Binocular Microscopes

Binocular microscopes have two eyepieces instead of one, and are designed to give the viewer a better image of the specimen. You can't get a stereo view of an image unless you are using binocular microscopes. Many different kinds of microscopes can also be classified either as monocular or binocular microscopes.

For most people, binocular microscopes give a much better specimen image, but there are exceptions. If you have any kind of a sight defect, you may find that a monocular microscope actually works best for you. It's best to try a microscope out first, too, if you wear glasses because some of the eyepieces do not facilitate use by viewers wearing spectacles.

Adjustable Eyepiece Issues

If you want a microscope that's going to be used by several different people, you need to look at binocular microscopes that are easy to adjust. Some eyepieces are just not so quick to respond to finger touch than others, and some are difficult to align for each user. Newer models tend to have improvements in adjustability built into them, so don't neglect this very important user issue.

As with other classifications of microscopes, binocular microscopes can be bought in a variety of configurations according to use. You can get the normal configuration with a specimen platform, a boom mounting, or a pole mounting which can even be floor mounted for maximum maneuverability. The most important issue when buying binocular microscopes is quality of optics. The more highly specialized your work, the higher quality optics you'll be looking for. Some types of binocular microscopes can also be mounted with a camera, or linked to a computer screen.