Users might be at a loss as to what the difference of high power microscopes from low power microscopes are. Well, the two differs in quite a number of ways. And their applications are drastically different as well. Low power microscopes are usually stereoscopic microscopes. Meaning, they are capable of producing three-dimensional images of their samples.

Also, low power microscopes are the ones most commonly used by hobbyists and several other simple applications. But these types of microscopes have also found its way in several fields like entomology and botanical studies. It is also the one used for watch repair and circuit board inspection. Hobbyists use them to view coin and stamp errors, look for mint marks and overstrikes, and in observing nature and small insects.

On the other hand, high power microscopes are commonly seen inside healthcare facilities and medical laboratories. This is because high power microscopes are most effective in viewing cell and tissue samples that are relevant to several medical applications. Research and diagnostic doctors, as well as those who specialize in the study of microorganisms, find this microscope essential in their day-to-day jobs.

The big difference between high power microscope and low power microscope, of course, is its magnification level. High power microscopes are usually used with the standard 10x eyepiece. But it can be alternately used with the 15x and the 20x eyepiece as well. However, for a low power microscope, it is just the standard 10x eyepiece.

The objective lenses, which are actually the one that magnifies the sample, are vastly different as well. For a low power microscope, the common objectives that are used are in the values of 1x, 2x, and 4x magnification level. It may also be equipped with zoom objectives that have a magnification power of 0.7x to around 4.5x. There are some low power microscope models that have zoom objectives that can go as high as 6.5x. High power microscopes, on the other hand, have objectives that range from 4x to as high as 100x.

In order to get the total magnification power of a microscope, the power of the eyepiece lens is multiplied to the power of the objective lens. Therefore, the maximum magnification of a low power microscope using the 10x eyepiece with the 4x objective is 40x. Whereas a high power microscope, can go as much as 2000x when the 20x eyepiece and the 100x objective lens are made to work together. More often than not, the 100x objective is an oil immersion objective. This means a special mineral oil has to be applied to the objective lens in order to achieve that much magnification power.

As said earlier, low power microscopes are stereoscopic. The stereoscopic 3D effect is made possible by the two microscopes that pick up light individually. Therefore, they provide an independent light path going to the eyepiece. This provides for a deeper and more realistic image of the specimen being observed. However, this is not possible with a high power microscope. It works by picking up light and divides it equally between the eyepieces. Therefore, no depth perception of the image can be achieved. A 3D image is also not possible with a monocular microscope. A number of high power microscopes are manufactured this way.

Low power microscopes are also known for its longer working distance. This is the reason why it is the type used for watch and circuit board repair. In these applications, users need to manipulate the sample as they try to repair it. Only low power microscope provides for this feature. The maximum working distance of a low power microscope is usually 100mm. High power microscopes, on the other hand, can only provide a working distance of 2mm.

Aside from these, the illumination system of a low power microscope is also different from that of a high power microscope. High power microscope usually lights its sample from the bottom. Light passes through the specimen and into the objective lenses. However, it is a little different for low power microscope. A low power microscope lights its specimen from the upper and lower parts. Therefore, incident and transmitted illumination is realized.

Given these features, it is quite easy to see the difference between a low power microscope and a high power microscope. And these distinct differences are the very reasons that make one work where the other falls short. So when buying microscopes, it is important that you determine its exact use so that you will be able to purchase the right type of device.