What microscope would you choose

[garfield]

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What microscope would you choose (if you could convince administration to buy one for you)? Looking to upgrade from an Olympus BX41, which is what I'm used to, but would like better ergonomics like a lower stage. Olympus BX46? What have you tried? What do you like? What do you use? Just would like opinions, no salespeople.

 

[Path or bust]

What microscope would you choose (if you could convince administration to buy one for you)? Looking to upgrade from an Olympus BX41, which is what I'm used to, but would like better ergonomics like a lower stage. Olympus BX46? What have you tried? What do you like? What do you use? Just would like opinions, no salespeople.

I've always used olympus until I was handed a nikon eclipse. I think the optics are better than olympus. Ultimately, its a personal preference but Nikon is pretty awesome.

 

[WEBB PINKERTON]

Nikon Eclipse 55i. I like the LED light source. Get the best objective lens they will allow you to buy.

 

[deleted314957]

"They" will "allow" you to buy? You would settle for less than the best optics because someone will not allow it? The microscope is your lively hood! If "they" won't, buy it yourself.

 

[Alteran]

I'm not a salesperson, but I'm very familiar with microscopes since my department purchases them based on my recommendations.

I don't advocate one company over the other, but I do advocate the grade of optical objectives you mount onto your microscope. Plan Achromats are the entry level objectives, Plan Fluorite are mid-level semi-apochromatic lenses, and Plan Apochromatic lenses are top of the line. All the 'Plan' means is that the projected image is adjusted for complete flatness (planar) for the entire field of view. You'll notice a jump in optical quality from plan Achromat to plan Fluorite; sharper contrast especially at the higher magnifications and richer colors. The jump in quality from Fluorite to Apochromatic is debatable depending on who you talk to. What isn't debatable is the price. A full set of Achromats (2X-60X) runs ~3K depending on what contracts you have with whom. The same objectives at the Apochromatic grade are ~12K. As an attending pathologist, I wouldn't settle for anything less than Fluorite grade objectives.

As far as frames, that's user's preference. I've heard arguments every which way of why people like Olympus over Nikon and vice versa and why they picked a certain frame over another. I will say that the only thing you have to watch for is that Nikon makes a 1X and Olympus makes a 1.25X and they need special condensers to function properly. So if you're entertaining the idea of having one of those objectives, make sure the frame and condenser you pick out are compatible.

Anyways, hope that helps.

 

[garfield]

That is helpful. Thank you!

 

[KCShaw]

I'm not a salesperson, but I'm very familiar with microscopes since my department purchases them based on my recommendations.

I don't advocate one company over the other, but I do advocate the grade of optical objectives you mount onto your microscope. Plan Achromats are the entry level objectives, Plan Fluorite are mid-level semi-apochromatic lenses, and Plan Apochromatic lenses are top of the line. All the 'Plan' means is that the projected image is adjusted for complete flatness (planar) for the entire field of view. You'll notice a jump in optical quality from plan Achromat to plan Fluorite; sharper contrast especially at the higher magnifications and richer colors. The jump in quality from Fluorite to Apochromatic is debatable depending on who you talk to. What isn't debatable is the price. A full set of Achromats (2X-60X) runs ~3K depending on what contracts you have with whom. The same objectives at the Apochromatic grade are ~12K. As an attending pathologist, I wouldn't settle for anything less than Fluorite grade objectives.

As far as frames, that's user's preference. I've heard arguments every which way of why people like Olympus over Nikon and vice versa and why they picked a certain frame over another. I will say that the only thing you have to watch for is that Nikon makes a 1X and Olympus makes a 1.25X and they need special condensers to function properly. So if you're entertaining the idea of having one of those objectives, make sure the frame and condenser you pick out are compatible.

Anyways, hope that helps.

Mark this under "things you should learn in residency but probably didn't".