Stereoscope vs Microscope with definition

It is common, especially biology and medicine, that professionals have to distinguish and be very clear about the differences between a stereoscope and a microscope. On the other hand, for people who are further away from these disciplines and even for students who are beginning to study in these fields, there is some confusion when it comes to distinguishing between these two devices. Stereoscope vs Microscope with definition

So, if you’ve come this far hoping to find the answers to all your doubts about these two types of microscope.

Stereoscope : Stereoscope vs Microscope with definition

A stereoscope is a type of microscope. Specifically, a microscope with two lenses (binocular), which unlike a normal microscope, offers a three-dimensional vision instead of 2D. This type of microscope is also known as a dissecting microscope or stereoscopic magnification microscope.

This apparatus relies on a relatively low power magnification to view opaque, three-dimensional objects such as flowers, insect specimens, minerals, fossils, coins, or anything else that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Typically, the magnification power of a stereoscope is around 20x and 50x, depending on the model and brand, and the specimens are illuminated from the top. The resulting 3D image is produced by your two objective lenses, plus the eyepieces.

Parts of a stereomicroscope : Stereoscope vs Microscope with definition

Each component of the stereomicroscope has its own function. The parts included in this type of microscope can vary greatly depending on the configuration and the uses it serves.

In contrast, a biological or compound microscope can have a binocular head (two eyepieces) or a monocular head. Unlike the stereoscope, the microscope magnifies the image of the specimen at a much higher power.

A compound microscope is made to look at samples of tiny cells, or very small parts of organs or tissues, placed in a glass sample holder. The specimens must be fine enough that light can pass through them from below.

The magnifications of compound microscopes generally range from 40x to 1000x which can vary depending on the model and brand of the apparatus. The microscope uses an objective lens that, if necessary, can be rotated into place above the specimen to view at different magnifications for a better view of the specimen.

Stereoscope vs Microscope

Main differences:

• The microscope offers a two-dimensional view and the stereoscope three.
• The stereoscope is made up of two lenses. Instead, the microscope can be binocular or monocular.
• The microscope magnifies the image of the specimen much larger than the stereoscope.
• The microscope illuminates the sample from the bottom and the stereoscope from the top.