The SE304-P is an ultra-compact stereo microscope designed primarily for students and hobbyists. The microscope is equipped with two pairs of high-quality objective lenses, and can use various eyepieces for multiple levels of magnification. This simplicity and versatility has made it popular among coin collectors and engravers. Younger users will find the instrument easy to use thanks to the modest magnification range, and the stereo optics which provide three-dimensional viewing and upright images. The rear-oriented head places the observation stage farther away from the user for extra room when using certain tools or props. The microscope uses a pillar for height-adjustment, allowing free vertical and rotational adjustment. A single light-source is mounted above the stage to provide the necessary illumination for observing opaque objects.

Two pairs of objective lenses provide 20X and 40X stereo magnification when used with the included 10X eyepieces. This range is intended for common soldering and mechanical repair, and inspecting larger objects. The objective magnification can be changed by simply rotating the nosecone to switch lenses. The viewing head uses 30.5mm ocular tubes to provide an extra-large field-of-view. One ocular tube has an integrated dioptric adjuster for users with astigmatism, or to fine-tune focus when using a camera in place of the eyepiece. The head can be adjusted for any user using rotating binocular adjustment to guarantee proper alignment with the eyes. Various eyepieces are available to expand the magnification range.

Focus can be adjusted by using symmetrical knobs for fine adjustments, or more coarsely by vertically sliding the head along the pillar. The pillar also allows rotation for lateral adjustment, and can accommodate a slightly larger working distance compared to the track-stand model thanks to this free adjustment. Tension in the focus knobs can be adjusted using an included spanner wrench, ensuring comfortable use.

An incandescent lamp is mounted to the focus block, providing built-in illumination. This reflected lighting can be used for opaque and semi-opaque objects. The warm halogen light is easy on the eyes, and produces a full spectrum for accurate color reproduction.

The microscope’s stage uses a simple design with a reversible plate and two stage-clips. The stage-plate has a white side and a black side for selectable contrast when viewing light or dark objects. The stage-clips can be used to hold smaller objects in place by pinning them to the stage or restricting lateral movement.

Monitor and capture photos and videos with the included 1MP digital eyepiece camera. The compact, lightweight camera can be used in place of an eyepiece to watch live images, and to record photos or videos on your computer. This ability to view microscopic images on your computer reduces eye-strain, and allows groups of people to view images at the same time. Our professional software for Windows provides a wide assortment of capture and photo-editing functions including color correction, time-lapse capture, image stitching, and a full complement of measuring tools. A lite version of our software is available for Mac and Linux with essential functionality for capturing photos and videos.