Microscopes and stereoscopes have separate uses.
The examination of small organisms and cells are made possible with the microscope. It helps many professionals and students learn about the things that are too small for them to see. Although stereoscopes are similar in theory to microscopes, they have a completely different purpose than microscopes.
Physical Differences
The main difference between a microscope and stereoscope is the presence of an additional eyepiece on the stereoscope. Microscopes are a little more difficult to look through since they only have one eyepiece. Stereoscopes have two eyepieces, with lighting placed above the specimen. Microscopes are lit from underneath and can usually be adjusted with a diaphragm to allow more or less natural light. The stage on a stereoscope also allows for larger objects to be examined over a microscope whose lenses are relatively close to the stage.
Technical Differences
The stereoscope's dual eyepiece enables a 3-D image to be clearly portrayed with an accurate sense of depth. A microscope does not have this ability. Instead, a microscope will typically be capable of magnifying an image anywhere from 40 to 1,000 times the original size. A stereoscope's magnification abilities usually top out at around 20 times. However, the depth perception remains in tact and allows 3-D objects to be magnified while preserving their physical properties to the naked eye.
Uses
Use a microscope if you're examining small objects that are nearly invisible to the naked eye. The viewing of things such as small cells, small sections of organs and tissues that can be placed on a glass slide are ideal for a microscope. The specimens used on a microscope can usually have light pass through them. A stereoscope on the other hand is for larger items, where it's critical to examine a 3-D object at high magnification.
Advantages
A stereoscope provides you with more options. However, it may not be sufficient enough to examine individual cells. The stereoscope allows you to fit large objects underneath the scope. A microscope doesn't allow for that kind of latitude. Therefore, if you do not have the need to examine small cells, then a stereoscope is a more suitable choice and may feel more comfortable to use over a microscope.
Tags: over microscope, small cells