The National Optical & Scientific Instruments 452-TBL-10 Stereo Microscope is a budget-friendly microscope designed for elementary, middle, and high school use. Featuring an upright, unreversed image of three dimensional objects, the 452 is ideal for students.

The optical system consists of two widefield 10x eyepieces, with left-side diopter adjustment. The eyepieces are also equipped with a reticle holder/retainer. The paired objectives are parfocalled, parcentered, and achromatic. Magnification is changed by turning the objective turret 90° to positive click stops.

To ensure a clear view of specimens, the microscope has a 4 position lighting control, allowing the student to turn on both lights or one at a time. Both top and bottom lights are tungsten. Also helping to see an accurate image is the rack and pinion focusing. Slip clutch and tension adjustments prevent damage to the system and keep the head from moving. Two locked-on stage clips keep the specimen securely attached to the microscope.