Microscope Objectives- Who has the edge in quality?

The big three in the microscope industry (Nikon, Olympus, and Leica)are highly competitive and all make excellent microscopes for both the clinical and research level laboratories.




Nikon however employs CFI60 lenses which generally have higher N.A.s and longer working distances than comparable infinity objectives from other manufacturers. The CFI160 microscope objectives provide increased resolution, greater light-gathering capability, and high performance in confocal imaging. Longer working distances allow thicker specimens to be focused from top to bottom without fear of breaking the cover glass or damaging the objective. Applying immersion oil is easier, as is changing specimens. Thicker-bottomed chambers may be accommodated on the microscope and micromanipulation becomes possible with lenses of higher magnification.




This technology gives Nikon a slight advantage in terms of optical clarity and quality over Leica and Olympus. Although, you probably wouldn't be able to tell unless you viewed the same specimen through the different microscopes as they sat side by side, it's nice to know that you're getting a slight edge in value for your money. The Nikon objectives also aid when your using digital imaging on your microscopy system.




Whether you're using, phase, plan, apochromat, or fluorite objectives, Nikon has the edge in optical clarity of the big three microscope manufacturers.