Diopter adjustment ring that allows for the possible inconsistencies of our eyesight in one or both eyes. Binocular microscopes also swivel (Interpupillary Adjustment) to allow for different distances between the eyes of different individuals.

Microscope head functiondiagram

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Working Stage is where the specimen to be viewed is placed. Pole and track stands have simple stages since lower magnification powers require less subtle movements than high power microscopes.

Objective lensmicroscope function

Stereo microscopes are increasingly modular. This means that the same head can be used in conjunction with different focus blocks and stands. For example, Microscope.com offers a range of pole stands, track stands and boom stands.

Basemicroscope function

Eyepieces or Oculars are what you look through at the top of the microscope. Typically, standard eyepieces have a magnifying power of 10x. Optional eyepieces of varying powers are available, typically from 5x-30x.

As in a compound microscope, there are two optical systems in a compound microscope: Eyepiece Lenses and Objective Lenses.

Do not adjust the focus with the focusing knob.  Adjust the focus for each eye separately using the eyepiece Dioptric adjustment rings.  Your microscope is now "parfocal". This means that as the microscope is zoomed from high to low magnification the image will stay in focus throughout the entire range. Each individual will have a different setting.

Microscopeparts and functions

A low power or stereo microscope typically employs objective lenses of 50x or less. It is used to view specimens that are visible to the naked eye such as insects, crystals, circuit boards and coins.

Microscopeparts and functions pdf

Adjust the microscope down to the lowest magnification using the Magnification adjustment knob. The image could be slightly out of focus.

Microscope head functionpdf

Use the Magnification adjustment knob to set the highest magnification. Bring the image into focus with the focusing knob.  Center the image on some clear point of detail on the specimen.

Adjust the eyepieces for the correct interpupillary distance to suit you. Do this by moving the eyepieces closer together or farther apart until a single field of view is observed (B). Now, set the Dioptric adjustment rings on both eyepieces to the zero position (A).

Transmitted Illumination Since most specimens examined on a stereo microscope are opaque, a top light (Transmitted Illumination) is used to shed light on the specimen. Some stereo microscopes also include a bottom light (Incident Illumination).

Turn on The Transmitted/Oblique illuminator. Place a small solid specimen onto the stage such as a card, coin or any other flat, detailed object.

Objective Lenses are the primary optical lenses on a microscope. In a low power microscope, they provide fixed magnification or zoom magnification. Zoom magnification is typically offered in a Greenough design or with a Common Main Objective.