The C & A Scientific Premiere SMP-24L binocular stereo microscope has 10x widefield eyepieces, a fixed 45-degree angle viewing inclination, 2x and 4x objectives with 20x and 40x total optical magnification, upper and lower LED lighting, a fixed stage with dual focusing knobs on rack-and-pinion mount, a frosted 95mm glass plate with clips for holding samples, and a reversible (black/white) stage plate. The binocular viewing head has a pair of eyepieces, fixed inclination to reduce eye and neck strain, eye shields to block ambient light, and rotation capability to provide a more comprehensive view and enable sharing. The objectives are mounted on a turret to ease magnification changes. The objectives provide low magnification and a longer focal length for inspecting large-scale specimens, or specimens that require hands-on manipulation or repair, including rocks, minerals, watches, or circuit boards. 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 LED light source provides bright, cool light for working with temperature-sensitive or live specimens. There is a three-way switch for light sources. The frosted glass stage plate allows light to pass through from below. The reversible black and white stage plate is used with top-mounted (episcopic) lighting to provide contrast with light- and dark-colored specimens. The fixed stage has stage clips to secure the slide or specimen in place while viewing. Dual knobs on a rack-and-pinion mount provide precise focus. A stereo microscope, sometimes called an inspection or dissection microscope, has a longer working distance that enables users to manipulate the object being inspected, and is used in semiconductor and electronics industries or by mineralogists, dentists, and students when the user needs to handle or perform work under magnification, including circuit boards, rocks and gems, and dental appliances.

The microscope stand is constructed of metal for durability. The microscope is approximately 12 x 4-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches (H x W x D, where H is height, the vertical distance from the lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; and D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back). It comes with a vinyl dust cover.

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.

C & A Scientific manufactures and distributes medical and educational products. The company, founded in 1988, is headquartered in Manassas, VA.

What's in the Box?

• C & A Scientific Premiere SMP-24L microscope
• (2) 10x widefield eyepieces
• 2x objective
• 4x objective
• Stage plate, frosted glass
• Stage plate, reversible black/white
• Dust cover, vinyl
• Instructions