The invention relates to an adjustable stand for an optical observation instrument, in particular for a surgical microscope, with a tilt spindle 1 and with a swivel spindle 2 for the optical observation instrument and with a flange 4 for connection to the optical observation instrument or a further member of the adjustable stand, wherein, on at least one of the two spindles 1, 2, a first torque compensation device is arranged, which has a first brake 13 for securing the spindle 1, 2, and which has a first spring 11 which is connected to a first motor 12 for adjusting the spring tension of the first spring 11, and the first motor 12 is connected to a first motor controller, and which has a first torque transmission device 14 which is formed between the first spring 11 and the spindle 1, 2, and which has a first position sensor 16 for determining the position of the spindle 1, 2, and which has first force sensor 15 for determining the spring tension of the first spring 11, wherein the position sensor 16 and the force sensor 15 are connected to a control unit.
