
Stereo Microscopes
Stereo Microscopes for 3D Viewing of Larger Samples
Stereo Microscopes are an essential tool for inspection, dissection and documentation across many disciplines from industrial inspection to life science. Unlike upright or inverted microscopes, stereo setups offer three-dimensional view of larger samples at lower magnifications with larger focal distances, ideal for depth perception and hands on manipulation tasks.
At Indigo Scientific, we offer a full range of Zeiss stereo microscope setups to meet a wide range of applications and performance requirements.
Stereo Microscope Models

Live Cell Stereo Setups
Combine an existing or newly purchased stereo microscope with an adjustable H401 Glass Heated Table.
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Precision heated glass table for a variety of brands and models
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Uniform temperature across glass surface
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Compatible with Petri-dishes, IVF dishes and multi-well plates
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Direct sample access for manipulation under a stereo microscope
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Simple temperature control unit via the penny or dual controllers
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Ideal for IVF applications

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What Samples are Best Viewed on a Stereo Microscope?Stereo microscopes allow for a range of samples such as: Insects, plants, rocks and fossils Electrical products and components (circuit boards, capacitors, silicon chips etc) Medical dissection and microsurgery (mice embryos, zebrafish embryos) Quality control and industry inspection
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What Magnifications Should I Expect from a Stereo Microscope?Magnifications are purely model dependent but are often delivered via a zoom wheel. A common range is between 6.5x – 50x but you can expect up to 200x.
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What is a Greenough System?A Greenough based stereo microscope features dual optics in a symmetrical design. This design allows for each objective to have its own optical path leading to the 3D effect. Greenough design stereos allow for high numerical apertures, while a single objective stereo is designed for infinity correction which permits the use of beam splitters, camera ports etc with greater ease. For routine viewing of samples such as dissection and observation the Greenough design offers an economical design. While more advanced applications that require a camera port may benefit from a common objective system.
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What is a Stereo Microscope?A stereo microscope is a dual optical path system designed to provide a 3D image to the user allowing for depth perception of a sample/object. Ideal for visualising larger or opaque samples, for example for inspection and manipulation rather than high resolution imaging (a upright/inverted microscope is ideal for this application).
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What Types of Lighting are Compatible with Stereo Microscopes?Stereo microscopes have two main types of illumination category: Top (reflected) light for solid objects Ring lights Goosenecks Bottom (transmitted) for visualisation of transparent or opaque samples
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Can I Capture Video or Images Through a Stereo Microscope?If your system has a trinocular/camera port an image can be captured. Some Zeiss stereos come integrated with a camera in the head of the microscope for wireless capture, while others allow for multiple models of microscope camera. For help on configuration of a stereo microscope please contact us.
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Do you ship globally?Yes we ship and service OHREM's globally, service contracts are provided to help maintain your machine.
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Can a demo unit be organised at my institution?Indigo is a small company and uses its size to give the best possible product for the best possible price to help researches get the most from their product. To keep costs low we do not have a facility to deliver demo stock to customers. Instead we invite customers to make specimens and send them to us to either be processed by us or one of our existing customer network. Get in contact to see how we can help.
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What is the difference between HREM and OHREMHREM and OHREM are interchangeable however at Indigo we refer to OHREM as the system and HREM as the Technique. OHREM stands for Optical High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy.
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Can the machine be adapted to different techniques?The system is flexible and we can help adapt the system to user requirements, get in contact to see what we can do.
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Who Manufactures OHREM?The Optical HREM System is manufactured and sold by us here at Indigo Scientific.
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How is the OHREM controlled?OHREM is controlled by a custom application designed by us here at Indigo to help deliver the most optimal performance and efficiency.
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What is the maximum size of a specimen?A single shot optic (no scanning) is limited to the optical limit of 30mm for the standard system. However, with changes to the configuration the OHREM can achieve success of samples of 60mm wide. Get in touch to find out more.
