility of opaque specimens, and lower (diascopic) illumination that transmits light up through the specimen for enhanced visibility of translucent and transparent objects. The 10W halogen light source provides bright light in a concentrated path. The pillar-style stand secures the head for precise focusing, and bilateral coarse focus eases use for left- and right-handed users. The stage has a frosted stage plate for use with lower (transmitted) lighting, and a reversible black and white stage plate that provides contrast with light- and dark-colored specimens when used with upper (reflected) lighting. Stage clips that secure the specimen during viewing. The microscope has a 2-1/8″ (53mm) working distance. All metal construction is durable and stain-resistant.

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 SE306R-PZ-MT stereo microscope with forward head and pillar stand
• WF10x18mm eyepieces, 30.5mm, one pair
• WF20x10mm eyepieces, 30.5mm, one pair
• 2x objective
• 4x objective
• Black/white stage plate, 95mm
• Frosted stage plate, 95mm
• 1.3MP digital camera with built-in reduction lens (MT130)
• USB 2.0 cable
• Software CD
• (2) Eye guards
• (2) Stage clips
• Halogen bulb
• Dust cover
• Power cord
• Instructions