Mantis Stereo Microscope 1" Loupe Lens adapter

thingiverse

A couple months ago, I bought a Vision Engineering Mantis Stereo Microscope for my small component soldering needs. The Mantis has a large open face and two optical paths for stereo vision, allowing me to move my head slightly to see more angles. However, it arrived without lenses so I had to make my own using cheap jeweler's loupes lenses that cost around $6 for four on eBay. I used the 1-inch glass lenses from these loupes and determined their magnification equivalents by comparing them to the original Mantis lenses' specifications in the manual. The "2.5x" is equivalent to 2x, "5x" to 3x, "7.5x" to 4x, and "10x" to 6x. I used the lens_specs.txt file for working distance, field of view, and depth of field specs from the manual. The Mantis can accommodate two lenses at once, with parfocal original lenses ranging from 4x to 10x. I preferred using the 3x for regular work and 6x for close-up tasks, so I fitted the 3x lens in the short one and made the 6x the correct length to be parfocal with the short 3x. I also added a stacking feature for up to 10x magnification by allowing a lens to be placed on top of the 6x lens, although it's non-parfocal, has reduced quality, and shorter working distance. The adapters were designed to attach to the microscope easily, with flat spots on the threads for easy locking. The long adapter is tapered to prevent blocking light from halogen lights at high magnification. Instructions are provided to print the short adapter first before moving on to the long one, making adjustments if needed based on the microscope and printer. Lenses can be pressed into place or secured with glue or epoxy. Enjoy your customized Mantis Stereo Microscope!