A stereo microscope or dissecting microscope is an optical microscope with a fixed or adjustable zoom objective and is designed for observation of samples at relative low magnifications from 2.5 to 90 times (max. 300 times).

This microscopes consists out of two separated optical systems providing a image for each eye. The human brain combines these two images to one single image with some depth of focus

The stereo microscope is oftenly used to study the surfaces of solid specimens or to carry out close work such as sorting, dissection, watch-making, small circuit board manufacture or inspection etc..