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Stereo microscope/dissecting scope recommendations

  • 02 Jul 2023 3:17 PM
    Message # 13222838

    I am interested in acquiring a new or used stereo microscope/dissecting scope. It will be used primarily for stream-bed particle analyses (I’m a geomorphologist), but have a budding interest in lichens and mosses.  I would appreciate a recommendation or two as a starting point.  Thank you for any considered direction.

  • 04 Jul 2023 9:10 AM
    Reply # 13223417 on 13222838

    As with light microscopes there are new, questionable quality, cheap options and old, similarly priced options which are more reliable and often better. I'd recommend getting an old used scope from one of the "known brands"; they're easier to get serviced and parts more readily found online if something breaks.


    I like my Bausch and Lomb StereoZoom 7, but I've seen recommendations for Nikon SMZ-2T and Olympus SZH10.


    Those scopes have options for photo ports, but they're kinda hard to find and expensive. If you're going to be taking measurements often that might be something to consider, a digital camera hooked up to a computer is a nice workflow for this. Otherwise an ocular with reticles works great, it's just a bit slower.

  • 08 Jul 2023 7:42 AM
    Reply # 13225265 on 13222838

    Thank you, Justin.  Just the kind of direction I was hoping for.  I’ll let you know how my search unfolds.  Kris

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