Fluorescence Microscopes

Buy used, refurbished, and sourced fluorescence microscopes from mLab Supply for cell biology, molecular biology, and research laboratories. Our inventory includes upright and inverted epifluorescence and widefield fluorescence systems from Nikon, Evident Olympus, ZEISS, and Leica Microsystems. Net 30 available for qualified institutions. All systems are quote-based — contact us to confirm configuration, included optics, and availability before purchase.

<h2>How to Choose a Fluorescence Microscope</h2><p>Selecting a fluorescence microscope requires matching the instrument's geometry, illumination, optics, and automation level to your specific workflow. Key considerations include:</p><ul><li><strong>Upright vs inverted geometry</strong> — determined by sample type and vessel format (see section below)</li><li><strong>Live-cell vs fixed-sample workflow</strong> — live-cell imaging often requires environmental control and faster acquisition; fixed samples tolerate longer exposures</li><li><strong>Fluorescence illumination</strong> — lamp-based and LED-based systems differ in spectral output, stability, and maintenance requirements; confirm the illumination source included with any used system</li><li><strong>Filter sets and fluorescence cubes</strong> — excitation and emission filter compatibility must be verified for your fluorophores; filter cubes are not always included with used systems</li><li><strong>Objectives</strong> — magnification, numerical aperture, immersion type, and working distance vary substantially; confirm which objectives are included and their condition</li><li><strong>Camera and imaging requirements</strong> — monochrome vs color, sensitivity, resolution, and frame rate depend on your application; camera inclusion and compatibility must be confirmed per unit</li><li><strong>Motorized vs manual components</strong> — motorized stages, focus drives, and filter turrets enable automated acquisition but add complexity and cost; verify motorization status on any used system</li><li><strong>Stage configuration</strong> — XY travel range, insert compatibility, and environmental enclosure options vary by model</li><li><strong>Software</strong> — image acquisition and analysis software versions, licensing, and computer compatibility must be confirmed before purchase</li><li><strong>Serviceability</strong> — availability of service documentation, parts, and qualified service providers for the specific model</li><li><strong>Footprint</strong> — bench space, vibration isolation requirements, and darkroom or light-controlled environment needs</li></ul><p>Contact mLab Supply to discuss your application requirements before requesting a quote.</p><h2>Upright vs Inverted Fluorescence Microscopes</h2><p>The two primary fluorescence microscope geometries serve different sample types and workflows. Neither format is universally superior — the correct choice depends on your specimens and experimental design.</p><h3>Upright Fluorescence Microscopes</h3><p>Upright fluorescence microscopes illuminate and image from above the specimen. They are well suited to fixed tissue sections, histological slides, smears, and other samples mounted on standard glass slides. The objective approaches the sample from above, making them practical for samples that cannot be inverted. Common applications include immunofluorescence on tissue sections, fixed-cell imaging on slides, and fluorescence-labeled histology. Models in our inventory include the Nikon Eclipse Ni-U and the Evident Olympus BX53.</p><h3>Inverted Fluorescence Microscopes</h3><p>Inverted fluorescence microscopes illuminate from above and image from below, with the objective beneath the stage. This geometry is suited to live-cell imaging in dishes, flasks, multi-well plates, and other open-top vessels where the sample rests on the bottom of the container. Inverted systems allow access around the specimen for micromanipulation, perfusion, or environmental control. Common applications include live-cell fluorescence imaging, cell culture monitoring, and dish-based assays. Models in our inventory include the Nikon Eclipse Ti2, Evident Olympus IX83, ZEISS Axio Observer, and Leica DMi8.</p><h2>Widefield Fluorescence vs Confocal Microscopy</h2><p>Widefield fluorescence microscopy and confocal microscopy are distinct imaging modalities suited to different experimental needs.</p><p><strong>Widefield fluorescence</strong> illuminates a larger field of the specimen simultaneously using a broad excitation source directed through the objective or condenser. It is commonly used for routine fluorescence imaging of fixed and live samples, immunofluorescence, reporter assays, and general cell biology. Widefield systems are typically faster, simpler to operate, and lower in cost than confocal systems.