
While there are two eyepieces, you’re getting the exact same image – reflected off mirrors – being delivered to both eyes when using a binocular compound microscope. They provide two eyepieces so you can look into the microscope with both eyes at once. Binocular Headīinocular head microscopes are the most common type of compound light microscope. To avoid eye strain, try to keep both eyes open (contrary to what my site’s little logo scientist is doing!). I also personally find monocular microscopes to cause more strain on my eyes than binocular models. This is a factor of market demand: most people who use microscopes regularly prefer binocular microscopes. Once you reach the intermediate range of $150 or above, nearly all compound microscopes come with binocular heads. You will have trouble finding a high quality monocular compound light microscope. But it’s also simply the case that to get a microscope into the cheaper sub- $100 category, cutbacks are required – and one of the easiest cut backs is to cut down to one ocular tube. This is, in part, because there are less parts on them. They’re also generally more affordable than other types of compound microscope. Many children find monocular microscopes easier to use than binocular ones, because there is less dexterity required. The size difference between a compact monocular microscope and a lab-ready trinocular microscope is quite significant. You’ll also find monocular heads on microscopes designed to be portable.


It makes sense that they’re cheap – you only have to buy one eyepiece rather than a set. It is the most common type of compound light microscope found in middle school labs because these are usually the cheapest compound microscopes you can buy. Monocular HeadĪ monocular head contains only one eyepiece.
