ZEISS 440460 Plan Neofluar Oil Objective 63X/1.25 /0.17

( Brand: Zeiss ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 440460 ), ( Model: 440460 63X/1.25 /0.17 ), ( Part Type: Oil ), ( Country Of Origin: Germany ), ( Intended Use/discipline: Biological Laboratory )

Review ZEISS Plan neofluar 63x/1.25 Oil /0.17 Objective

The **Zeiss Plan-Neofluar 440460 63x/1.25 Oil Immersion Objective** is a precision-engineered optical component designed to deliver unparalleled resolution, contrast, and clarity in high-magnification microscopy applications. Part of Zeiss s renowned Neofluar series, this objective combines advanced optical design with superior correction properties to minimize aberrations such as spherical, chromatic, and field curvature while maximizing light transmission and image fidelity. With a numerical aperture (NA) of **1.25**, it excels in capturing fine structural details at the subcellular level, making it indispensable for researchers studying cellular organelles, bacterial morphology, or intricate biological specimens. The **63x magnification** strikes an ideal balance between high magnification and working distance, allowing users to observe minute details with exceptional sharpness while maintaining a manageable field of view.

Constructed with **Fluorite glass elements**, the Plan-Neofluar series is renowned for its exceptional correction across the visible spectrum, ensuring consistent performance from ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths. This objective features a **working distance of 0.17 mm**, which, while short, is optimized for oil immersion to enhance resolution and reduce light scattering. The **immersion oil requirement** (typically a refractive index of 1.515) further refines the optical path, minimizing diffraction and maximizing the theoretical resolution limit of approximately **0.2 m**, as dictated by Abbe s diffraction principle. The **plan-apochromatic** design ensures a flat image plane, critical for photomicrography and multi-channel fluorescence imaging, where precise alignment and minimal distortion are paramount.

Built to withstand rigorous laboratory use, the Plan-Neofluar 63x/1.25 is constructed with durable **metal housing and precision-ground glass optics**, coated with **Zeiss s proprietary multi-layer dielectric coatings** to enhance contrast and reduce reflections. The objective s **parfocal design** integrates seamlessly with modern microscope systems, ensuring minimal refocusing when switching between objectives. Its compatibility with **Zeiss s high-NA condenser systems** and advanced illumination sources such as halogen, LED, or mercury arc lamps further amplifies its versatility for applications ranging from brightfield and phase-contrast imaging to high-resolution fluorescence microscopy. Whether used in cell biology, microbiology, or materials science, this objective exemplifies Zeiss s commitment to pushing the boundaries of optical performance, offering researchers a tool that bridges the gap between theoretical limits and practical imaging excellence.

The Zeiss Plan-Neofluar 63x/1.25 oil immersion objective (part number 440460) is a high-quality, high-numerical-aperture (NA) objective designed for advanced fluorescence and brightfield microscopy. Below is a detailed analysis of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros**

1. **High Numerical Aperture (NA 1.25)**

The objective s high NA enhances resolution and light-gathering capability, making it ideal for imaging fine structural details, such as cellular organelles, synaptic connections, or thin tissue sections. Higher NA objectives provide better axial resolution and contrast, which is critical for detailed biological imaging.

2. **Plan-Apochromatic Correction**

The "Plan" designation indicates that the objective is corrected for flat-field imaging across the entire field of view. This reduces curvature of field errors, ensuring that the image remains sharp from the center to the edges. This is particularly useful for wide-field imaging and photomicrography where uniform focus is essential.

3. **Neofluar Design**

The Neofluar series is known for its improved contrast and aberration correction compared to traditional apochromats or fluorites. It balances performance across visible and near-UV wavelengths, making it versatile for both brightfield and fluorescence applications. The design reduces chromatic aberration, which is beneficial for multi-channel fluorescence imaging.

4. **Oil Immersion**

Oil immersion objectives like this one maximize NA by reducing light scattering at the glass-air interface, resulting in superior resolution and contrast compared to dry objectives. This is particularly valuable for high-magnification imaging where detail is paramount.

5. **Compatibility with Modern Microscopes**

The objective is designed to work seamlessly with most research-grade inverted and upright microscopes equipped for fluorescence and oil immersion. It is compatible with standard 20mm filter cubes and is often used on systems like Zeiss Axio Observer, Leica DMi8, or Nikon Ti-E.

6. **Durability and Build Quality**

Zeiss objectives are renowned for their precision engineering and durability. The 63x Plan-Neofluar is built to withstand rigorous use in laboratory settings, with robust mechanical construction and high-quality optics.

7. **Versatility in Fluorescence Imaging**

The objective s corrected range makes it suitable for a variety of fluorophores, including GFP, RFP, and other common dyes used in cellular and molecular biology. Its performance in fluorescence is often comparable to or better than lower-cost alternatives from other manufacturers.

8. **Long Working Distance Relative to NA**

While 63x objectives typically have shorter working distances, the Plan-Neofluar series often offers a slightly longer working distance than some competitors, which can be advantageous for live-cell imaging or when working with thicker samples.

