Live Science Verdict
Constructed from inflexible material , with exchangeable stage plates , the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 has a professional , robust feel , provides a wide range of low - powered , clear , 3D image and is a useful education tool .
standardized leg plates
Upper and lower lights
The Celestron Labs S10-60 stereo microscope with its head at maximum height. Stage-objective lens distance is 82mm, with a working distance of 54mm.
Robust , glass and metallic element construction
Gives clear , detailed range
Topples when headway is rotated by 180 degrees
The Celestron Labs S10-60 stereo microscope comes with rubber eyecups to reduce light pollution(Image credit: Heather Barker)
promiscuous origin are not adjustable
Fiddly to set up up
Why you may commit Live ScienceOur expert reviewers spend hours examination and comparing products and services so you may choose the best ones for you . line up out more about how we test .
(Image credit: Heather Barker)
Celestron has produced a nice stereo microscope with its Celestron Labs S10 - 60 mannequin . professional fit in that the three - dimensional images produced by this microscope were wondrous , due to its high - timber oculus and construction materials , a mountain range of ignition options and exchangeable phase plates — in spite of some fiddly set - up requirements .
Head : Binocular 360 - point rotate head teacher with 45 - point inclineEyepieces : Two wide - field 10X , two wide - field 20XObjectives : 1X and 3XStage : Interchangeable level denture with clipsLight source : Tungsten ( top ) , halogen ( bottom)Condenser : NoneFocusing : Coarse rivet only — supernumerary reach via the pillar knobExtras : Two rubber eyecups , four resin - mounted insect specimens , unintelligible stage plate , translucent stage plate , world-wide AC adapter , International plug adaptersAdd - ons : Celestron admit a grasp of prepared slides and louse specimen
Using small magnification , a wider field of eyeshot is attain and more of the specimen is observed . The lighting selection also enabled both semitransparent and solid objects to be observed . Pupils found the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 gentle to discover to use , could soon operate it severally , fuck the three - dimensional viewing and enjoyed having the eyecups to kibosh out unnecessary Light Within .
It’s not just slides that can be viewed with the Celestron Labs S10-60 stereo microscope, thanks to its large stage-objective lens distance.
We all agree that this modelling enhance our microscopy investigations and was a majuscule teaching cock . We would recommend the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 stereo system microscope for school or home purposes , though it ’s perhaps best suited to those with a short microscopy experience .
Design
The Celestron Labs S10 - 60 stereoscopic photograph microscope has been designed with two consistence tube-shaped structure , allowing the lightness to journey up through two separate optic pathways from their various objective to eyepiece Lens . Each diverging optical path reach its eye at a different angle . Thus , a distinct image is seen in each eye and the object is detect in three property .
Moreover , as the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 has a option of lights , both flimsy specimens and solid objects can be examined . For thin sample , such as cell slides , the lower light rootage shines brightness up through the slides and tissue paper , before continuing up its threefold optic pathways . When examine hearty object , the top light source reflects from the Earth’s surface of the objective and is then head to each center severally . We were delighted to discover that we could use both idle source at the same time . It is just a shame that each visible light ’s output is not varying .
Pleasingly , a duo of the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 ’s intent features set it apart from other simulation of a alike price : the rubber eyecups and the standardized stage plates were extremely utilitarian and added to this microscope ’s professional smell . The rubber optic cup were comfortable to use , loose to set up and dilute the amount of unaccented pollution enter the eyes . The Celestron Labs S10 - 60 also came with a translucent stage plate which softened the blue LED , while the opaque home plate had a black side and a clean one for enabling optimal specimen - background contrast . Without fixings , each stage plate could be removed and replaced within moment .
The Celestron Labs S10-60 stereo microscope was excellent for viewing the 3D growth of bacterial colonies.(Image credit: Heather Barker)
Unfortunately , the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 does also have a few design flaws . One useful climb could be to add a battery function to enable portability . We would also favor it if we could exchange eyepiece lenses without having to use a screwdriver . Another improvement would be to make the clips from a slightly more rigid metallic element — one of ours bent out of physique almost straightaway .
Also , structurally , the base needs more mass . This microscope is marketed as give birth a 360 - degree rotatable read/write head but , while this is technically genuine , in drill , the transmutation in the plaza of gravitation , with the nous in the 180 - degree position , mean that the microscope topples over . Hence , its useability is much decreased . Additionally , when depress the head , the lower light makes contact with the stagecoach plate ; extra forethought is demand to foreclose damage .
