National Optical 405TBL-10-2 Binocular Stereo Microscope, WF10x Eyepieces, 20x Magnification, 2x Objectives, Upper and Lower Tungsten Illumination, Fixed Stage, 120V

The National Optical 405TBL-10-2 Binocular Stereo Microscope has a pair of 10x widefield eyepieces, paired 2x achromatic objectives that are parfocal and parcentered, upper and lower tungsten illumination, interchangeable stage plates, and a fixed stage with clips. The binocular head has a pair of eyepieces with interpupillary adjustment and fixed inclination to reduce eye and neck strain. Dioptric adjustment accommodates individual eye-strength differences. 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. Achromatic objectives provide color correction of magnified images. Parcentered and parfocal objectives ensure that the image stays centered and focused when the magnification is changed. 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 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 tungsten (incandescent) light sources provide bright light. Lighting can be configured for upper, lower, or simultaneous upper and lower illumination. The reversible black and white stage plate is used with top-mounted lighting to provide contrast with light- and dark-colored specimens. The frosted glass stage plate provides evenly diffused illumination. The fixed stage has stage clips to secure the slide or specimen in place while viewing. Coaxial focus eases focusing for left- and right-handed viewers. Focus tension control prevents stage drift, and a built-in slip clutch system prevents damage to the focus mechanism. The cast metal frame provides durability and has a gray enamel finish.

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.

National Optical and Scientific Instruments manufactures microscopes and microscope cameras. The company, founded in 1991, is headquartered in Schertz, TX.

What's in the Box?

• National Optical 405TBL-10-2 Binocular Stereo Microscope
• (2) 10x widefield eyepieces
• Reversible black/white stage plate, 80mm
• Frosted glass stage plate, 80mm
• Dust cover