When buying a pre-owned/used microscope is well worth It! We put together this microscopy guide to share our perspective and showcase alternative options to extend your budget when your lab needs a new microscope. The common belief is that buying new equipment is always better. In many circumstances, it is; everyone likes the new car smell… However, when it comes to working with the often limited budgets that universities and businesses currently face, spending money on brand-new microscopes may not be an ideal solution. Keep in mind that it is new only until the day you buy it!
Why pre-owned is a viable choice. When considering the purchase of a research-quality microscope setup for fluorescence or darkfield studies, you may often look at brands such as Nikon, Zeiss, Olympus (Evident), or Leica. All of them are excellent choices. We do not advocate for one brand over the other, as all of them make very solid products. This guide, however, will look at the benefits of considering a pre-owned microscope purchase vs. going new. What savings may I see? Opting for a pre-owned microscope can lead to significant savings without compromising image quality or ease of use. In fact, microscope models that are just one generation older than the current one on the market may deliver equivalent image quality and performance to the new model. However, when you stack savings and extra components/accessories you can purchase with those funds, it may allow you to configure a microscope with even better imaging capabilities.
This option will offer you very significant savings, often exceeding 70% when compared to the current model that is currently sold and purchased new. You simply get a lot more for your money. Want the current model? Buying a pre-owned will also work perfectly if you prefer to get a current model but would like to reduce your expenditures and have more funds for upgrades or another instrument for your lab. Current model pre-owned/used/refurbished microscopes that are custom configured can be found at 50%-80% off vs their MSRP prices. What the microscopy community may say. If you chat with many microscopy technicians who have been in this business for a while and are familiar with previous generations of microscopes, they would advise you that many older model microscope models, when properly configured, are quite comparable in image quality to models of the current generation. For much of the past two decades, internal optics of general-use research microscopes have seen only minor improvements. Today, the biggest factors affecting the quality of your images will be objectives, light sources, cameras, and accessories that improve image quality, such as DIC or Phase Contrast. *Please note this does not apply to confocal(laser-based) or very advanced setups where technology is moving much faster. In general, a pre-owned/used/refurbished microscope can be a very wise and cost-effective choice. If you are willing to consider it, we suggest you read on further.
It is all about warranty, custom configuration, and training. Warranty! Here are the questions customers often ask when buying pre-owned: - What about the warranty?
- How long warranty do I need?
Our recommendation is to get at least a 120-day warranty. Generally, within the first 30-45 days of usage, you will identify if there are issues with the microscope. If there are any, the seller will have enough time to remedy them within the warranty period. We highly recommend you do not delay using your microscope when it arrives to ensure any issues are identified within the warranty period. Make sure the seller covers shipping charges under warranty, just keep packing materials. Customization Process (Will it work for my application)
Imagine receiving a new, pre-owned microscope only to find out it is missing(or has incorrect) multiple components required for your unique application and can`t be used. Had we sold microscopes as they arrived, this would almost always be the case. Every pre-owned/used microscope in the wild was initially configured for a specific application/study, and it is likely different from yours. Our feedback is to work with an experienced seller who will understand your technical requirements and your application and have the necessary parts to customize the microscope you choose. Technical Consulation:
For customers who may need help with identifying and selecting the right model and configuration, make sure you get a technical consultation. We can’t stress how important it is to have it properly customized based on your needs. Any mistakes here will be very costly and cause a lot of frustration. Do not rush this process. Training:
If you're getting a fully automated fluorescence microscope, make sure the seller offers, at minimum, a zoom/remote training session. These microscopes are much more complex than their mechanical counterparts, and having them improperly set may cause objective/stage collisions or simply stressful onboarding experiences. Mechanical microscopes are more straightforward, but we suggest having the seller provide a general usage overview training to help you quickly become familiar with using your microscope.
So now let`s talk about how the savings stack up. Example one: Comparing the Olympus IX71 mechanical microscope to the current model.
Say you have the NIH grant, and your budget is $18,000.00. Buying new will likely get you a general configuration: base, illumination, standard fluorescence components and objectives, and a basic or no camera. If you need DIC, you are likely way outside of this range. Now, suppose you go with a pre-owned microscope, such as an Inverted Olympus IX71, which is fully mechanical and set up for fluorescence imaging. Here is what you can get for $12,000.00-$18,000 (on top of standard configuration): - IX71 Microscope and with standard components.
- Metal Halide or LED fluorescence light source
- Fluor objectives
- Additional filter cubes
- PCO sCMOS high-end camera
Add DIC components (at over 50% off vs. new) or motorized stage, controller, and joystick (at 60-70% vs new cost) Example two: The current model is a fully automated microscope with drift control.
You got an NIH grant for $50,000 and are planning on getting an automated microscope. This sounds great until you have it quoted and realize that the allocated budget will not be nearly enough. This is where buying pre-owned shines the most. Take, for example, the pre-owned Zeiss Observer 7 that we carry. You will be able to get: - Zeiss Observer 7 base
- Motorized Definite Focus 3
- Motorized lightpath
- Motorized/automated Z-Axis Drive
- Motorized filter cube turret
- Motorized Condenser
- Motorized objective(nosepiece) turret
- Motorized XY Stage Setup
- Lumencor LED Fluorescence Light Source
- Four Neofluoar or APO objectives
- Brand new fluorescence filters
- PCO or Andor sCMOS camera.