Overall , we felt that the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 stereoscopic photograph microscope was designed with a proficient user in mind . This microscope had an air of worldliness about it , in terms of the sturdy meth and metals that it was construct from , copulate with the well - cogitate - out “ nice speck ” that would be noticeable to an operator with some experience .
(Image credit: Heather Barker)
accordingly , the range of functions that are potential with the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 , alongside a few design blooper , mean it would be complicated for a complete founder to fathom . That said , the professional feel of the caliber material and bundled extras did leave us feeling that the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 was in effect value for money .
Performance
The Celestron S10 - 60 stereo microscope performed brilliantly , within its capableness . We bump it fit for the purpose of consider solid and three - dimensional objects at lowly magnifications , and were impressed with the quality of images we incur with it .
The welfare of the low magnification of the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 is that it has a extensive field of thought , which is necessary for viewing more of your specimen . For example , small shells , coins and insects could be examined , as whole objects , at 10X magnification . The drawback is that the same wide field of vista and downhearted magnification leave in reduced resolve ; the amount of detail you could see .
To quickly and easily increase resolution , the head can be rotated to increase the magnification to 30X. It is possible to increase the magnification further , to 60X , but this is more complicated and involves a time - eat up eyepiece lens switch . regrettably , the grim overstatement and firmness of the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 mean it does not perform brightly as a tool for cell microscopy .
(Image credit: Heather Barker)
Unarguably , the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 stereo microscope ’s long suit is three - dimensional wake . The superimposed double images make amazingly lifelike range of a range of invertebrate . In increase to observing the open texture of peg hairs and transmitting aerial , discerning the angles and positions of each protuberance gave deepness and realism to the rosin - mounted creature .
The Celestron Labs S10 - 60 , with its three - dimensional capabilities , also perform fantastically when inspecting bacterial colony . One pupil identified a glistening , raise colony that had a crateriform social structure . Others bump the strand - like grain of the threadlike and rhizoid colony fascinating and disgusting in equal measures . The similar stagecoach plates heighten the imagery , as the different colored bacteria needed different dark-skinned backgrounds to boost contrast . Furthermore , the large working space of the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 enabled school-age child to scrutinize the surface texture of a miscellanea of strong objects , from coins to an avocado .
Interestingly , this set of pupil had never used a stereo microscope before . Yet , after a short demonstration of how to coiffe the eyepieces to the correct interpupillary distance — looking for a consummate circle with one optic and then directing the circle from the other centre , towards the first , until they are overlap as a individual lot — school-age child were soon incur clean-cut images rapidly and well . We were impressed with the clarity of the image , obtained in part by the high quality glass optics . ocular limpidity was also enhance when the eyecups were in use because swooning hinderance was minimized .
(Image credit: Heather Barker)
We paint a picture that the performance of the Celestron S10 - 60 Deluxe stereo system microscope could be improved by put in adjustable illumination , and by correct the toppling issue when the head is in the 180 - degree position . Other than that , we were impressed by the performance of this utilitarian and economical stereo microscope .
Functionality
by and large , pupils rated the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 stereo microscope ’s functionality very highly . All were staggeringly enthusiastic about being able to see their specimen in three proportion . After stage set - up and a abbreviated demonstration , each pupil adjust the binocular tube space for themselves and could capably partake in regard without instructor assistance .
Once given the freedom to investigate , pupils confidently and sky-high change specimens , light seed , leg plates and objective lens entirely severally . Specific prescribed feedback was that pupils liked how the optic cup prevented them from seeing their own lash . They also say it was easy to utilise and were impressed with how unmortgaged the images search .
While test the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 stereo microscope , as professional person , we notice that its functionality posture in two opposing camps . If we just consider the event — regard clear , well - define substantial objects in three property — then the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 is fantabulous and sure enough deliver . The high quality eye provide tart image , the eyecups reduce light pollution and better clarity , and the standardised stage plate allow a fantastical range of icon to be construe . The contraband , white or translucent ground choices , added to the selection of top , bottom or three-fold lighting , were staggeringly important for achieving optimal specimen yield . We were all impressed with the high timbre images that the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 produced .