</p><p><strong>Confocal microscopy</strong> uses a pinhole aperture and point-by-point scanning to reject out-of-focus fluorescence signal, enabling optical sectioning and 3D reconstruction of specimens. Confocal systems are suited to more advanced imaging workflows requiring depth discrimination, reduced background, or volumetric data. Confocal microscopes represent a separate instrument category and are not listed in this collection.</p><p>Widefield fluorescence systems cannot perform confocal optical sectioning. If your workflow requires confocal imaging, contact mLab Supply to discuss availability.</p><h2>Popular Manufacturers and Models</h2><p>mLab Supply sources fluorescence microscopes from leading manufacturers including Nikon, Evident Olympus, ZEISS, and Leica Microsystems. Common models include the Nikon Eclipse Ti2 (inverted), Nikon Eclipse Ni-U (upright), Evident Olympus IX83 (inverted), Evident Olympus BX53 (upright), ZEISS Axio Observer (inverted), ZEISS Axio Imager (upright), and Leica DMi8 (inverted). Contact us to request a specific model, configuration, or accessory set not currently listed.</p><h2>Fluorescence Microscopes vs General Brightfield Microscopes</h2><p>Fluorescence microscopes and general brightfield microscopes serve fundamentally different imaging purposes.</p><p><strong>Brightfield microscopes</strong> use transmitted visible light to create contrast based on the absorption and scattering properties of the specimen. They are suited to stained histological sections, unstained transparent specimens with phase or DIC contrast, and general transmitted-light applications. The <a href="/collections/microscopes">general Microscopes collection</a> includes brightfield and transmitted-light systems.</p><p><strong>Fluorescence microscopes</strong> use specific excitation wavelengths to stimulate fluorophores within or attached to the specimen, detecting the emitted fluorescence signal. They require appropriate excitation sources, dichroic mirrors, and emission filters not present on standard brightfield systems.</p><p>Some microscope platforms can be configured for both transmitted-light and fluorescence contrast methods, but the specific configuration of any used system must be confirmed before purchase. Do not assume a listed system includes both modalities unless verified.</p><h2>Buying Used and Refurbished Fluorescence Microscopes</h2><p>Purchasing a used or refurbished fluorescence microscope requires careful evaluation of the complete system configuration. Key items to confirm include:</p><ul><li><strong>Microscope stand</strong> — physical condition, frame integrity, and focus mechanism</li><li><strong>Fluorescence illuminator</strong> — type, condition, and included lamp or LED module</li><li><strong>Filter cubes</strong> — which fluorescence filter cubes are included; filter cubes are not always present on used systems</li><li><strong>Objectives</strong> — which objectives are included, their magnification, numerical aperture, immersion type, and optical condition</li><li><strong>Condenser</strong> — type and condition for transmitted-light contrast methods if applicable</li><li><strong>Stage</strong> — manual or motorized, XY travel, and insert compatibility</li><li><strong>Camera</strong> — whether a camera is included, its type, sensor, and interface compatibility</li><li><strong>Controller and electronics</strong> — motorization controller, focus controller, and associated cabling</li><li><strong>Motorized components</strong> — verify which axes and functions are motorized and operational</li><li><strong>Computer and software</strong> — whether a computer is included, software version, and licensing status</li><li><strong>Service history</strong> — available PM records, calibration documentation, and repair history</li><li><strong>Included accessories</strong> — immersion oil, dust covers, manuals, and ancillary items</li></ul><p>mLab Supply provides available configuration details for each listed system. Request exact configuration, service history, and included accessories before purchase.</p><h2>Objectives, Filter Cubes, Cameras, and Accessories</h2><p>The performance and utility of a fluorescence microscope depend heavily on its optical and accessory configuration. Configuration varies substantially between used systems and must be confirmed before purchase.</p><ul><li><strong>Objectives</strong> — compatibility is determined by the objective thread standard (RMS, M25, M32) and the microscope's optical design; not all objectives are interchangeable across manufacturers</li><li><strong>Filter sets and fluorescence cubes</strong> — excitation filter, dichroic mirror, and emission filter must be matched to your fluorophores; confirm which cubes are included and their spectral specifications</li><li><strong>Cameras</strong> — monochrome scientific cameras, color cameras, and sCMOS or CCD sensors vary in sensitivity and frame rate; camera inclusion and interface compatibility must be confirmed per unit</li><li><strong>Light sources</strong> — mercury arc, metal halide, LED, and laser-based illumination systems differ in spectral output, stability, and maintenance; confirm the illumination source type