A stereo microscope, often also referred to as a "dissecting microscope" or "binocular loupe," is an optical instrument that provides a three-dimensional, or stereoscopic, view of the observed object. It achieves this spatial perception thanks to its design with two separate optical systems, where each of the observer's eyes views the object from a slightly different angle. The brain then combines these two images to create an impression of depth, similar to normal human vision. Unlike a traditional biological microscope, which produces a flat image and requires very thin and translucent specimens, the stereo microscope is designed for observing larger, opaque objects in incident light, i.e., illuminated from above. It typically operates at lower magnifications and has a large working distance, which is the space between the objective lens and the specimen. This allows for the comfortable manipulation of objects and tools under the microscope, for example, in electronics repair, watchmaking, jewelry, biological dissection, or the examination of rocks and insects.