You can get a 180-day warranty, which is extendable to a full year, and pay less than 50% compared to buying the same components new.
Now let`s get technical. How should you decide on the components you need? How to select objectives:
There are three basic types of objectives available for microscopes: Plan (Achromat), Plan (Fluorite), and Plan (Apochromat). Each objective type contains different internal lens groups that magnify and correct the distortions caused by refracting the incoming light path. Plan Achromat objectives are the simplest design and most affordable option. These are mainly used on routine microscopes for brightfield transmitted studies only. Their lower NA (numerical aperture) provides longer working distances from the bottom of the objective to the subject. Plan Fluorite or Fluor objectives are the next increase in objective quality. Containing a few more corrective lenses, the Fluor objective provides higher resolution along with better correction of chromatic aberration (seen as color distortions at the edge of the field of view). The flatness of the field is better corrected, allowing the image at the center and the edge of the field to remain at the same focal point. These objectives are great for epi-fluorescent and brightfield transmitted viewing. Great middle-of-the-road multi-purpose objective if super high quality is not required. Apochromatic or APO objectives are the highest quality objectives we can offer. With even more corrective lens groups, these have a great flatness of field, higher resolution capability, and the greatest chromatic correction available. Perfect for use when high magnification is required, as the image will be brighter and sharper. Great for use when publication photos are required or for high-resolution confocal imaging. Fluorescent light sources:
Common Epi-fluorescent light sources in microscopy are Mercury Lamps, Metal Halide Lamps, and LED diode Lamps. LED is the newest technology available. However, mercury and metal halide still perform well when imaging fluorescence-dyed samples. Mercury Arc Lamps:
These lamps today are widely used in routine microscopes to view dyed samples. The bulb is a sealed glass tube containing mercury vapor that is excited via electrical arc discharge. This produces a wide spectrum from UV (300nm) to Red (600nm). The spectrum output of the lamp has peak intensities for the common fluorescent dyes: DAPI (365nm), YFP (436nm), GFP (488nm), TRITC (546nm), and Texas Red (594nm). Bulb replacement is cheap, and the typical life span is around 200 hours. Metal Halide Lamps:
An upgrade from the Mercury lamp, the Metal Halide uses an arc discharge to excite mercury vapor and metal halides to create a strong spectral band. With the combination of a built-in reflector, the light is amplified, making the overall peak intensity higher than a mercury lamp. The main benefits include:
The total life span is up to 2,000 working hours.
Overall, the spectrum is more uniform across the spectrum than a mercury lamp.
Higher peak intensity in GFP (488nm) and far red (up to 700nm). This lamp is widely used in research-grade microscopy, with Exfo X-Cite being one of the most popular brands. LED Diode Lamps:
Light-emitting diodes have been manufactured to emit specific narrow-band excitation when specific spectral ranges and high intensities are required. Running cooler and using less power to produce light, LED lamps are a great improvement over arc discharge lamps. Typical usage can range from 15,000 to 20,000 hours, which means never having to replace the light source for the life of the microscope. Several known brands produce these LED illumination light sources for major microscope brands on the market. The two most common LED lamps available are the white light spectrum and multi-channel spectrum light sources. Depending on the installed LED diodes, the output spectrum can range from 365nm to 750nm. Choosing the right camera:
Four Main types of camera technology are available for image capture in microscopy. Each has its own advantages, depending on the budget or application. These include the following sensor technologies: CMOS:
These are the most common sensors for a multitude of cameras. Usage in cell phones, at-home security cameras, and DSLR cameras have these sensors. Almost always, color cameras, which include a color filter mask, are placed on the imaging pixels to produce a color composite image. Containing a higher megapixel count for a higher resolution. Good overall brightfield light response but lacking in low light capabilities. Depending on the model, it may not be recommended for low-light fluorescent imaging as longer exposure times are required to obtain images. sCMOS:
This is the newest imaging sensor technology on the market. It has a high quantum efficiency (the effectiveness of the sensor to convert photons into electrons) and excellent low-light capabilities (for low-light fluorescence imaging).
Due to their sensitivity to light, sCMOS sensors also have a high frame rate in low-light conditions. Typically, sCMOS produces monochrome images as a monochrome sensor, but without the color mask filter, it will have a higher resolution. These are the industry standard cameras in microscopy when photos for publication are required or for fast fluorescent imaging to prevent photobleaching. CCD:
While an older imaging sensor technology, created in the 1970s, is still used for low-light and long-exposure imaging, it is the most economical option available.
CCD sensors have a great low noise-to-signal ratio and are widely used in astronomy and microscopy.
