ABSTRACT: Dissecting microscopes are special kind of microscopes that are used when there is a need to manipulate the sample being viewed. The other special features of dissecting microscopes are listed in the article below:

Dissecting microscopes are generally created in order to magnify three-dimensional objects under low magnifications. When using dissecting microscopes, objects that are larger and thicker than what regular compound microscopes can view are accommodated. The two lenses of binocular dissecting microscopes have the capability of magnifying specimens using low power.

A dissecting microscope normally has three objective lenses. While the magnification of the objective lenses could vary according to manufacturer’s specifications, they normally come in 7.5x, 10x, and 20x. The binocular vision of dissecting microscopes are not really a standardized, as there are a lot of monocular dissecting microscopes that are being sold nowadays. Some dissecting microscopes also has stereo zooming capability, which incidentally is the feature that allows users to dive into the sample that they are observing.

A good dissecting microscope is compact and light. This would enable users to bring the dissecting microscope along whenever there is a need to do researches on the field or outside the laboratory. Because dissecting microscopes are mostly used on small insects, transporting the said specimens from the field into the laboratory may cause some unforeseen problems.

The dissecting microscope is best used for studying the body parts and the anatomy of insects. This is because these microscopes allow for user’s total manipulation. A regular microscope has limited working distance. A dissecting microscope, on the other hand provides for a much longer functional work length. And it is this particular feature that allows the necessary room users need so that insects can be dissected easily and conveniently, all the while looking through the eye piece lens.

Dissecting microscopes should also be equipped with a steady base. It should also have good focusing capabilities. These facets would allow users to freely work on their specimen without having to worry about the microscope toppling over. The rack and pinion focusing controls of these microscopes, on the other hand, are capable of fine tuning into the image of the specimen under observation. Dissecting microscopes are created to work perfectly with a 20x eye piece lens.

Another good feature of a dissecting microscope, which makes it the perfect tool for studying animals and plant’s anatomy, would be its lighting system. More often than not, they have sub stage mirrors that can be adjusted accordingly. The main functions of these mirrors would be to use both transmitted and incident lighting in a simultaneous manner. With these two lighting systems working together, the image produced are near perfect.

Dissecting microscopes also allows for a steady, full detailed view of a specimen under observation. A lot of stereo microscopes today can work as a dissecting microscope. But before buying one, always check both the magnification lenses and the working distance. These two are the main elements that makes any microscope a suitable dissecting microscope.

Stereo microscopes has the ability to produce three dimensional images. Three dimensional images can be viewed through the binocular lenses of the dissecting microscope. It is not possible to create 3D images through a monocular microscope. A good beginner’s dissecting microscope with stereo zoom can be bought for about $400. Some functional dissecting microscopes with limited features are sold for as low as $200.

Because these microscopes can be a little costly, it is a must that you use the device with utmost care. Carry the microscope using both of your hands. This would prevent the device from being dropped or from bumping to other structures. Remember that the optics of a dissecting microscope is very sensitive. If and when they do get damaged, it is going to be a costly repair for you.

A dissecting microscope cannot magnify a specimen as much as a compound microscope does. Most models have magnification capabilities of as much as 40x only. When using dissecting microscopes, it is important that you use the right type of light for every application. Also, don’t use more light than you require. Doing so may only degrade the quality of the image produced.

These are the many reasons why you should use dissecting microscopes for scrutinizing small insects. Other microscopes won’t be able to give you as much workability as these special types of microscopes. Don’t settle for anything else. Use dissecting microscopes whenever the need for them arises. Doing so would give you better observation experience than any other.