A co-axial mechanical stage (economy version) is a laboratory instrument used in microscopy to hold and move specimens on a microscope slide. It is similar to a regular co-axial mechanical stage, but is designed to be a more affordable option for laboratories with budget constraints.

It typically has simplified controls and fewer features than a standard co-axial mechanical stage, but still allows for precise positioning of the specimen under the microscope objective for examination and analysis. The mechanical controls are located on the same axis as the microscope focus controls, which makes it easier to manipulate the position of the specimen while maintaining focus.

The co-axial mechanical stage typically includes a vernier scale or other measuring device to aid in accurate placement of the specimen. The economy version of the co-axial mechanical stage is commonly used in educational and research laboratories for a variety of applications, including histology, pathology, and microbiology.