Using two objective lenses and two eyepieces, a stereo microscope—also known as a dissecting microscope—creates a three-dimensional image of the item being studied. In contrast, a compound microscope creates a two-dimensional image of the specimen by using only one objective lens and one eyepiece.

In stereo microscopes, the specimen is illuminated by two distinct optical channels. Every optical route has a unique eyepiece and objective lens. The specimen appears at somewhat different angles to the two objective lenses due to their little offset from each other. The observer integrates the two viewpoints to produce a mental image of the specimen that is three-dimensional.

Stereo microscopes can magnify objects up to 75 times, which is a somewhat limited range. However, because of their large working distance, there is a lot of space between the objective lens and the specimen. They are therefore perfect for analyzing huge specimens or those that are challenging to prepare for compound microscope viewing.

Stereo microscopes are useful in many disciplines, including biology, electronics, geology, and materials science. They are employed in a range of educational contexts as well.