Apparent bargain

ChrisR · Post by **ChrisR** » Sun Jan 12, 2020 7:35 am

On eBay currently, some Nikon infinite 20x Plan Apo 0.75 at $100.

abpho · Post by **abpho** » Sun Jan 12, 2020 11:00 am

Is that good?

Pau · Post by **Pau** » Sun Jan 12, 2020 12:00 pm

abpho wrote:Is that good?

Likely it is: they usually come form retired DNA sequencers in lab upgrades*

Some time ago I bought one of them for a bit more ($135 if I recall well) and it's a beauty, not for "macro style" shooting but for use in the adequate biological microscope: be aware of the 1mm WD and the need of a 0.17mm cover glass

* https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/ ... 647#243647

viktor j nilsson · Post by **viktor j nilsson** » Mon Jan 13, 2020 4:34 am

I'm heavily invested in the Nikon CF 160mm system, and already have a finite Nikon CFN 20x 0.75 PlanApo objective (which is incredible). So these infinity objectives are kind of redundant for me. I am nevertheless always extremely tempted when I see them being offloaded from old gene sequencers for peanuts. I'm sure they are fantastic, and at $100 it has to be the best bargain in optics.

When I started out looking for Nikon CF objectives, I could scarcely find a stinkin' CF E plan 20x for $100. Now anyone can pick up these state-of-the art objectives for next to nothing!

Adalbert · Post by **Adalbert** » Mon Jan 13, 2020 4:57 am

Hi Chris, hi Pau,
If I wanted to take some simple photographs using the cover glass (or without) which one would be better?

NIKON objective lens Plan APO 20X / 0.75 DIC N2/ 0.17 WD 1.0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-objectiv ... SwmWxeB7Qv

Nikon CFO Plan APO VC 20x / 0.75 Air UV Microscope Turret Objective
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-CFO-Plan ... SwoBFdyzPn

BR, ADi

Pau · Post by **Pau** » Mon Jan 13, 2020 5:27 am

The unbranded "vc" one at your first link also comes from a DNA sequencer but typically the auction title is wrong: it seems to be a Nikon Plan Apo 20/0.75 but corrected for a much thicker cover glass, so much less convenient in general (and likely not VC type).

It has been discussed at
http://www.microbehunter.com/microscopy ... 208#p56365

And, mixed with other topics at https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/ ... 057#243057

Lou Jost · Post by **Lou Jost** » Mon Jan 13, 2020 5:42 am

Note that these unbranded ones come in multiple types, presumably for different gene sequencers. They may have different coverslip thickness requirements, and may or may not be "UV enhanced" or "Violet corrected" as claimed in the internet seller's descriptions. They can be distinguished by the part number printed on their sides. Information is available on the thread mentioned by Pau, but make sure the information corresponds to the part number of the objective in question. Right now on eBay I see two types, 0500-0087 and 1501-9398.

Some of the sellers are actual laboratories selling their own objectives, while others are massive resellers with no connection to the objectives in their original apparatus. The descriptions on these resellers' listings might not be based on actual knowledge.

In any case these are seriously good objectives for applications using flat subjects and transmitted light.

Adalbert · Post by **Adalbert** » Mon Jan 13, 2020 6:28 am

OK, I have just bought one but total = $155.92 with shipping and import costs to the EU.