The SZX16 is designed for advanced research and is suitable for oblique and brightfield illumination. Its maximum numerical aperture (NA) of 0.3 produces a resolution of 900 linepairs per millimeter, enabling more sample information to be gained efficiently. The large zoom ratio of 16.4:1, combined with the comprehensive range of parfocal objectives with excellent working distances, allows easy switching between a macro- and micro-view. Imaging of the whole organism down to fine microscopic and individual cell structures becomes an easy task with an optical system that provides a natural, distortion-free view.

Advanced Stereo with Ultra-Wide Zoom Ratio
Outstanding Optical Performance

SZX16's optics including observation tubes, zoom body, and objectives are fully apochromatic to minimize chromatic blur over the entire magnification range. The SDF (Super Depth of Focus) objectives can deliver clear and high-contrast images of virtually any specimen. The maximum NA of 0.3 produces a resolution of 900 linepairs per millimeter allowing clear visualization of fine microscopic cell and cell component structures. Such amazing resolution and peerless magnification makes work more efficient, more precise and reveals much more information from samples.

Ultra-Wide 16.4:1 Zoom Ratio

The SZX16 boasts an ultra-wide zoom ratio of 16.4:1, enabling 7x-115x magnification with a 1x objective, and up to 230x magnification with a 2x objective. This outstanding zoom range makes it ideal for a wide range of research applications, with low-magnification macro views for dissection and specimen manipulation, and ultra-sharp high-magnification views for close observation of microstructures.

Double Objectives for 3.5x to 230x Zoom

With the parfocal objectives and two-position revolving nosepiece, switching between objectives is very quick and easy, requiring little refocusing. Therefore, with the 0.5x and 2.0x objectives, the uninterrupted magnification range is 3.5x - 230x. This represents an effective zoom ratio of 65.7:1.

Advanced Fluorescence Observation

The SZX16 is ideal as a fluorescence microscope for observing everything from whole organisms to nuclear detail, thanks to its precisely engineered optics and high NA. The advanced glass materials with low autofluorescence and new surface coatings greatly increase the transmission of light and consequently improve image clarity. Furthermore, these features result in an excellent S/N ratio and high fluorescence signal intensity. Full control of the excitation light is facilitated by the 5-position filter wheel, which enables flexible illumination for low-magnification, high-resolution imaging.

High-Resolution on Every Application
High-Resolution with Large Depth of Focus

The SDF (Super Depth of Focus) objectives can deliver clear and high-contrast images of virtually any specimen. Of the six SDF objectives available for the SZX16, four are parfocal plan apochromats: 0.5x, 1.0x, 1.6x and 2.0x. The 0.3x fluorite and 0.8x plan apochromat feature extended working distances.

Optimization for Sample in Medium

The 2.0x SDF objective available for the SZX16 has the highest NA at 0.3. This plan apochromat is perfect for working with tissues and cells in medium. Its correction ring enables fine adjustment of the lenses to correct for mismatches caused by the different refractive indices of the vessel and medium. This helps to reach the maximum resolution possible when using Petri dishes and other culture vessels.

Outstanding Fluorescence Performance

The outstanding NA characteristics of SDF objectives dramatically improve fluorescence sensitivity. Furthermore, the newly designed near-vertical reflected light illuminator’s excitation light paths are independent from the observation paths, allowing for substantially improved excitation light efficiency. These features provide far brighter fluorescence observation than conventional stereomicroscopes at all magnifications. Transmitted light observation for verification of specimen outline is possible even under reflected light fluorescence observation.

Practical Design for Advanced Research
Motorized Solutions

The SZX16 motorized focus drive simplifies both focusing and zooming through use of a hand switch. It makes digital documentation with extended focal imaging (EFI) efficient and fully automatic. This even allows creation of pseudo 3D images, closing the gap between documentation and what the eyes have seen before through the stereoscopic lightpath. To facilitate automated inspections the Olympus cellSens software offers all the tools required from simple 2D measurements up to complex phase analysis in an easy to use environment.

Ample Working Space for Manipulation

Any type of manipulation under a microscope requires an ample space between the top of the sample and the bottom of the objective for the tools. The objectives available for the SZX16 have large working distance, which enable the use of both manual and automated manipulation and injection tools. Moreover, since the front end of the high-magnification 1.6x and 2x objectives is tapered, the available movement range for manipulator is significantly increased.

ComfortView Eyepieces for Reduced Eyestrain

The advanced ComfortView eyepieces enable a significantly larger range of eye movement for viewing the 3D image, making both short and long term use much more comfortable. This also makes it easier to form the stereo image, resulting in reduced occurrence of eyestrain. Also, superior optical coatings render true color images with fine detail.

Ergonomic Observation Tube and Extendable Eyepoint Adjuster

The SZX2 series features observation tubes with an optimized convergence angle designed to enable users to make observations from a natural position that minimizes eye fatigue. This solution effectively eliminates eyestrain during long periods of observation. 
Our long tilting trinocular tube (SZX2-LTTR) improves the ergonomics of our stereo microscopes. This trinocular can be adjusted from 5 to 45 degrees to facilitate a more natural head and neck position while working. In addition, the eyepoint adjuster (SZX2-EEPA) enables users to raise or lower the eyepoint within a 120 mm range to accommodate users of different heights. The combination of these ergonomic components helps reduce stress and fatigue by keeping users in a more natural posture while they’re working.

Variety of Accessories
Choice of Optimum Illumination Bases

SZX2-ILLT 
Ultra-slim transmitted-light solution for normal brightfield, enhanced contrast brightfield, darkfield and oblique illumination. At just 41 mm, the bright LED base is half the height of the normal bases and yet offers amazing flexibility, ergonomics and robustness for both experienced and first-time users.

SZX2-ILLK 
Transmitted-light stand for brightfield and oblique illumination. 
It has a built-inn 6 V/ 30 W halogen lamp and provides contrast enhanced images for transparent specimens.

SZX2-ILLD 
Transmitted-light stand for brightfield and darkfield. It has a built-inn 6 V/ 30 W halogen lamp and can be switched between brightfield and darkfield illumination; which reduces background noise and improve contrast to resolve even the finest details.

SZX2-ILLB 
The high-level transmitted-light stand for brightfield and oblique illumination. 
Its high and low contrast selection provides clear, effective contrast and illumination. 
Light intensity and color temperature are easily adjusted on 6 V/ 30 W halogen lamp 
Used with a high-magnification objective, it permits the observation of extremely small details on highly contrasted structures; which particularly effective for C. elegans, oocytes, embryos.

Digital Imaging and Documentation

The SZX16 can also be equipped with a trinocular tube and Olympus DP series digital camera for high-resolution imaging and research documentation. DP series cameras offer the high sensitivity for a wide range of applications, including high-sensitivity fluorescence imaging, and can be easily controlled using Olympus cellSens software.

cellSens Extended Focus Imaging

Create a single in-focus image from successive image planes as the focus knob is turned using the Extended Focus Imaging (EFI) function. A motorized focus drive fully automates EFI acquisition. EFI composite images can also be created directly from previously captured Z-stacks.