NIKON 20X-0.46 Cf Plan Epi Wd Objective Lens 20X/0.46 3.1

( Brand: Nikon ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 20X/0.46 ), ( Model: CF PLAN 20X/0.46 /0 EPI WD. 3.1 ), ( Part Type: Len ), ( Country Of Origin: Japan )

Review NIKON 20x/0.46 /0 Cf Plan Epi Wd 3.1 Objective Lens

The **Nikon 20x/0.46/0 CF Plan Epi WD 3.1 Objective Lens** is a high-performance, long-working-distance objective designed for advanced fluorescence microscopy, confocal imaging, and other high-resolution optical applications. Engineered with precision optics and cutting-edge technology, this objective lens delivers exceptional clarity and depth of field, making it an indispensable tool for researchers and scientists working in fields such as cell biology, neuroscience, and material science. With a **20x magnification**, this lens strikes an ideal balance between high resolution and a broad field of view, allowing users to observe intricate details of specimens with remarkable precision while maintaining a manageable working distance. The **0.46 numerical aperture (NA)** ensures a wide field of illumination, reducing the need for excessive sample preparation or staining, which is particularly advantageous when working with live cells or delicate biological samples. One of its most notable features is the **3.1-millimeter working distance (WD)**, which significantly enhances accessibility to the specimen, minimizing the risk of physical interference with the sample or immersion medium. This extended working distance is particularly beneficial for imaging thick or opaque samples, such as tissue sections or multi-layered cell cultures, without requiring invasive manipulation.

The **CF (Corrected Flatness) design** of this objective lens ensures minimal spherical aberration across a wide range of focal planes, providing a consistently sharp and distortion-free image regardless of the depth of field. This correction is critical for maintaining image integrity in high-resolution fluorescence microscopy, where even minor aberrations can compromise the accuracy of quantitative analysis. Additionally, the **Epi (epifluorescence) configuration** makes this lens fully compatible with standard epifluorescence microscopy setups, allowing seamless integration with excitation and emission filters for a wide range of fluorescent dyes and probes. The lens is constructed with high-quality optical glass and precision-coated surfaces to maximize light transmission and minimize autofluorescence, ensuring that the observed signal is as pure and vibrant as possible. Whether used in a research laboratory, academic institution, or industrial setting, this objective lens excels in delivering high-fidelity images with exceptional contrast and resolution, making it a versatile and reliable choice for demanding imaging applications. Its robust build and compatibility with Nikon s advanced imaging systems further solidify its reputation as a premium tool for scientists seeking to push the boundaries of optical microscopy.

The **Nikon 20 /0.46/0 CF Plan Epi WD 3.1** objective lens is a specialized long-working-distance (LWD) objective designed primarily for **epifluorescence microscopy**, particularly for applications requiring high numerical aperture (NA) at a long working distance. Below is a detailed analysis of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros of the Nikon 20 /0.46/0 CF Plan Epi WD 3.1 Objective Lens**

1. **Long Working Distance (3.1 mm)**

- Ideal for imaging thick samples, live cells, or specimens that require minimal physical manipulation (e.g., in flow chambers, microfluidic devices, or high-throughput screening).

- Reduces the risk of damaging delicate samples or interfering with experimental setups.

2. **High Numerical Aperture (NA 0.46)**

- Provides better resolution and light-gathering capability compared to lower-NA objectives, improving image clarity for fluorescence applications.

- Suitable for imaging fine structures in samples where shallow focusing is impractical.

3. **Corrected for Fluorescence (Epi Design)**

- Optimized for epifluorescence microscopy, minimizing chromatic and spherical aberrations that can degrade fluorescence images.

- Compatible with most common fluorescence filters and dyes, making it versatile for biological and materials research.

4. **CF (C-Flange) Mount**

- Compatible with modern **CFI** (C-Flange Infinity) microscope systems, which are widely used in research and clinical settings.

- Ensures precise alignment with infinity-corrected optics, reducing alignment issues.

5. **Plan-Apochromat Correction**

- The "Plan" designation indicates flat-field correction, reducing curvature of field (CoF) and improving image uniformity across the field of view.

- Useful for applications requiring high-quality, distortion-free images (e.g., cell imaging, tissue analysis).

6. **Durability and Stability**

- Nikon s optics are generally robust, with high-quality glass and coatings to minimize light loss and maximize contrast.

- Suitable for long-term use in demanding environments.

7. **Compatibility with Nikon s Microscope Systems**

- Works seamlessly with Nikon s **Ti, Ti2, Eclipse, and other advanced research microscopes**, leveraging their autofocus, motorization, and imaging software (e.g., NIS-Elements).

