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Using LM digital adapters to convert the Zeiss Axioplan universal microscope for photomicrography

The Zeiss Axioplan laboratory microscope can be converted for digital photography in almost no time with our tried and tested LM digital adapters. Its central optical path and infinity-corrected optical system make this instrument a great fit for photomicrography.

The Zeiss Axioplan was introduced to the market in 1986. Featuring an extremely stable, pyramid-style stand and an infinity-corrected optical system, this model has remained on the market for a very long time. In fact, it was not until the late 1990s that it was replaced by the Axioplan 2. Despite its age, it is a very high quality instrument that can compete with any new microscope in terms of optical quality. The only difference to more recent models is the fact that it is not motorised.

Particularly in photomicrography, the lenses used play an important part, since their quality has an enormous impact on image quality. Newer Zeiss optical systems are fully compatible with the lenses of the Zeiss Axioplan and can easily be retrofitted. 

The Zeiss Axioplan remains an extremely popular research tool, especially in hospitals and laboratories.
 

Microscopy methods:
Transmitted light: lightfield, darkfield, Nomarski DIC, polarisation, phase contrast
Incident light: fluorescence

Microscope stand: upright research microscope, no display

Optics: infinite

Focus adjustement:  manually

Stage: manually

Revolving nosepiece: 5 objectives, manually

Light source: halogen, fluoreszenz-HBO

Optical zoom: no

Magnification range:  50 - 1000

Objectives: PlanApo, Planachromate, Planfluoride 

Eyepieces:  30mm

Price:  € 2,000 - € 8,000 (2nd hand)

Additional information: Zeiss' successor to the Axioplan– the Axioplan2 Imgaging – was manufactured and sold from 2000 onwards

Photography: 

Fitting the microscope to digital single-lens reflex (DSLR), mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (MILC ), digital single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) or C-mount cameras is easy with our LM digital SLR adapters, which feature a plan achromatic optical system. Our products make it possible to capture top-quality microscope images. To help you select the adapter that is right for your camera, we have set up an online configurator on our website. You can also email us – ideally with attached photographs of your microscope.

Modern DSLR and single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) offer the latest technology and are generally very well suited for microscopy applications. Most of them can be controlled remotely via PC/Mac. Because of their high sales volumes, they offer an excellent price/performance ratio compared to special-purpose microscope cameras.

Features of top DSLR and single-lens mirrorless cameras (DSLM):
- Large, powerful full-frame sensors (36 x 24 mm)
- Sensor resolution of 61 megapixels or 240 megapixels with Pixel Shift technology
- High light sensitivity (ISO 400,000+)
- Extensive dynamic range (up to 15 aperture stops/f-stops)
- Short exposure times (1/8000 second) up to 1/32,000 seconds using the digital shutter
- 4K Ultra HD  or 8K Ultra HD video function
- Live video capture on external monitors in ultra HD quality

In most cases, these cameras are significantly more powerful than microscope cameras with smaller sensors (1/2" or 2/3"). On our website you will find our current camera recommendations and a camera ranking which is specifically tailored to microscopy applications.