MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

Can anyone enlighten me as to the difference?

My understanding is that the 1084 is an aspheric condenser for the Series 10 (an upgrade over a plain Abbe for it) and the 1087 is an Abbe aspheric for the Series 110 (and commonly standard). I'd assume they perform about the same.

Others may know more or better.

Thanks. I was aware of the stands for which they were recommended. But your comment regarding performance is what interests me the most. Aspheric vs abbie-aspheric..hmmm.

The 1087, despite having a narrower diameter bottom lens , has a more extreme curvature and higher degree of aspheric correction on the entrance surface. It therefore, ends up being a wider angle condenser than the older 1084. AO continued this trend towards satisfying the needs of wider angle objectives, with uncomplex, yet well corrected condensers, into the series 400 cat. # 1970, which is a very wide angle condenser. The design is similar to the 1087 but the glass elements are of a larger diameter on the 1970.

All of them are two element and have a plano/convex top lens and a double convex bottom lens, with the entry surface aspheric. They are therefore all abbe aspheric, despite the 1084 being simply labelled aspheric. That labeling was probably, so as not to confuse it with the cat. # 1088 abbe condenser, also two element. That was the last , simple abbe condenser AO made.

Thanks Phil,

Must appreciated.