<P> The stereo or stereoscopic or dissecting microscope is an optical microscope variant designed for low magnification observation of a sample, typically using light reflected from the surface of an object rather than transmitted through it . The instrument uses two separate optical paths with two objectives and eyepieces to provide slightly different viewing angles to the left and right eyes . This arrangement produces a three - dimensional visualization of the sample being examined . Stereomicroscopy overlaps macrophotography for recording and examining solid samples with complex surface topography, where a three - dimensional view is needed for analyzing the detail . </P> <P> The stereo microscope is often used to study the surfaces of solid specimens or to carry out close work such as dissection, microsurgery, watch - making, circuit board manufacture or inspection, and fracture surfaces as in fractography and forensic engineering . They are thus widely used in manufacturing industry for manufacture, inspection and quality control . Stereo microscopes are essential tools in entomology . </P> <P> The stereo microscope should not be confused with a compound microscope equipped with double eyepieces and a binoviewer . In such a microscope, both eyes see the same image, with the two eyepieces serving to provide greater viewing comfort . However, the image in such a microscope is no different from that obtained with a single monocular eyepiece . </P>

When would you use a dissecting microscope over a compound microscope