Stereo Zoom Microscope


Boom Stands, Ergonomics & Digital Options


The stereo zoom microscope is an instrument that has become a valuable tool for many manufacturing facilities.

Zoom microscopes, available with ergonomic eyepieces, allow for hours of repetitive inspection to be less uncomfortable.

In addition, digital models can send images to other locations, electronic storage and to printers for hard copy study. 




Boom Adjustable Frames


Imagine a telephoto camera lens that can zoom in without refocusing and you have an idea of what the stereo zoom microscope does.

These types of microscopes are mounted on a boom, an adjustable frame, that allows the device to increase or decrease magnification without refocusing the image.

The ability to look closer at a circuit board during inspection, up close details of an engraving or at an inclusion in a gemstone before putting it in a setting, are just a few of the applications for which these types of instruments are used.

The taller the frame the larger the magnification and this allows some of these microscopes to reach magnifications of up to 270 times.

Swing booms that allow the unit to pivot outwards from the base allow detailed study of objects too large to fit on the platform increasing the instruments flexibility and use.


Ergonomic Designs

Sitting for hours peering into a standard stereo microscope can be uncomfortable and many zoom stereo microscopes, now ergonomically designed, provide a comfortable viewing position.

Arched stands and comfortable view ports, many of them without eye lenses, position these instruments in a way that allows user to view samples without discomfort whether standing or sitting.

Many of these ergonomically designed microscopes have user-friendly controls that allow better-coordinated movements, reducing operator error.

The ability to be comfortable while using a microscope increases productivity, sample and data collection and reduces user fatigue.



Digital Options

The ability to save images using electronic formats is an important part of research, both scientific and manufacturing applications.

Stereo zoom microscopes can be adapted from non-digital to digital easily using a number of add on components like a digital microscope camera.

Many zoom microscope providers offer digital capabilities for most of their zoom instruments.

Sending images collected from these units to remote locations, into electronic storage for future study and printed as needed provides an additional benefit to the image magnification and clarity achieved with zoom microscopes.


Multiple Turrets

While many stereo zoom microscopes have interchangeable lower lenses, a few zoom instruments have built in multiple turret base optics.


  • The Mantis Elite Inspection Magnifier from visioneng.com features true color LED illumination with a 2x to 20x multiple turret with frame and bench options plus the unit can be digitally integrated into new or existing systems.
  • The AmScope 3.5X-90X Boom Stand Binocular Zoom Stereo Microscope on Boom + 80 LED Light available from Amazon.com provides multi-axis rotation providing 3.5 to 90x magnifications between the eyepiece and bottom turret lens that allows inspection and study of specimens in hard to see areas.


Pros and Cons

Having the ability to zoom in on a specimen is a great advantage especially in the manufacturing industry, but there are other pros as well

  • These instruments reduce the time necessary to refocus, and allow viewing of more specimens and continuous observation of a sample.
  • Digital capabilities allow researchers, students and industrial facilities to share images in real time as well as stored for later study and the increased viewing area does not sacrifice image quality are more benefits of the zoom microscope.

The boom stands and stable surfaces required for some of these microscopes can be a drawback, and only a few are truly portable limiting the zoom microscope’s ability to be used in the field.

Time saving, comfortable to use and larger specimen study are just a few of the advantages a stereo zoom microscope offers.

Correcting a manufacturing flaw, setting gemstones, constructing miniature objects and observing things that are too large for viewing using a standard microscope is why these instruments are in such high demand. 


Information about how to go digital with a stereo microscope. 

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