A binocular microscope uses two eyepieces and is popular due to its benefits and comparable cost to a single eyepiece microscope. It is commonly used in student, benchtop, and research microscopes. Stereo microscopes produce 3D images while compound microscopes focus on resolution. Prices range from $1,000 to $4,000 for student and benchtop microscopes, while research microscopes are the most advanced and can weigh up to 130 pounds.
A binocular microscope is simply a microscope that uses two eyepieces instead of the traditional one used in many other types of microscopes. This binocular view offers a number of benefits and costs are comparable to a single eyepiece instrument. The popularity of the binocular microscope has grown over the years and currently accounts for the vast majority of units sold.
The term binocular comes from two different words, with bi meaning two and ocular meaning relating to vision. Together, these two words apply very well to a microscope with two eyepieces. Due to the fact that the technology between a monocular microscope and a binocular microscope is nearly identical, the only cost difference between the two is simply the cost of the additional materials.
While some argue that the binocular microscope gives a better sense of depth perception, that may not be the case. Rather, some types of microscopes may have a focus on rendering a three-dimensional image or focus on increasing resolution. This is the difference between a stereo microscope, which produces 3D images, and a compound microscope. However, while a compound microscope has the option to come with only one eyepiece, a stereo microscope must be binocular.
There are three main types of microscopes: the student, the bench, and the research microscope. Each of these can be, and probably will be, a binocular microscope. The cheapest of these is the student microscope, so named because it is most commonly seen in the classroom. Price is the main reason for this. However, the microscope can also perform most of the functions a student will need, making more expensive microscopes superfluous in most cases.
While prices for a student microscope start at around $1,000 US Dollars (USD) and go up to around $2,000 USD, benchtop microscopes are even more expensive. The cheapest can be found for around $4,000 USD. For those interested in a benchtop binocular microscope, there is one important thing to keep in mind. Unless you are an advanced molecular scientist or studying to be one, most of the features of a benchtop system will not be utilized.
A binocular microscope can also be a research microscope. This type of microscope is the most advanced that most people will ever see, much less use. These microscopes can weigh around 130 pounds (60 kg) and can be quite large. The weight is supported by the complex array of lenses and other ocular devices, as well as the electronics included within the microscope.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
