The National Optical & Scientific Instruments 405-TBL-10-2 Stereo Microscope has many things going for it in addition to its budget-friendly price point. This pared down yet rugged microscope features an upright, unreversed image, 2x objectives for 20x magnification, the option to add eyepieces for increased magnification, and 360° rotation of the post mount, among others. A 5-year limited warranty also backs up the 405-TBL-10-2, ensuring its tenure in your facility is hassle-free.

The optical system's paired widefield 10x eyepieces feature left-side diopter adjustment, interpupillary adjustment, and are equipped with a reticle holder/retainer. The viewing head adjusts up or down on the post mount and it can be rotated 360° for sharing. The paired objectives are parfocalled, parcentered, and achromatic.

Tungsten illumination provides a clear, accurate view of your specimens with a top and bottom light. A 4-position light control allows you to choose the top or bottom light only, both lights, or to two the illumination off all together. Rack and pinion focusing also allows you to tweak the view of the specimen until it's to your liking. A slip clutch and tension adjustment provides back-up support, preventing damage to the system, while locked-on stage clips keep specimens in their place. The microscope includes two 80mm stage plates as well.

Paired Widefield 10x Eyepieces    Reticle Holder/Retainer    Viewing Head Adjusts Up and Down    20x Magnification    Tungsten Illumination    Rack and Pinion Focusing    Two 80mm Stage Plates    5-Year Limited Warranty

• Paired widefield 10x eyepieces, left-side diopter adjustment,

  interpupillary adjustment from 55mm to 75mm

• Eyepieces equipped with reticle holder/retainer to accept reticle with

  23mm O.D.

• Viewing head adjusts up or down on post mount to accommodate

  difference size specimen

• Paired objectives are parfocalled, parcentered and achromatic
• Standard magnification of 20x is considered ideal. Higher

  magnification possible by selecting models with 3x or 4x objectives.

  Optional WF15x eyepieces increase magnification 50 percent

• Top light (incidental) is 12v, 10 watt tungsten with adjustable

  beam

• Bottom light (transmitted) is 12V, 10 watt tungsten
• 4-position light control: top only / bottom only / top & bottom / off

• Rack & pinion focusing with slip clutch and tension adjustment
• Includes two 80mm stage plates: frosted glass and reversible

  black/white plastic contrast plate

• Locked-on stage clips

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is the Manfrotto 405 geared head suitable for use with the Induro 313 tripod? Thanks. Tom@lightchaser.us

A: I use a Manfrotto tripod with this head but also have an Induro Aluminum tripod that I know will work just fine too. The Induro actually can take twice the weight of the Manfrotto (which is why I purchased it). When I google your 313 model I can find the specs but if you know the loading capacity you should be able to figure it out yourself. This head is heavy compared to others I've used and the combination of shooting a Canon 1D-X II with some of their L lenses it can push the loading capacity of some tripods. I would venture to say if your tripod can handle 15 LBS. or more you should be fine with this setup.

Q: 2. Is there another plate that allows to convert the RC4 to Arca-Swiss so an L Bracket can be used?

A: Hejnar make a base that replaces the RC4 completely ... extremely well made and suits most L Brackets

Q: 3. Is this product motorized ? I can't tell for sure.

A: This is a manual geared tripod head and not motorized.

Q: 4. Hi All,I need the dimensions of the 405 gear head as I'm designing a fixture for one of my application in engineering. So can anyone let me know where I can get the CAD file of the gear head or atleast the dimensions?Thank you.Regards,Raghav

A: Manfrotto does not provide CAD files outside of the organization.

Q: 5. Is there a Sigma USB Dock for Fujifilm ? I do not seem to find it.

A: The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens (FUJIFILM X) is updated through the camera. There is no USB dock for it.

Q: 6. There are no reviews of this item. How new is it to the market?

A: Neither one of the products in this kit is new. The MT055CXPRO4 legs came out in 2014 and the 468MGRC2 head is well over a decade old. This appears to be a new kit that B&H has put together, which is why it looks like a new product.

Q: 7. Does this work well with the Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod, considering the head weighs almost as much as the legs?

A: One of the advantages of Carbon Fiber is for less weight you get similar if not equal load capacity. For example if you compare the MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod to its similar aluminum version B&H # MA190XPRO4, they both have a maximum height of 63, can support 15.4 lbs 7.0 kg yet the CF version is lighter 3.6 lb (1.6 kg) vs 4.6 lb (2.1 kg). The MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod can use the 405 Geared Head without issue.

Q: 8. I'm going to buy one mor tripod.I have the opportunity to purchase manfrotto 055cxpro3 or manfrotto mt055cxpro3.What are the benefits of the newer tripod (manfrotto mt055cxpro3)?Thanks in advanceGershon

A: I purchased the MT055CXPRO4 because of the Height that it goes to. I am using it for Hunting with my bigger Bino's on it and sometimes you have to stand up to see over Bushes or through Trees. The Carbon Fiber is a little bit Lighter to pack in and out then the steel Manfroto I used to carry. That is why I bought it. Hope this helps in your decision. Tim

Q: 9. Can I use this head on the Induro Carbon 8X CT214 Tripod leg system?

A: Jennifer G, this head will definitely fit on your tripod but bear in mind that even though it may look small in the photos, its a large head and heavier than your tripod itself at 1.6kg vs 1.5kg for the Induro. Functionality wise, I love this head for the ability to adjust accurately with the gear action. I use it on a studio stand but would have no problem using it on my Manfrotto 475 tripod. If weight and physical size is going to be an issue for you (just assuming as you bought a carbon tripod) then there is the Manfrotto 410 Junior which is much more compact. I have bigger hands and find the quick release part of the adjusters a bit fiddly but the gearing for the micro adjustments seems really good, probably finer adjustment than the 405 head. It would be best if you could see and touch these heads in the flesh as photos can be quite deceiving. Personally. I'm happy to trade higher weight for stability and adjustment but you need to make that call. Good luck...Saul

Q: 10. What is the base diameter of this head and what tripod would you recommend for this head?

A: I measure it at 2.25 diameter. I also have it on a Feisol tripod. As it happens I love the Feisol tripod which is theCT-3372LV. Super fast set up, not to cold on the hands when working outdoors in February in New England. The head is fairly heavy and you have to get used to how the ratchet system works but once you have it it is great. I have a number of heads and this is by far the one i like the most. I have a Canon 1Dx and can as easily put a 17mm TS or my 300 2.8 and it is rock solid.