Dissecting microscopes are not limited to laboratories for performing dissections and viewing dissected samples.  They actually have a variety of uses for different fields.  Aside from viewing whole subjects like insects, small reptiles and amphibians, plants and plant parts, they can also be set up for viewing solid materials like rocks and minerals.  They are also excellent for use in jewelry making, watch repairs, sorting and manufacture of circuit boards.  When choosing a quality dissecting microscope, there are certain features to keep in mind. 

Optics
All microscopes rely on a set of optics in order to work.  The higher the quality of optics is on a microscope, the better the instrument can produce images.  Better quality optics also make a microscope a lot easier to work with because the observer doesn’t have to perform too much tweaking with the magnification and focusing in order to view an image effectively.

Dissecting microscopes are generally classified as stereo microscopes.  This type of microscopy utilizes two different optical paths with the objectives and on a binocular microscope, two viewing angles are seen, with the left angle varying slightly from the right angle.  Viewed as a single object, this produces a 3-dimensional image of the sample.

Although they often have lower powers of magnification compared to other types of microscopes, they are equipped with the right optics to show excellent details of a specimen during dissections.  Most dissecting microscopes are not equipped with separate objectives used to increase an image’s magnification.  What they do have is a knob that adjusts magnification.  The lowest lens power available with most dissecting microscopes is usually a 7x, which increases in increments.  Generally, a good set of lenses with a 10x, 20x and the 7x should suffice for general magnification and dissecting use.  Look for quality lenses when choosing dissecting microscopes.  You could always have them replaced later but that would be an unnecessary expense.

Don’t be surprised if the magnification power of the dissecting microscope is lower than other types.  Dissecting usually requires an image to be enlarged several times its size, either to be able to make a precise cut or to view the details of the object.  Unlike other microscopes with higher magnification, there is no need to attempt to view minute parts of the specimen such as cellular details, for example.

You might also want to check if the dissecting microscope has an auxiliary lens.  This lens is usually found on the objective base and can be very valuable in increasing magnification.  When determining the magnification factor of the dissecting microscope, remember to consider the magnification provided by the auxiliary lens.

Monocular or binocular?
Monocular dissecting microscopes are composed of a single eyepiece with which to view from.  Monocular microscopes are often enough for viewing the specimen but some users are not comfortable at focusing using only one eye on the specimen.  If you find this distracting, a binocular microscope may be a better choice.  With a binocular dissecting microscope, however, you will need to adjust the distance between the eyepieces so the lenses on both pieces can produce a single image.

Focusing
In most dissecting microscopes, focusing consists of a knob that allows the observer to move the head up or down.  Moving the microscope head down allows a closer look at the specimen and moving it up allows a wider field of view.

You can also choose dissecting microscopes that offer better flexibility when it comes to focusing.  Look for coarse and fine focus knobs that work well together in order to bring the sample into focus.  The coarse focus is the first knob you will be manipulating in order to view the specimen.  At lower magnifications, this is usually enough.  The fine focus works at higher magnifications when the coarse focus cannot effectively refine the image.

Resolution
Another feature related to magnification is the dissecting microscope’s ability to produce a high resolution image.  Resolution refers to the contrast of the image so it’s easier to see defined edges and borders.  This is necessary when viewing the size of objects relative to another.

Illumination
Since most dissected specimens are opaque or solid, dissecting microscopes usually make use of top lighting.  This is considered the most effective way of using illumination with a dissecting microscope.  Opaque objects are excellent at reflecting lighting off their surface and through the objective lenses, allowing the observer to view the image of the specimen.  Some dissecting microscopes are also equipped with a mirror located below the stage.  Most dissecting microscopes allow both transmitted and incident lighting, so lighting is naturally easier to adjust.  This type of flexible illumination choices makes some dissecting microscopes perfect for field use since they can be utilized without electric powered lighting.