4 Most Popular Types of Microscopes (With Picture) for Adults Child

There are several different types of microscopes, and I'll give an overall idea of the four most popular microscopes (Compound, Stereo, Digital and the Pocket or handheld microscopes) in a nutshell in this blog. This may help you to understand microscope easily.
Some types are best suited for biological applications, where others are best for personal hobby use or work.

 I. Compound Light Microscope
Compound light microscopes are one of the most familiar of the different types of microscopes as they are most often found in biology and science classrooms.
It is popular for studying plant, human/animal cells, as well as to view bacteria in biology. For this reason, simple models are readily available and are inexpensive.

Typically, the eyepiece itself allows for 10X or 15X magnification and when combined with the three or four objective lenses, producing higher magnification to a maximum of around 1000X generally.
As well, several microscopy imaging techniques benefit scientists and researchers using the compound microscope and are worth exploring.

Click here to read about the compound light microscope in greater detail

II. Stereo Microscope
The Stereo microscope, has two optical paths at slightly different angles allowing the image to be viewed three-dimensionally under the lenses.

This type of microscope include looking at surfaces, microsurgery, and watch making, building and inspecting circuit boards. Stereo microscopes also allow students to observe plant photosynthesis in action.
Stereo microscopes magnify at low power, typically between 10X and 200X, generally below 100x.

With this type of microscope you generally have the choice of purchasing the fixed or zoom variety from a manufacturer and are relatively inexpensive.
A stereo microscope allows you to see the surface of specimens with a 3-dimensional view. Under a stereo microscope, you can see the metallic texture and colors of the mosquito’s compound eyes.

Right Image credit: Dr. Gareth Paul Jones, 2013 Photomicrography Competition, Technique: Stereomicroscopy, Fiber Optic Illumination. Magnification: 70x.

Click here to read more about the stereo microscope.

III. Digital Microscope

The digital microscope, invented in Japan in 1986, uses the power of the computer to view objects not visible to the naked eye. The digital microscope connects to a computer monitor via a USB cable, much like connecting a printer or mouse.


The microscope allows the monitor to display the magnified specimen. Moving images can be recorded or single images captured in the computer’s memory.

An advantage of digital microscopes is the ability to email images, as well as comfortably watch moving images for long periods.The popularity of the digital microscope has increased at schools and among hobbyists.

Click here to read about the digital microscope in more detail.

More: Amazing Digital Microscope with Cheap 4K Camera For Inspection PCB

IV. Pocket Microscope

This is a device which is a great gift for a child or your student. It is used by scientists for hand-held imaging of a variety of specimens/objects in the field or in the laboratory.

It is small, durable and portable with a magnification ranging from 25x to 240x. There are many different models available.
In examining the different types of microscopes available on the market, the pocket microscope may be tiny but its abilities are impressive.

To read more about the different pocket microscopes available click here.

See Also:
Best Stereo VS Digital Microscopes Reviews (2021)
Best Microscope for Electronic Repair – FAQ