Difference between Binocular and Trinocular Microscope

A monocular microscope is not so prevalent, and the least used one. So, we’ll look at the main differences between a binocular and a trinocular microscope, which you must consider while purchasing the perfect.

1. Number of Eyepieces

This is the most apparent difference between these two microscopes. A binocular microscope consists of two pieces, whereas a trinocular microscope contains three eyepieces.

An eye piece’s core aim is to focus the light rays and provide a specimen’s magnified image.

A binocular microscope with two eyepieces can give high range magnification up to 80x to 40x, and a trinocular microscope can give up to 1000x magnification on average. Higher magnification depicts better microscopic results of the specimen.

2. Light Source

The microscope’s efficiency depends on the amount of light it receives, enhancing the microscopic image result’s clarity.

A binocular microscope gets light passing through an illuminator present at the bottom of the microscope. In contrast, light is reflected directly towards the eyepiece in a trinocular microscope, followed by the camera. 

More a microscope is capable of obtaining the light; further, the magnification results can get better. Thin slides of microorganisms require optimum light to give a spectacular view.

3. Camera Support

Having a camera supported in microscopes is a very advanced yet useful feature in a microscope. It allows you to capture your final results and use them in the future. 

Binocular microscopes comprise only one camera eyepiece, which allows the placement of an external camera on the head that has to be replaced after working. 

In contrast, a trinocular microscope has two-camera eyepieces and an established internal camera port that is not needed to replace and gives you a hassle-free experience during your microscopy.

4. Objective Lenses

An objective lens is responsible for giving a high-magnification and fair resolution image result of the specimen and determines the microscope’s entire efficiency. 

Binocular microscopes have three to four powerful objective lenses with average magnification levels that distinguish the real desired image and give the closest view. 

A trinocular microscope offers around five bright objective lenses with optimum magnification range, enhancing the specimen’s image transparency.