The 54mm working distance and top light enabled us to view the textured surface of an avocado.(Image credit: Heather Barker)
However , the awkward mechanisms and design issues left us frustrated that the huge potential of this stereophonic system microscope is not being realized without an unreasonable amount of fiddle . As previously mentioned , the toppling which occurs at the 180 - degree position is not only bothersome but actually reduce functionality , as it can not be used as a 360 - degree viewing tool . This could easily be remedied by installing a unbendable , heavier , plate at the bottom — the current one is very thin .
Furthermore , having to use a screwdriver to switch lens system was also vexing ; many interchangeable microscopes have lenses that expansion slot in and out seamlessly and are easier to use . In our opinion , the screw - in eyepiece are unnecessary as the equipment does not have batteries , so will not ask to be turned upside down at any time . At the very least , a tiny screwdriver should be included .
A final functionality peeve is with the manual nous adjustment that is necessary to achieve a viable workings space . The focusing knobs raise and lower the objective lens to allow planes at varied altitude to be brought into focal point , however , the upper height reached is not enough to be able to view the invertebrate specimen furnish with the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 . Therefore , a nut need to be loosened and the top dog raised manually . This increases the workings distance but the focusing orbit stays the same . We advise that functionality would be meliorate if the workings aloofness could be accomplish with the focusing knobs alone .
(Image credit: Heather Barker)
In sum-up , functionality is secure for experienced users , or for founding father that have had the microscope place up for them . However , it may be a rather fiddly selection for beginners to use independently .
Should you buy it?
✅ You want to examine self-coloured physical object in 3D : The two separate prototype provide by the binocular tube combine to produce a three - dimensional image . The upper visible radiation aids this function . ✅ You require to view larger specimens like worm : The sizable spread between the stage and the objective lenses allow for viewing specimens up to 54 mm .
The Celestron Labs S10 - 60 is a decent stereo microscope for students , and pupils felt professional while using it . This microscope has been sturdily built and should stand up to the eager handling of multiple users in a schoolroom setting while being easy enough to bottom and operate without guidance once they ’ve gotten the bent of it . Thus , we would as urge the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 stereo microscope for purpose at home , at shoal or in the laboratory .
If this product is not for you
❌ You want to test specimen at a magnification higher than 60X : This broken blowup allows for a full arena of view but does not enable o.k. details to be piece out . ❌ You do not have good vision in both oculus : Stereo take in relies on your see sharp images with both eyes . A monocular microscope would be the preferred pick if one eye is rickety .
For a two-channel microscope with high magnification , AmScope work a zoom stereo microscope that is capable of 180X magnification , but with a higher price tag — the AmScope SM-1 Series Zoom trinocular stereo microscope .
If you would like a stereo microscope for theatre of operations use , Celestron offers a cordless variation for maximal portability — the Celestron Labs S10 - 30N
Care is needed when lowering the head, as the top light can knock into the stage plate when it is lowered.
How we test
During a scientific discipline moral , we were investigate the rot process and a school-age child ask whether we could examine bread stamp under a microscope . The dilemma was that , for wellness and base hit reasons , we could n’t get rid of it from its seal base to obtain a tenuous specimen and prepare a glide . Fortunately , the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 stereo system microscope was nearby and allowed us to view the moldy pelf within its package , in 3D and in color . An exciting , spontaneous response to an enquiring mind . rightfully rewarding !
Later , pupil were given free rein with the Celestron Labs S10 - 60 . During their habitats and categorisation topic , they examined a act of different organism , primarily invertebrates . This was potential using the rosin - mounted samples that came with this stereo microscope , as well as inorganic materials such as shells , rocks , bark and soil samples . In the schooling scientific discipline club , we then spent meter observing coin , crystals and our own fingerprint . pupil even invented their own plot , “ Whose pollex ? ” , which was lots of fun .
The Celestron Labs S10-60 stereo microscope was useful for three-dimensional viewing of the growth of mold on bread.
Even though the head is capable of 360-degree rotation, the Celestron Labs S10-60 stereo microscope topples when rotated 180 degrees.
The Celestron Labs S10-60 stereo microscope was a useful teaching tool for three-dimensional viewing and for examining solid objects.
Unfortunately the stage clips did not hold up to pupil use and had distorted within 20 minutes of use.
A spontaneous game of “whose thumb?” began once pupils realized they could view solid objects.