NIKON 20-0.50 Plan Microscope Objective Lens 20/0.50 160/0.17

( Brand: Nikon ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 20/0.50 ), ( Model: NIKON PH 2 PLAN 20/0.50 DL 160/0.17 ), ( Part Type: Len ), ( Country Of Origin: Japan )

Review NIKON 20/0.50 160/0.17 Ph Plan Dl Microscope Objective Lens

The Nikon Plan DL 20x/0.50 and 160x/0.17 objective lenses represent a sophisticated and versatile pairing designed for high-performance microscopy across a broad spectrum of applications, from routine biological examination to advanced scientific research. The **20x/0.50** objective is a low-magnification, wide-field lens engineered to deliver exceptional clarity and depth of field, making it ideal for capturing broad views of specimens with minimal distortion. Its **0.50 numerical aperture (NA)** balances resolution and working distance, ensuring crisp, high-contrast images while maintaining a generous field of view perfect for tasks like tissue sectioning, cell culture observation, or preliminary screening. The **Plan DL** design ensures a flat field of view, eliminating curvature of field errors that can plague conventional objectives, which is particularly advantageous for digital imaging and photomicrography where uniformity across the entire field is critical.

On the other end of the spectrum, the **160x/0.17** objective is a high-magnification, long-working-distance lens tailored for ultra-thin specimens or low-refractive-index media, such as certain immersion oils or aqueous solutions. With its **0.17 NA**, this lens excels in applications requiring minimal sample preparation, such as examining delicate biological tissues, thin polymer films, or small-scale materials science samples. The extended working distance (typically around 1.5 2.0 mm) reduces the risk of crushing fragile specimens while still providing remarkable magnification, enabling researchers to observe fine structural details with precision. The **Plan DL** correction further enhances its utility by maintaining a flat image plane, which is essential for high-resolution imaging and quantitative analysis. Together, these objectives form a seamless magnification range, bridging the gap between broad overviews and fine structural details without sacrificing optical integrity.

Both lenses are crafted with Nikon s precision engineering, featuring **apochromatic correction** to minimize chromatic aberrations across the visible spectrum, ensuring color fidelity and sharpness even at the edges of the field. The **DL (Digital Long Working Distance)** designation indicates compatibility with modern digital cameras and microscopes, optimizing performance for high-resolution imaging systems while reducing the need for additional adapters. Whether used in a compound microscope for biological research, materials analysis, or industrial inspection, this pair of objectives delivers a harmonious blend of versatility, optical excellence, and reliability, making them indispensable tools for laboratories seeking both efficiency and precision.

### **Pros and Cons of the Nikon Plan DL 20x/0.50 and 160x/0.17 Objective Lenses**

1. **High Magnification and Resolution**

- The **160x/0.17** objective provides extremely high magnification, allowing for detailed observation of fine cellular structures, microorganisms, or small samples. While the numerical aperture (NA) is low (0.17), it is still useful for low-light or low-contrast samples when combined with a long working distance.

- The **20x/0.50** is a versatile mid-range objective, offering a good balance between magnification and field of view, making it suitable for general use.

2. **Long Working Distance (W.D.)**

- Observing thick or opaque samples (e.g., tissue sections, small insects, or 3D structures).

- Using immersion oils or other media without risking lens damage.

- Working with **stereomicroscopes** or **low-power microscopes** where sample manipulation is frequent.

3. **Plan-Apochromatic Correction (DL Series)**

- The **Plan DL** designation indicates **flat-field correction**, reducing curvature of field (CoF) and improving image sharpness across the entire field of view. This is particularly useful for:

- Photography and digital imaging, where a uniform focus plane is essential.

- Observing large samples where peripheral distortion would otherwise occur.

4. **Durability and Optical Quality**

- Nikon s **DL series** is known for robust construction, resistant to scratches and environmental factors, making it suitable for laboratory or field use.

- The **achromatic correction** (though not fully apochromatic) minimizes chromatic aberration, improving color accuracy in brightfield applications.

5. **Compatibility with Nikon Microscopes**

- These lenses are designed for **Nikon infinity-corrected optical systems**, ensuring optimal performance when used with compatible microscopes (e.g., Nikon Eclipse, Ti, or Ti2 series).

- They integrate well with **digital cameras** (DS-Fi2, DS-Ri2) and **fluorescence systems** (if used with appropriate filters).

6. **Low-Light Performance**

- The **160x/0.17** lens, while not ideal for high-resolution fluorescence, can still be useful for **brightfield or phase-contrast imaging** of faintly stained samples due to its long working distance.

7. **Cost-Effective for Specific Applications**

- For users who primarily need **low-power (20x) and extreme magnification (160x) for specific tasks** (e.g., insect dissection, low-contrast samples), these lenses may be a practical choice without needing a full apochromatic set.

