Stereo microscopes are designed for work at the macro scale and their unique optical configuration allows for the visualisation of large focal depths, giving an almost 3D appearance to the sample. These microscopes are sometimes called dissecting microscopes, and have two individual light-paths (one for each eye) emanating from a single collection lens. Different lighting techniques can also be employed when using a stereo microscope, these include transmitted light, reflected light, bifurcated light sources and even fluorescence light can be used to illuminate a wide variety of samples. Stereo microscopes have a unique Zoom lens system that allows for anywhere up to 25x magnification from the single objective. Some stereo microscopes are motorised and some are completely manual. Also due to the nature of the wide variety of sample types, different systems may be equipped with either colour or monochrome cameras.

Source: MicroscopyU