Advanced STEM Guide
If you're aged 15-25 or know someone who is, our Advanced STEM Guide is a great way to familiarise yourself with a Microscope! Whether you have a Biological/Compound Microscope or a Stereo Microscope, there's something in here for you.
Before reading our Advanced STEM Guide, it's a good idea to read our Microscopes Guide first if you're completely new to Microscopes.
Recommended Microscopes for Advanced STEM
Microscopes fall into two broad categories - Compound and Stereo Microscopes. Compound (or Biological Microscopes) are high-power scopes used to examine microscopic samples on a slide. Stereo Microscopes offer great depth-of-field to observe larger, three-dimensional objects such as insects or gemstones. Here are our recommendations for Advanced STEM from both categories.
Biological Microscopes / Compound Microscopes for Advanced STEM
Saxon Prodigy MK II 40-1600x Biological Microscope The Prodigy is an mid-range Biological / Compound Microscope with an impressive magnification of up to 1600x to observe microscopic cells. It can be powered via AC Power or Rechargeable Batteries, making it great for both in the lab and in the field. It also has an Abbe Condenser, which allows you to control the amount of light that reaches the specimen. |
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Saxon RBT Researcher Compact 40x-1600x Biological Microscope The RBT Compact is a high end Biological Microscope. With a magnification range between 40x and 1600x, the option of being powered via AC Power or Battery and an Abbe Condenser, it's very similar to the Prodigy. But the RBT Compact also has a trinocular head, allowing you to observe with both your eyes or insert a separate Digital Microscope Imager / Camera to capture detailed images. |
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Saxon RBT Researcher Biological Microscope with Trinocular Head 40x-1600x The Saxon RBT is a laboratory-ready Biological Microscope. It has much the same features as the RBT Compact, but as a full-sized microscope, it can only be powered by an AC Adapter. However, in addition to an Abbe Condenser, the RBT also has an Iris Diaphragm to more accurately control the amount of light that passes through the condenser. The RBT also features better glass for more accurate observations. |
Stereo Microscopes for Advanced STEM
Saxon PSB X2-4 Deluxe Stereo Microscope 20x-40x The Saxon PSB is a mid-range Stereo Microscope. With a selectable magnification of either 20x or 40x, LED top and bottom lighting and a black/white contrast plate the PSB allows you to observe most three-dimensional objects in detail. You can also replace the eyepiece with a Digital Microscope Imager to easily take photos of any specimens you observe. |
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Saxon RST Researcher Stereo Microscope 10x-40x The Saxon RST Researcher is a laboratory-grade Stereo Microscope. It's a Stereo Zoom Microscope, meaning you can select any magnification between 10x and 40x. In addition to most of the features found in the PSB, the RST also has great glass quality and a 360-degree rotating head for optimal working distance. |
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Saxon Biosecurity Inspection Microscope 7x-45x The Biosecurity Inspection Microscope is a Boom Stand Stereo Zoom Microscope. Its design is a little different from the rest, as it results in much greater working room. This can come in extremely beneficial if you plan to observe larger samples, such as computer boards. The head of the Biosecurity is very similar to the Saxon RST, with a 45-degree incline, individually-focusing eyepieces and Stereo Zoom. |