Bresser Analyth STR 10-40x Stereo Microscope

The Analyth STR is a stereo microscope at 10x, 20x and 40x, for insects, seeds, minerals, coins, stamps and circuit boards, in a binocular version and a trinocular one with a third tube for a camera. Bresser pitches it at hobbyists, schools and working users in quality control, horticulture and pest control. The low 10x setting shows an object up to 20 mm across in one view, which is why Bresser suggests it for working with children.

Magnification changes by turning the objective between 1x, 2x and 4x, and a pair of 10x wide-field eyepieces gives a 20 mm field of view. Eye spacing adjusts from 50 to 77 mm, each eyepiece has dioptre correction, the eyecups are rubber, and a locking screw keeps the eyepieces in place when it's carried. There's about 50 mm between the lens and the stage and objects can be up to 35 mm tall, so there's room for tweezers.

LEDs above and below the stage switch separately and dim from a membrane panel with a status display, and the top light's angle adjusts. A frosted glass plate and a black and white plastic plate swap on the stage, with clips to hold a specimen. The metal stand runs from the mains adapter in the box or from three AA batteries, sold separately, for the garden or a field trip.

The trinocular version has a 23.2 mm mount on the third tube, which takes a microscope camera directly and an SLR with an adapter; our camera guide explains the options. Both come with a dust cover, and neither shows cells, which need a compound microscope. The Researcher ICD LED below it reaches 80x on a shorter working distance; the Biorit ICD CS above swaps the stand for a boom arm. The other stereo microscopes are listed together.