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### **Cons of the Nikon 20 /0.46/0 CF Plan Epi WD 3.1 Objective Lens**

1. **Limited Magnification for Fine Details**

- At 20 , the lens may not provide sufficient magnification for ultra-fine structures (e.g., subcellular organelles like mitochondria or synaptic connections), where higher magnification (e.g., 40 or 60 ) is often preferred.

- For such applications, a higher-NA objective (e.g., 60 /1.4 oil) would be more suitable.

2. **Lower Resolution Compared to Higher-NA Objectives**

- While NA 0.46 is decent for fluorescence, it is not as high as oil-immersion objectives (e.g., 1.4 NA), which offer superior resolution for detailed imaging.

- If imaging very small features (e.g., protein complexes, viral particles), a higher-NA objective may be necessary.

3. **Working Distance Trade-Off**

- The long working distance (3.1 mm) is advantageous for thick samples but can limit the field of view compared to shorter-working-distance objectives (e.g., a 20 /0.75 objective).

- Some applications may require a wider field of view, which this lens does not provide.

4. **Cost**

- High-quality Nikon objectives are expensive, especially when compared to third-party or lower-end alternatives.

- The price may not justify the purchase if the application could be served by a lower-cost lens (e.g., a 20 /0.75 air objective).

5. **Limited Depth of Field**

- Like most high-magnification objectives, this lens has a shallow depth of field, which can be challenging for imaging thick or uneven samples.

- Requires precise focusing and may necessitate z-stacking for 3D reconstruction.

6. **Not Suitable for Brightfield or Phase Contrast**

- This is a **fluorescence-specific** objective and is not optimized for brightfield or phase-contrast imaging.

- If the microscope is used for multiple modalities, additional objectives may be needed.

7. **Potential Aberrations at Extremes**

- While corrected for fluorescence, some aberrations (e.g., chromatic aberration) may still occur if used with non-standard fluorescence filters or dyes.

- Requires careful calibration and testing for optimal performance.

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### **Conclusion**

The **Nikon 20 /0.46/0 CF Plan Epi WD 3.1** objective lens is an excellent choice for **fluorescence microscopy applications where a long working distance is critical**, such as:

- Imaging thick tissue sections or 3D cell cultures.

- Live-cell imaging in flow chambers or microfluidic devices.

- High-throughput screening where minimal sample manipulation is required.

- Applications where a flat field and moderate resolution are sufficient (e.g., cell morphology, protein localization).

- High-resolution imaging of fine subcellular structures (where higher-NA objectives are better).

- Brightfield or phase-contrast applications.

- Budget-conscious setups where a lower-cost alternative could suffice.

- Applications requiring an extremely wide field of view.

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### **Recommendation**

- You are working with **fluorescence microscopy** and need a **long working distance** (e.g., >2 mm) to avoid damaging samples or interfering with experimental setups.

- Your samples are **thick or opaque**, and you require a balance between resolution and working distance.

- You are using a **Nikon microscope system** and need compatibility with their autofocus and imaging software.

- You prioritize **flat-field correction and moderate resolution** for applications like cell imaging, tissue analysis, or developmental biology.

- You need **higher resolution** (e.g., for protein complexes or viral particles) Opt for a **60 /1.4 oil objective**.

- You work with **brightfield or phase contrast** Choose a **brightfield-corrected objective** (e.g., Nikon 20 /0.75 Plan Fluor).

- You require a **wider field of view** A **lower-magnification objective (e.g., 10 )** may be more suitable.

- You are on a **tight budget** Explore **third-party or lower-cost alternatives** (e.g., Olympus or Zeiss equivalents, though compatibility may vary).

This objective is a **specialized, high-quality tool** for specific fluorescence microscopy needs. If your workflow aligns with its strengths (long WD, fluorescence, moderate resolution), it is a **strong investment**. However, if your requirements differ significantly, a different objective may better serve your needs. Always pair it with the right microscope setup and filters for optimal performance.

Details:

Please look at all photos before purchasing. Only items included in pictures are the sale. Tested and Working. This item was pulled from a working environment.

part #: 20x046 prices

• $169.49-$212.40

specifications microscopepartzo:

• brand: Nikon
• mpn: 20x/0.46
• model: Cf Plan 20x/0.46 /0 Epi Wd. 3.1
• part type: Len
• country of origin: Japan

seller microscopepartzo:

• # reviews: 11073
• rating: 99.3%
• city: San Diego, California

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• availability: In Stock
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• started: February 4, 2026
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• quantity: 1

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• Medical/Lab Equipment Attachments Accessories > Microscope Parts Accessories > Other Microscope Parts Accessories
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