Ideal for low-light fluorescent imaging. Frame rates are lower on these style imaging sensors. Also, the megapixel count is generally lower than that of CMOS or sCMOS sensors. EMCCD:
An improvement to the CCD camera, these sensors employ electron multiplication to increase electron signal strength, which in turn increases sensitivity and frame rate. Created by Andor, these cameras are excellent for the detection of single photon events, low-intensity fluorescent signals, or lower power levels from the excitation source. Image Processing
Once images are obtained, post-processing of images can be done using the manufacturer’s software (Nikon NI Elements, Leica LasX, Zeiss’ Zen, and Olympus (Evident) CellSens). Another great alternative to these factory and pricey application suites is the open-source ImageJ/Fiji software, which we include pre-installed and configured on most microscopes we sell. Capable of the many demanding tasks, it can perform the following and most commonly used techniques in microscopy: - Image stitching
- Z-Stacking
- Deconvolution
- Cell Counting
- Annotating
- Creating color composite images
- Many other capabilities are available
DIC/Polarization/Phase Contrast:
Depending on the samples you are viewing, other illumination methods beyond brightfield transmitted light are also available. The contrast of the samples can be enhanced by either DIC (Differential Interference Contrast, Polarization, or Phase Contrast. The most common and simple method of increasing contrast on unstained cells is to use Phase Contrast. With phase contrast, a condenser annulus ring is utilized along with an objective that has a corresponding ring. The result shows the refractive index differences of the sample, increasing the contrast on parts such as cell walls and internal organelles. Polarization utilizes a polarizer before and after the specimen to show the birefringent characteristics. This is commonly used to view any transparent crystalline structures. DIC contrast is a form of polarization that uses prisms to shear the polarized light a minuscule amount. This enables the contrast of transparent specimens to show very fine detail in the cell structure. While the effects are similar to phase contrast, much smaller details are able to be resolved. Motorized stages:
When precision is required in viewing areas of a sample or automation, upgrading to a motorized stage is required. Whether on an upright or inverted microscope, a motorized stage will allow you to automate taking pictures of a sample, such as well scanning or slide scanning. Our motorized microscopes are set up and configured with the open source software, MicroManager for this purpose. Motorized stages also have the ability to include inserts that allow for holding of microplates, different-sized petri dishes, flasks, or slides (either 1x3 or 2x3).
Here are some of the cost differences you may see on components bought pre-woned vs. new.
This is to give you an idea of the cost difference between new vs. pre-owned. High Quality Objectives Fluor or APO:
Set of (4x,10x,20x,40x Objectives) - NEW ($3,500-$14,000) vs. Pre-Owned ($1,000-$5,000) Upgraded Fluorescence Light Sources:
Metal Halide - NEW ($3,000-$7,000) vs. Pre-Owned ($1,000-$1,800)
LED Source - NEW ($3,500-$18,000) vs. Pre-Owned ($1,200-$5,000) Upgrade Cameras:
sCMOS- NEW ($8,000-$27,000) vs. Pre-Owned ($3,000-$8,500) DIC components:
DIC set for 10x, 20x, 40, and all related pieces may be priced new at $5,000- $14,000 compared to pre-owned, around half the cost of new. So now that we have discussed pricing and the improvement of getting a pre-owned fluorescence microscope, we need to address the questions that everyone will ask about any pre-owned product. What about warranty and part availability? Support? Lifespan?
Decided to purchase your next microscope from us? We will assist you every step of the way.
Warranty:
Our warranties guarantee functionality and cover parts and labor if issues are found upon setup. We cover shipping during the warranty. All you need to do is keep the original packing materials. Our team of dedicated technicians will work with you to address and fix any issues that have been reported. Beyond our standard included warranty, many of our microscopes also offer extended warranty plans up to one year in length or multi-year agreements. This gives peace of mind when buying pre-owned/used and limits downtime in the lab should anything fail. Customization:
As microscopes are highly modular systems, our team will configure them to your requirements. The most common customization options are adding contrast methods such as phase contrast, DIC, Hoffman Contrast, or brightfield reflective illumination. Higher-quality cameras, motorized stages, and LED light sources are also popular.
When selecting and discussing the correct customizations for your application with our team, it is encouraged to send samples (if possible) to confirm that they will function with the microscope being purchased. In-person or Zoom demonstrations and in-depth discussions can also be arranged to find the right configuration. What about reliability:
To summarize, microscopes that are well cared for and kept in a dust-free environment will have exceptionally long lifetimes. Keeping the optics clean and preventing long periods of sitting unused are the main maintenance needed on any microscope. What to avoid:
We think you likely want to avoid headaches…the headaches that are caused by buying an incomplete or improperly configured microscope, one that arrives damaged, has chipped optics, or simply is out of alignment. Learn more about our microscopy capabilities Our Microscopy Capabilities (bostonind.com) At Boston Industries (MicroscopeGuru), we offer a wide variety of pre-owned microscopes, including many current models from Zeiss, Olympus (Evident), Leica, and Nikon. Our team is experienced, and we have an abundance of spare parts.
Speak to our microscopy team member and take a look at a large pool of microscopes we have available at Microscope and Imaging selection at Bostonind.com
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