The C & A Scientific Premiere SMZ-05 binocular stereo zoom microscope has 10x 30mm widefield eyepieces, 0.7x to 4.5x zoom objective with 7x to 45x total optical magnification, upper and lower halogen lighting, a fixed stage with dual focusing knobs with tension control, and a frosted 95mm glass plate with clips for holding samples 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 objective provides 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 halogen light source provides bright light in a concentrated path and rheostats control the amount of light emanating from the lamps. The frosted glass stage plate allows light to pass through from below. The large fixed stage has stage clips to secure the slide or specimen in place while viewing. Dual knobs are used to bring a sample into focus and then the zoom knobs are used to change the magnification without having to adjust the focus again. A stereo zoom microscope is used for inspection and dissection of specimens when three-dimensional images are desired, and provides zoom, sometimes called pancratic, magnification that allows the user to zoom in on the specimen within a continuous magnification range.

The microscope stand is constructed of metal for durability. The microscope is approximately 20-1/2 x 9 x 11 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 and a replacement bulb.

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 SMZ-05 microscope
• (2) 10x widefield eyepiece
• Stage plate, frosted glass
• Dust cover, vinyl
• Instructions