Vision Engineering Mantis Compact Stereo Microscope

The Mantis Compact supports quick-change objective lenses at 2×, 4×, 6× and 8× magnifications. These snap/twist in and out, making it fast to switch depending on what level of detail is needed.

Approximate specifications are:

• 2×: ~167 mm working distance, ~45.0 mm FoV
• 4×: ~96 mm working distance, ~27.5 mm FoV
• 6×: ~73 mm working distance, ~19.2 mm FoV
• 8×: ~58.5 mm working distance, ~14.3 mm FoV

• Surface illumination provided via 20 white LEDs, reaching up to ~ 9,400 lux on the subject plane (for standard white light)
• Substage (bench stand only) illumination with 58 LEDs, ~ 2,700 lux for transmitted/back-lighting use
• Optional version with Ultra Violet (UV) illumination (replacing the white LEDs) for inspection tasks like conformal coatings, crack detection, adhesives etc.

Several stand or support options:

• Universal Stand: good adjustable height & reach, for flexible use.
• Bench Stand: more compact; suitable for stationary inspection setups.
• Articulated Arm: gives more manoeuvrability and allows moving the head into position conveniently; an optional secondary link can extend reach further (up to ~ 800 mm)

• Because there are no traditional eyepieces, operators can sit more upright, reducing neck and eye strain.
• The eyepiece-less “viewer” uses twin optical paths through patented optics, giving true stereo vision without needing to peer through binocular tubes. This improves hand-eye coordination and comfort.
• Users can wear prescription glasses or eye protection without losing image alignment or comfort.

It is well-suited for tasks where low-to-medium magnification is sufficient and comfort over long periods is important, such as:

• PCB inspection, electronics rework, solder joint examination
• Medical, dental equipment inspection or small parts rework
• Jewellery, hair restoration, watchmaking, art/antiquities inspection tasks
• Quality control for precision or optical components where field-of-view and working distance matter.

• Maximum magnification is 8×; for finer detail (e.g. micro-features, sub-millimetre work) you may need Elite or PIXO versions which go higher.
• No integrated camera (unless choosing a different model); image capture / documentation requires separate digital camera or video capture accessories.
• At higher magnifications, field of view and working distance drop significantly, which can make positioning parts more difficult. Lighting also becomes more critical.
• Larger stands / articulated arms add cost and footprint. Compact models may have less reach or flexibility compared to larger optical heads.

Key specs to consider include:

• Required working distance / FoV based on the parts you inspect (e.g. PCB, connectors, tooling) to ensure enough space for tools etc.
• Illumination brightness and type (white vs UV vs transmitted) especially if inspecting coatings, adhesives, or transparent materials.
• Stand configuration and reach / height adjustability for comfort and repeatability.
• Operator comfort factors: height of bench, posture, head movement, possibility to wear glasses; since comfort contributes to productivity over time.