The AmScope SM-8TZZ-FOR-10M digital professional trinocular stereo zoom microscope has interchangeable pairs of 10x and 20x super-widefield high-eyepoint eyepieces, a 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective, and an articulating-arm clamping boom stand. The microscope has an overall magnification range of 3.5x-180x. The 10MP camera has a CMOS color sensor, a reduction lens, image capture and editing software, and USB 2.0 output to capture or display still or video images on a computer or projector. The trinocular viewing head has an interpupillary range of 55 to 75mm, a 45-degree inclination to reduce eye and neck strain, and 360-degree rotation to enable sharing. The vertical trinocular port can be used as a C-Mount or 23mm photo port. The WH10x20mm and WH20x10mm super-widefield high-eyepoint eyepieces combine with the 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective to provide continuous zoom magnification and a longer working distance for inspecting large-scale specimens that require handling or repair. The microscope comes with 0.5x and 2.0x Barlow lenses that can be added to the objective to increase the magnification range. A Barlow lens with a magnification of less than 1.0 reduces magnification and increases the working distance, while a Barlow lens with a magnification greater than 1.0 increases the magnification and reduces the working distance. High-eyepoint eyepieces ease viewing for users who wear glasses, and dioptric adjustment accommodates individual eye-strength differences. A digital stereo microscope, sometimes called an inspection or dissection microscope, has low magnification and a long working distance that enables users to manipulate the object being inspected, and is used where image capture, detailed records, or documentation is required.

The 10MP digital camera has a CMOS color sensor for displaying still microscopy images and streaming live videos to a computer or projector. The camera has 40x magnification and a 0.5x reduction lens that ensures that the display has a similar field of view as the microscope eyepiece. The camera can be mounted in a C-Mount or any 23mm eye tube. The camera includes image capture and editing software that provides still image and live video capture and editing capability, including measurement functions. The software supports JPG, TIF, GIF, PSD, WMF, and BMP file formats and is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8; Mac OS X; and Linux. Camera drivers are compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 8; Mac OS X; and Linux. The software includes Windows APIs for native C/C++, C#, DirectShow, Twain, and LabVIEW that enable custom application development. The camera has a USB 2.0 data port (cable included).

The fiber-optic ring light has a 150W/21V cool-light halogen light source for observing temperature-sensitive specimens. The ring light provides shadow-free illumination, and a rheostat controls the amount of light emanating from the lamp. The ring light has a 2-1/8" (56mm) inner diameter, a 3-1/8" (80mm) outer diameter, and a 35" (890mm) metal-sheathed light cable. Power and adjustment controls are located on a control box to speed adjustments. The light source has a forced-air cooling system to prevent overheating, and a built-in filter slot can be used to change the light color (filters sold separately). The top-mounted door eases access to the bulb, and automatically turns off the power supply when opened. The light uses a 110V power supply. The pillar-type articulating-arm base has a 40" reach for covering a large work space. The pillar is 24" and the holder ring has a 3" diameter. The stand can be secured with the clamp to the edge of a desk or table.

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.

United Scope manufactures microscopy equipment and accessories under the brand name AmScope. The company, founded in 1996, is headquartered in Irvine, CA.

What's in the Box?

• AmScope SM-8TZZ-144S-10M stereo zoom microscope with articulating-arm clamping boom stand
• WH10x20mm eyepieces, 30mm, one pair
• WH20x10mm eyepieces, 30mm, one pair
• 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective
• 0.5x Barlow lens
• 2.0x Barlow lens
• Fiber-optic ring light (HL250-AR)
• Focus rack
• 10MP digital camera (MU1000)
• 0.5x reduction lens
• USB 2.0 cable
• Software CD
• Eye guards, one pair
• Instructions