MicrobeHunter.com Microscopy Forum

I'm putting together a fluorescence microscope, the Leitz Ortholux II.

I'm looking for a set of objectives plan or better. Fluorescence objectives seem rare, as well as plan apos. I'm happy to see anything sellers have on offer. Reply here or PM me.

Thank you all for your time.

~Mitchell

Hi Mitch,
for fluorescence one likes to have bright objectives (comparatively high n.a.) and little autofluorescence. Zeiss recommended their (only relatively plan) Neofluars or simpla Achromats. A plan achromatic or apochromatic objective with it's many lenses and cement layers might not be the best choice.

Bob

"Fluorescence" objectives are sometimes made of special glass that transmits much UV.
If your excitation wavelength is above 400nm, ordinary objectives are just fine. The important feature is the NA, since the objective needs to gather as much light as possible, AND the objective serves as condenser as well (in epi-fluorescence microscopes). Like, a 40X1.3 objective is much much better than a 40X0.65 objective (and alas, also way more expensive...).

Thank you both for the information, this is quite useful to know.