ZEISS 440341 Plan Neofluar Microscope Objective 20X/0.50 /0.17

( Brand: Zeiss ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 440341 ), ( Model: 440341 2 20X/0.50 /0.17 ), ( Country Of Origin: Germany ), ( Intended Use/discipline: Biological Laboratory )

Review ZEISS Ph Plan neofluar 20x/0.50 /0.17 Microscope Objective

The **Zeiss Plan-Neofluar 20x/0.50 (0.17 mm working distance)** objective is a precision-engineered optical component designed to deliver exceptional clarity, contrast, and resolution in brightfield microscopy applications. Part of Zeiss s renowned Neofluar series, this objective combines advanced apochromatic correction with a robust mechanical construction to ensure consistent performance across a wide range of imaging tasks. With a nominal magnification of 20x, it strikes an ideal balance between field of view and detail, making it well-suited for examining semi-thin tissue sections, cell cultures, and small biological specimens with remarkable precision. The **0.50 numerical aperture (NA)** enhances light-gathering capability, reducing diffraction effects and improving edge-to-edge sharpness, while the **0.17 mm working distance** accommodates thicker coverslips (up to 1.5 mm) without compromising focus stability a feature particularly valuable in histology and pathology workflows. Crafted with Zeiss s signature **Fluorite glass elements**, this objective minimizes chromatic aberrations, ensuring that color fidelity remains intact across the visible spectrum, from blue to red wavelengths. The **Plan correction** eliminates field curvature, producing a flat image plane that aligns seamlessly with digital cameras and high-resolution sensors, while the **immersion-free design** eliminates the need for oil or water immersion, simplifying sample preparation and reducing contamination risks. Ideal for both research and educational settings, the Plan-Neofluar 20x excels in applications requiring high-throughput imaging, such as routine cytology, microbiology, and material science, where reliability and optical consistency are paramount. Its durable **metal housing** and precise centering further enhance durability, making it a long-term investment for laboratories demanding uncompromising performance. Whether paired with a standard or infinity-corrected microscope, this objective exemplifies Zeiss s commitment to optical excellence, delivering crisp, distortion-free images that empower scientists to observe fine structural details with confidence.

### **Pros and Cons of the Zeiss Plan-Neofluar 20x/0.50/0.17 Objective (440341)**

#### **Pros**

1. **High-Quality Optical Performance**

The Plan-Neofluar series is renowned for its sharp, distortion-free imaging and excellent resolution. The 20x magnification strikes a balance between wide-field viewing and sufficient detail for many biological and materials science applications.

2. **Plan-Apochromatic Correction**

The objective is designed as a plan-apochromat, meaning it minimizes chromatic and spherical aberrations across a broad spectrum of wavelengths (typically UV to near-IR). This ensures consistent, high-contrast images regardless of the light source or filter used.

3. **Long Working Distance (0.17 mm)**

The relatively long working distance (compared to higher-magnification objectives) allows for easier sample manipulation, imaging thicker specimens, or using live-cell imaging setups without crashing the objective into the slide.

4. **Durability and Precision Engineering**

Zeiss objectives are built to last, with robust mechanical construction and high-quality glass elements. The 20x Plan-Neofluar is no exception, offering reliable performance over extended use.

5. **Compatibility with Modern Microscopes**

This objective is designed for use with infinity-corrected microscopes, which are common in research and advanced imaging applications. It integrates well with digital cameras, fluorescence systems, and other high-end microscopy setups.

6. **Versatile Applications**

Suitable for brightfield, phase contrast, and some fluorescence applications (depending on the microscope configuration). The 0.50 numerical aperture (NA) provides a good balance between resolution and light transmission for many biological samples.

7. **Minimal Field Curvature**

Plan objectives correct for field curvature, ensuring that the image remains flat across the entire field of view, which is critical for photography and quantitative imaging.

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#### **Cons**

1. **High Cost**

Zeiss objectives are premium-priced, and the Plan-Neofluar 20x is no exception. For general teaching or low-budget applications, this may be overkill compared to lower-cost alternatives from other manufacturers.

2. **Limited Working Distance for Some Samples**

While the 0.17 mm working distance is adequate for many samples, it can be restrictive for very thick specimens or specialized techniques (e.g., certain types of live-cell imaging or high-resolution confocal microscopy).

3. **Not Ideal for High-Resolution Fluorescence**

Although usable in fluorescence, the 0.50 NA is not optimized for high-resolution fluorescence imaging (e.g., super-resolution techniques). For fluorescence work, higher-NA objectives (e.g., 60x or 100x) are often preferred.

4. **Requires Infinity-Corrected Microscope**

This objective is designed for infinity-corrected systems. If your microscope uses finite correction, you will need an adapter or a different objective, which may limit compatibility.

5. **Maintenance Sensitivity**

High-quality objectives require careful handling to avoid dust, scratches, or immersion oil contamination. Improper cleaning or storage can degrade performance over time.

6. **Overkill for Basic Teaching Labs**

In educational settings where budget is a constraint, a lower-cost objective (e.g., a 10x or 20x from Nikon or Olympus) may suffice for introductory courses without sacrificing much in terms of image quality.

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### **Conclusion**

The Zeiss Plan-Neofluar 20x/0.50/0.17 objective is an excellent choice for researchers, advanced students, or professionals who require high-resolution, distortion-free imaging across a wide range of applications. Its plan-apochromatic correction, durability, and compatibility with modern microscopy setups make it a reliable investment for demanding work. However, its high cost and specific requirements (infinity correction, careful handling) may not justify the purchase for basic or budget-conscious users.

### **Recommendation**

- **Buy if:** You are working in a research lab, require high-quality imaging for biological samples, fluorescence, or quantitative analysis, and your microscope is infinity-corrected. The objective s balance of magnification, resolution, and working distance makes it ideal for applications where precision matters.

- **Avoid if:** You are on a tight budget, work primarily in teaching labs with low sample diversity, or need higher NA for fluorescence imaging. In such cases, consider alternatives like Nikon Plan Fluor or Olympus UPlanSA objectives, which offer similar performance at a lower cost.

- **Consider alternatives:** If the budget is a concern, explore used markets (e.g., eBay, microscope resellers) where Zeiss objectives are often available at discounted prices. Additionally, check if your microscope already has a compatible objective that meets your needs before purchasing.

Details:

Includes the following microscope objective: 1 - ZEISS 440341 01 PH 2 PLAN-NEOFLUAR 20X/0.50 /0.17. This may need to be cleaned. I'm not a microscope dealer or expert. I looked at the lens with an eyepiece and did not see any lamination, cracks or scratches on.

part #: 440341 prices

• $300.00-$595.00

specifications microscopepartzo:

• brand: Zeiss
• mpn: 440341
• model: 440341 2 20x/0.50 /0.17
• country of origin: Germany
• intended use/discipline: Biological Laboratory

returns microscopepartzo:

• policy: No Returns

seller microscopepartzo:

• rating: 100.0%
• city: Mechanicsville, Virginia
• # reviews: 2647

payments microscopepartzo:

• credit card: Visa
• wallet: Google-pay
• other

offer microscopepartzo:

• availability: In Stock
• quantity: 1
• started: April 7, 2026
• sold: 0
• options: Ship-to-home

shipping microscopepartzo:

• carrier: FedEx
• service: FedEx Ground / FedEx Home Delivery
• cost: $27.51
• type: Calculated
• class: Standard
• transit: 3-7 Days

general microscopepartzo:

• condition: Used
• Medical/Lab Equipment Attachments Accessories > Microscope Parts Accessories > Other Microscope Parts Accessories

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