---

1. **Low Numerical Aperture (NA) on the 160x Lens**

- High-resolution imaging of fine details (e.g., bacterial cells, subcellular structures).

- Fluorescence microscopy, where high NA is critical for efficient excitation and emission.

- Observing highly transparent or thin samples where contrast is low.

- In comparison, a **100x/1.25-1.4 oil immersion** objective would provide **far superior resolution** for most biological applications.

2. **Limited Usefulness for Standard Microscopy**

- Most biological and medical microscopy relies on **40x/0.65, 60x/1.25, and 100x/1.25-1.4 oil objectives** for detailed cellular imaging. The **160x/0.17** is **not a replacement** for these but rather a **specialized tool** for niche applications.

- The **20x/0.50** is adequate but **not exceptional** higher-end **Plan Fluor or Plan Apo** objectives (e.g., 20x/0.75) offer better correction and brightness.

3. **Potential for Image Distortion**

- While the **Plan DL** corrects curvature of field, the **low NA of the 160x** may still introduce **spherical aberration or poor contrast** in certain lighting conditions.

- Users may need **additional illumination techniques** (e.g., darkfield, phase contrast) to improve visibility.

4. **Working Distance Trade-Off**

- The sample is **too small** to fit within the field of view at 160x.

- The user requires **shorter working distances** for fine manipulation (e.g., microdissection), where a **40x/0.65 or 60x/1.25** might be more practical.

5. **Compatibility Issues with Non-Nikon Systems**

- **Finite-optics microscopes** (e.g., some older Leica or Zeiss models).

- **Third-party cameras** without proper adapter tubes (Nikon s **CFI Plan DL** requires specific tube lengths).

- Retrofitting may require **additional adapters or modifications**, adding cost.

6. **Not Suitable for Advanced Techniques**

- **Fluorescence, DIC (Differential Interference Contrast), or high-resolution confocal microscopy** require **high-NA objectives (1.25-1.4)**. The **160x/0.17** is **not suitable** for these applications.

- **Super-resolution microscopy** (e.g., STORM, PALM) requires **specialized objectives** with even higher NA and correction.

7. **Potential for Misuse Leading to Poor Results**

- Users unfamiliar with **low-NA objectives** may expect **high-resolution images** and be disappointed with the **blurry or low-contrast output**.

- The **20x/0.50** may not perform as well as a **20x/0.75 Plan Fluor** in terms of brightness and sharpness.

---

The **Nikon Plan DL 20x/0.50 and 160x/0.17** objectives are **specialized tools** with **unique strengths and significant limitations**. They are **best suited for:**

- **Low-power general viewing** (20x) where a flat field and long working distance are beneficial.

- **Extreme magnification tasks** (160x) where **sample thickness or low contrast** makes higher-NA objectives impractical.

- **Applications requiring long working distances** (e.g., insect dissection, low-power stereomicroscopy, or thick sample observation).

- **Budget-conscious users** who do not need **high-resolution imaging** and can compensate with **additional illumination techniques**.

- **Standard biological microscopy** (where 40x/0.65, 60x/1.25, and 100x/1.4 oil objectives are preferred).

- **Fluorescence, DIC, or high-resolution imaging** (requiring NA 1.25).

- **Users expecting high contrast and sharpness** at 160x magnification.

---

You need a **long working distance** for **thick or opaque samples** (e.g., insects, plant tissues, or 3D structures).

Your primary use is **low-power (20x) imaging** where **flat-field correction** is important (e.g., photography, large-field observation).

You require **extreme magnification (160x) for specific niche applications** (e.g., observing very small or low-contrast samples where higher NA is impractical).

You are working with a **Nikon infinity-corrected microscope** and need **durable, low-maintenance objectives**.

You are on a **limited budget** and do not require **high-resolution fluorescence or oil-immersion work**.

You need **high-resolution imaging** (e.g., bacterial cells, subcellular structures) **Get a 100x/1.4 oil objective instead.**

You work with **fluorescence microscopy** **High-NA objectives (1.25-1.4) are essential.**

You require **DIC, phase contrast, or advanced contrast techniques** **Standard high-NA objectives perform better.**

You use **non-Nikon microscopes** **Compatibility issues may arise.**

You expect **crisp, high-contrast images at 160x** **The low NA will disappoint for detailed work.**

- **Nikon Plan Fluor 20x/0.75** (better brightness and correction than 20x/0.50).

- **Nikon Plan Apo 40x/0.95 or 60x/1.25** (for high-resolution brightfield).

- **Nikon CFI Plan Apo Lambda 100x/

Details:

Includes the following: 1 Nikon PH 2 PLAN 20/0.50 DL 160/0.17 Microscope Objective Lens.

part #: 20050 prices

• $95.00-$265.19

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• brand: Nikon
• mpn: 20/0.50
• model: Nikon Ph 2 Plan 20/0.50 Dl 160/0.17
• part type: Len
• country of origin: Japan

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