IX-51-2


Inverted Compound Epi-fluorescence Microscope

IX-51-2:  $12,967.57 †
The inverted microscope has become the most popular laboratory workhorse microscope because of its flexibility to combine the high-resolution of a traditional upright stereomicroscope with the top-side working distance of a dissecting scope. Thus, it is convenient for routine observation of live cells in culture flasks and dishes, as well as procedures like microinjection, in vitro fertilization (IVF/ICSI) and electrophysiology recording. Now you can get a top-quality research-grade inverted fluorescence stereo photo microscope for a fraction of what you may have thought — with two or more filter cubes, such as GFP/Fluorescein(FITC), Rhodamine(TRITC), or DAPI/Hoechst filter cubes included!

Finally there is a great alternative to the traditional route of dealing with your local "traveling salesperson" from Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss or Leica.  These companies generally make very good products, but not only do you pay a premium for their microscopes, you also pay for the salesperson, the saleperson's family, the saleperson's car, the saleperson's bonus, etc.  And, you'll pay for every single item, a la carte, at top dollar... right down to the the power cord! After they make it all add up to $20k-$30k, they try to make you feel better with a 5-10% discount.

Wouldn't it be better to pay half the price, without even asking for a discount? When you order our microscope, you pay for the equipment, not the international marketing program and sales force.  We configure the microscope with exactly the options you need, set it up, test every function with real samples, and then ship it to you.  Within minutes of opening the box, you're ready to use the scope!  And we're here nearly 24/7 to answer any questions you may have... for free... forever.  Try getting a quick response like that after placing an order w/ a local "rep"!

If the videos seem unavailable, try refreshing the web page
Here is a video that our compound fluorescence microscope visualizing neurons expressing eGFP along with their axons, and a commissure. Fluorescence detection and camera bright enough and fast enough to get this in live video of a moving worm!



Here is what you get:
Inverted Compound Stereomicroscope w/ Infinity-Corrected Optics with....
  • Trinocular head w/ eyepieces inclined 30°, adjustable interpupillary distance, ISO Camera Port  ( 0/100 Light Split )
  • Widefield high eyepoint 10X / 22mm eyepieces, each with diopter adjustment and removable eye cups
  • 5-position nosepiece to hold 5 objective lenses
  • Choose from dozens of Infinity-corrected Plan Achromat objectives 4X, 10X, 20x, 40X, 100X (available in Plan-Phase, Plan-Fluor, Plan-Apo, and Plan-Hoffman Modulation Contrast)
  • Coaxial coarse and fine focus adjustment
  • Optional Ergonomic X-Y mechanical stage attachment with coaxial control stick or GlideStage™
  • Focusable, centerable condenser for excellent Koehler illumination
  • 6V/30W  quartz halogen illuminator
  • 100-240V Universal Power Supply
  • Optional C-mount camera adapters (choose from 0.35X to 1X depending on camera sensor size)

    • Complete Epi-Fluorescence system: 
  • 100W Mercury Epi-Fluorescence attachment with filter cassette for 3 filter cubes
  • HBO 100W Mercury Arc Lamp, Lamphouse, Condenser
  • 100-240V Universal Digital Power Supply w/ adjustable intensity and bulb-life time counter

    • And your choices of 2 or more filter cube sets from many available including:

  • DAPI / Hoechst Set:  Exciter 350/50  Dichroic 400  Emitter 460/50
  • FITC/RSGFP/Fluo3/DiO/Acradine Orange+RNA Set: Exciter 480/30  Dichroic 505  Emitter 535/40
  • FITC/EGFP (Long Pass) Set:  Exciter 470/40  Dichroic 495  Emitter 515++
  • TRITC / dsRed /DiI / Cy3 Set:  Exciter 540/25  Dichroic 565  Emitter 605/55
  • Texas Red / mCherry / Cy3.5 Set:  Exciter 560/40  Dichroic 595  Emitter 630/60
  • Cy5/Alexa Fluor 633/Alexa Fluor 647 Set:  Exciter 620/60  Dichroic 660  Emitter 700/75


    • Please note that the price above is for a basic functional configuration with a few objectives and 2 fluorescence filter cubes. Your IX-51-2 will be customized according to your needs and we'll prepare a quote for you so that you can see how various options affect the price. For example, objective lenses range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars each and filter cubes are about $1000 each. The microscope can hold 3 cubes at one time, or 2 cubes and a blank.

    FAQ's

    Q: What are the dimensions of this system, in terms of being compact and fitting on my microscope table?
    A: The microscope itself is 21" (54cm) deep from the eyepieces to the back x 9" (23cm) wide; it is 21" (54cm) tall. The lamphouse for fluorescence sticks out the back of the scope on the bottom and adds 9 more inches (23cm) and has an external power supply that is 10" (26cm) deep x 4" (10cm) wide x 8" (20cm) tall.

    Q: What should I do if I want to have both 4x and 40x capabilities for both phase and fluorescence? Would the plan phase 4 and 40 work that way?
    A: Since the two fluorophores that you're most interested are excited by and emit visible light (not UV) Plan Fluor lenses are not required. However, the "phase rings" installed in phase contrast objectives block some light, so fluorescence won't be as bright as through non-contrast objectives like the Plan Fluors.
    If you want to look at something like DAPI, which is excited by UV, then Plan Fluor is more necessary, and they would also be better for seeing dim fluorescent signals.
    Note that the working distance on the 40x Plan Fluor is only 0.7mm, so it can only see through a cover slip, not a slide or dish. But is has an unobstructed numerical aperture of 0.75, so it is very "bright" compared with the partially obstructed Plan Phase with a n.a. of 0.5.

    Q: The slider which comes with the scope has 3 positions for the filter cubes. But the controller has position 1, 2 and X (which is in the middle of 1 and 2). How we can use the third position for the DAPI filter cube? Do we need to do it manually?
    A: Yes, the scope has 3 positions for cubes. Usually people like to have one position with normal bright field and two cubes at a time. Also, if you have the custom RoboScope, the automated changer switches between 2 cubes, and uses the position in between them as an "off" position so as not to photo-bleach the sample if data is to be collected over a long period of time with waiting in between image stacks.
    To use the DAPI cube, you can open up the cube slider and insert it. You can either substitute it for the "Blank" cube, or for one of the two real cubes, depending upon your purpose. You can move between the two positions of all-the-way-in and middle-position with the motor and controller. You can move between all 3 positions by detaching the motor and operating the slider manually.

    † These are our list prices. If you are paying with an Institutional Purchase Order or by check, you qualify for a 7.5% discount. Click here to change your payment method and see the lower prices.