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### **Cons**

1. **High Cost**

The Zeiss Plan-Neofluar 63x/1.25 is an expensive objective, often costing several thousand dollars. This price point may be prohibitive for individual researchers, small labs, or students without dedicated funding. The cost can be justified only if the objective is essential for specific high-resolution imaging needs.

2. **Short Working Distance**

The working distance of this objective is very short (typically around 0.17 mm), which can be challenging for live-cell imaging or when working with thick samples. Users may need to section samples thinly or use specialized techniques like clearing to accommodate the objective. This limitation can also make it difficult to maneuver the objective over uneven or rough surfaces.

3. **Requires Oil Immersion**

Oil immersion objectives require the use of immersion oil, which adds an extra step to sample preparation and increases the risk of contamination or oil evaporation during long imaging sessions. The oil must also be compatible with the objective s correction collar settings to avoid aberrations.

4. **Sensitivity to Alignment**

High-NA objectives like this one are sensitive to misalignment, particularly in terms of centering and focus. Improper alignment can lead to reduced resolution or aberrations. This requires careful handling and potentially more frequent maintenance or realignment.

5. **Limited Field of View**

At 63x magnification, the field of view is very narrow, which can make it difficult to capture larger structures or survey broad areas of a sample. Users may need to stitch multiple images together to cover a larger area, which can be time-consuming.

6. **Compatibility with Older or Budget Microscopes**

While this objective works well with modern research microscopes, it may not be compatible with older or lower-end microscopes that lack the necessary optical or mechanical precision. Users with older setups may need to invest in additional components (e.g., high-quality condensers, better illumination) to achieve optimal performance.

7. **Potential for Aberrations in Non-Optimal Conditions**

Like all high-NA objectives, the Plan-Neofluar can suffer from aberrations if not used correctly. For example, using the wrong type of immersion oil, incorrect focus, or misalignment can degrade image quality. This requires careful attention to detail during use.

8. **Maintenance and Care Requirements**

High-end objectives like this one require careful cleaning and handling to prevent damage to the optical surfaces. Scratches or smudges can permanently degrade performance, and improper cleaning techniques can introduce contaminants. This adds an extra layer of responsibility for users.

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### **Conclusion**

The Zeiss Plan-Neofluar 63x/1.25 oil immersion objective is one of the best high-magnification objectives available for advanced microscopy. Its high NA, flat-field correction, and excellent aberration performance make it an invaluable tool for researchers requiring the highest resolution and contrast in fluorescence and brightfield imaging. However, its high cost, short working distance, and sensitivity to alignment and maintenance can be significant drawbacks, particularly for users with limited budgets or less demanding imaging needs.

- Researchers in cellular and molecular biology who require ultra-high-resolution imaging of fine structures.

- Labs engaged in fluorescence microscopy, particularly those using multiple fluorophores.

- Users with modern, high-quality microscopes that can fully utilize its capabilities.

For users who do not require such high resolution or have budget constraints, lower-cost alternatives from other manufacturers (e.g., Nikon Plan Apo, Olympus UPlanSApo) may offer comparable performance at a reduced price. Additionally, objectives with slightly lower NA (e.g., 63x/1.4 oil) may provide a better balance between resolution and working distance.

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### **Recommendation**

- You are working on a project that demands the highest possible resolution and contrast, such as imaging synaptic connections, organelles, or thin tissue sections.

- Your microscope setup is modern and capable of fully utilizing the objective s performance.

- Your budget allows for the investment, and the objective is justified by the critical nature of your research.

- You are willing to invest time in proper alignment, maintenance, and sample preparation to maximize its potential.

- Your imaging needs do not require the absolute highest resolution, and a slightly lower NA (e.g., 63x/1.4) or a different objective series (e.g., Plan Apo) would suffice.

- Your budget is limited, and you can achieve comparable results with a lower-cost objective from another manufacturer.

- Your samples are thick or require live-cell imaging, in which case a lower magnification objective (e.g., 40x or 60x) with a longer working distance may be more practical.

- Your microscope setup is older or less precise, and you are concerned about compatibility or aberrations.

Ultimately, the Zeiss Plan-Neofluar 63x/1.25 is a premium choice for researchers who prioritize performance and are willing to invest in the best available optics. For others, careful consideration of alternatives and specific use cases is advisable.

Details:

I looked at the lens with an eyepiece and did not see any lamination, cracks or scratches on. I'm not a microscope dealer or expert. This may need to be cleaned. Includes the following microscope objective: 1 - ZEISS 440460 PLAN-NEOFLUAR 63 /1.25 OIL /0.17.

part #: 440460 prices

• $400.00-$1599.99

specifications microscopepartzo:

• brand: Zeiss
• mpn: 440460
• model: 440460 63x/1.25 /0.17
• part type: Oil
• country of origin: Germany
• intended use/discipline: Biological Laboratory

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• class: Standard
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general microscopepartzo:

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

offer microscopepartzo:

• started: May 26, 2026
• quantity: 1
• sold: 0
• options: Ship-to-home
• availability: In Stock

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• rating: 100.0%
• # reviews: 2705
• city: Mechanicsville, Virginia

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