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What samples can be used?In theory it is down to the staining but already there has been great success in a variety of different specimens, we can offer interested parties imaging of there samples after following the protocol found in the members area. Get in touch to find out more.
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How does the system (OHREM) work?HREM works by using a custom made microtone and optical setup made by Indigo Scientific to section a sample. The sample is imaged during sectioning giving an image series. Learn more about High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy Here. HREM sections 1-10 microns of a resin based block and images the surface.
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How many samples/blocks can be imaged at once?Revision 1 OHREM systems can only image 1 block per section. OHREM 2 and an adapted OHREM 1 is capable of imaging 2 20 mm blocks or 4 10 mm blocks with the facility to expand this if required. It is worth noting a block can contain more than one sample, for example one block can contain 3 embryonic mouse hearts.
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Are there different configurations/Addons?OHREM comes with many addons and configurations. Selections can include a scanning stage, dual/multi flourescence etc, contact us to get full details.
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How does the system look?The Optical HREM system will vary based on the type of system you want but the main system will consist of a microtome unit and optics. The two major systems are the HREM Ultra and HREM Micro .
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Can HREM be used for imaging hearts at different developmental stages?Yes, HREM is highly effective for imaging hearts at various stages of development, particularly in embryos and pups.
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What makes HREM a good tool for heart imaging in small models?HREM provides high resolution and 3D imaging capabilities, allowing researchers to visualize the complex anatomy of the heart in great detail and measure in 3 dimensions.
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Can HREM be used to image other species and organs?Yes, HREM can be used to image many different sample types and density’s such as zebrafish.
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What are key features to look for in a microscope camera?There are lots of specifications, options and software that would impact your choice of a microscope camera. To keep things simple let’s point out some key features we would advise you look out for Sensor size – In microscopy you want to look out for the sensor size, a larger sensor size (often the biggest seen at 1-1.1 inches) often allows for greater pixels which gives better sensitivity for low light applications. It may provide greater resolution up to 20 megapixels. For most industrial and lab work applications a trade off of sensor size over cost is usually taken, picking a smaller sensor size with a fair pixel size. Pixel size – Pixel size refers to the size of each individual pixel on the sensor, the greater the pixel size the better it is for low light applications. The lower the pixel width and height the generally more noisier the image, with lower dynamic range but can often fit far more pixels on the same sensor. Colour type – Microscope cameras come in two main colour variants (not depth that’s a different thing), colour and monochrome. Monochrome cameras are best for low light applications where you require better depth and sensitivity over being able to see the sample in colour. Most applications(bright field etc) will want a colour camera. Don’t be shocked that monochrome cameras carry a bigger price tag either, they are often designed for fluorescence imaging so have better specifications. Interface – Believe it or not picking a camera with a good interface is important. For example USB 3.0 is a well known supported interface, Ethernet is also good but may be more complicated for plug and play scenarios. Some cameras require external power which increases cables. Ultimately consider a camera that meets these requirements, we would highly recommend a USB camera with no external source required. Software for Image Analysis and Capture – Choosing a camera can also be a choice of software package, make sure you weigh up licenses, functions, future upgradability and compatibility with your favourite packages such as micromanager. That’s a good start for you to get choosing, if you need any specific help contact us.
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How Do Colour Microscope Cameras Work vs Monochrome Microscope Cameras?Traditional colour microscope cameras use a red, green and blue filter (in varying formats) and filters incoming light to given pixels. Each pixel will have one colour component and then interpolation is used to give the final full colour image. Monochrome cameras simply measures the intensity of light, this is across all of the spectrum.
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What are the main specification differences between Colour Microscope Cameras and Monochrome Microscope Cameras?
Contact our Microscopy Experts
Want to know more about Stereo Microscopes, ask for a quote or get questions answered. Contact us and we can help answer all your questions.
Phone:
+44(0) 1462633500
Email:
hello@indigo-scientific.co.uk