Stereo microscopes are branched out from other light microscopes for the application of viewing “3D” objects. These include substantial specimens, such as insects, feathers, leaves, rocks, sand grains, gems, coins, and stamps, etc. Functionally, a stereo microscope is like a powerful magnifying glass. Unlike a compound microscope that offers a flat image, stereo microscopes give the viewer a 3-dimensional image that you can see the texture of a larger specimen.