Upper and lower light source microscope Most basic stereo microscopes should include both an upper and lower light source, since these allow the user to fully see a given specimen. The more magnified an image is, the more light is actually needed to see the sample, so the inclusion of both light sources is a necessary and useful element.

Upper and lower light source microscope LED or halogen lighting

Most stereo microscopes feature two different lights, one below the sample and one above. While the majority of contemporary stereo microscopes include LED lighting for these purposes, some also include halogen light. Halogen lights are easier to change than LED lights, which can be both expensive and a little tougher to change, though they may not last as long as LEDs.