American Optical AO 569 Stereo Star Zoom Microscope 0.7X-3.0X 560-1 Base

American Optical AO 569 Stereo Star Zoom Microscope 0.7X-3.0X 560-1 Base

The American Optical AO 569 Stereo Star is a binocular zoom stereo microscope offering continuous magnification from 0.7X to 3.0X via a single-knob zoom mechanism. It is mounted on the AO 560-1 opaque white base, which provides a plain white stage surface for reflected-light work on opaque specimens. The zoom body carries the "Stereo Star Zoom" nameplate and the AO logo, and the rack-and-pinion focus column allows smooth vertical travel of the head along the arm.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: American Optical (AO)
• Model: AO 569 Stereo Star Zoom
• Head type: Binocular
• Zoom magnification range: 0.7X to 3.0X (continuous zoom)
• Base model: 560-1 Opaque White Base
• Stage: Circular opaque white disk, integral to the 560-1 base
• Focus: Rack-and-pinion coarse focus via dual side knobs on the arm column
• Zoom control: Single rotary knob on the zoom body
• Interpupillary adjustment: Yes (binocular head slides to adjust)
• Eyepieces: Matched pair, widefield type (installed)
• Objective lenses: Dual objectives housed in zoom body (viewed from underside)
• Body finish: Dark gray with gray cast-metal arm and base
• What's included: Microscope with 560-1 base — no additional eyepieces, camera adapters, or accessories

Applications

The American Optical Stereo Star series was a widely used line of stereo zoom microscopes introduced in the mid-20th century and found throughout university biology labs, electronics assembly and inspection benches, quality control stations, and scientific research settings. The 0.7X–3.0X zoom range is well suited to examining circuit boards, small components, biological specimens, gems, fossils, and craft or repair work where a low-power, three-dimensional view is needed. American Optical (later part of Warner Lambert and eventually acquired by successors) built a strong reputation in the U.S. microscope market, and AO stereo microscopes from this era remain popular with educational institutions, hobbyists, and lab technicians because of their robust construction and readily available replacement eyepieces and accessories within the AO 560-series ecosystem. These instruments are still actively used today in schools, small labs, and on electronics workbenches.