Parts of a Stereo Microscope

Eyepiece (Ocular Lens)

• The eyepiece magnifies the image.

• It is the part of the microscope that is looked through.

Objective Lens

• The objective lens magnifies the image.

Focus Knob

• The focus knob is used for focussing the image.

Zoom Control

• The zoom control is for adjusting the level of magnification. Not all stereo microscopes have a zoom control.

Stage Plate and Stage Clips

• The stage plate is the platform where the specimen is placed.

• The stage clips hold the specimen in place, if necessary.

Lamp

• Some stereo microscopes contain an inbuilt lamp for shining light onto the object.

• More advanced models also have a second lamp under the stage plate that shines light through translucent objects.

Arm

• The arm is the main support of the microscope. When carrying a microscope, always carry it by the arm.

Parts of a stereo microscope

(Image: Database Center for Life Science, Wikimedia Commons)