and condition</li><li><strong>Stages</strong> — motorized XY stages, manual stages, and environmental enclosures are not universally included; confirm stage type and travel range</li><li><strong>Condensers</strong> — darkfield, phase, DIC, and brightfield condensers may or may not be present on fluorescence-configured systems</li><li><strong>Controllers</strong> — motorization controllers, focus controllers, and associated software drivers must be compatible with your computer and operating system</li><li><strong>Adapters and C-mounts</strong> — camera adapters and relay lenses affect image magnification at the sensor; confirm compatibility</li><li><strong>Software</strong> — NIS-Elements, cellSens, ZEN, LAS X, and other acquisition platforms vary by version and licensing model; confirm software version and license transferability</li></ul><h2>Applications</h2><p>Used and refurbished fluorescence microscopes from mLab Supply support a wide range of research applications:</p><ul><li>Cell biology — fluorescence imaging of cellular structures, organelles, and processes</li><li>Molecular biology — visualization of fluorescently labeled nucleic acids and proteins</li><li>Immunofluorescence — antibody-based fluorescence labeling of fixed cells and tissues</li><li>Fluorescence-labeled tissue imaging — stained and labeled histological sections</li><li>Live-cell research — time-lapse and dynamic imaging of living specimens</li><li>Fixed-cell imaging — endpoint fluorescence imaging of processed samples</li><li>Protein localization — subcellular localization of fluorescently tagged proteins</li><li>Reporter assays — GFP, RFP, and other fluorescent reporter visualization</li><li>Microbiology research — fluorescence imaging of microbial specimens</li><li>General fluorescence imaging — routine epifluorescence and widefield fluorescence workflows</li></ul><p>Contact mLab Supply to confirm whether a specific system is suited to your application before purchase.</p><h2>Illumination and Detection Considerations</h2><p>Fluorescence microscope performance depends on the compatibility of the illumination source, filter sets, and detection system.</p><ul><li><strong>Lamp-based illumination</strong> — mercury arc and metal halide lamps provide broad-spectrum excitation but require periodic lamp replacement and alignment; confirm lamp hours and condition on used systems</li><li><strong>LED illumination</strong> — LED modules offer longer service life, faster switching, and more stable output; confirm which LED wavelengths are included</li><li><strong>Excitation and emission filter compatibility</strong> — filter cubes must be matched to your fluorophores; mismatched filters result in poor signal or high background</li><li><strong>Camera sensitivity</strong> — detector quantum efficiency and read noise affect the minimum detectable signal; confirm camera specifications for your application</li><li><strong>Exposure control</strong> — shutter speed, gain, and binning settings affect image quality and photobleaching rate</li><li><strong>Photobleaching considerations</strong> — fluorophore stability under continuous illumination varies; illumination intensity and exposure duration should be optimized per experiment</li><li><strong>System configuration</strong> — the combination of light source, filter set, objective, and camera determines overall system sensitivity; request full configuration details before purchase</li></ul><h2>Motorization, Imaging, and Software</h2><p>Motorization and software capabilities vary substantially between fluorescence microscope models and configurations.</p><ul><li><strong>Manual vs motorized stage</strong> — motorized XY stages enable automated scanning, tiling, and multi-position acquisition; manual stages require operator positioning</li><li><strong>Focus control</strong> — motorized Z-focus enables Z-stack acquisition and autofocus routines; confirm whether focus drive is motorized and operational</li><li><strong>Automated acquisition</strong> — time-lapse, multi-channel, multi-position, and Z-stack acquisition require compatible motorization and software; not all used systems support automated workflows</li><li><strong>Camera integration</strong> — camera control is typically handled through the acquisition software; confirm driver and interface compatibility</li><li><strong>Image capture software</strong> — NIS-Elements (Nikon), cellSens or VS-ASW (Evident), ZEN (ZEISS), and LAS X (Leica) are the primary platforms; confirm version and included modules</li><li><strong>Software licensing</strong> — software licenses may not transfer with used systems; confirm license status and whether a new license is required before purchase</li></ul><p>Not every listed system is motorized or supports automated acquisition. Confirm motorization status and software configuration before purchase.</p><h2>Installation and Workflow Planning</h2><p>Relocating and installing a fluorescence microscope requires planning beyond standard bench placement.</p><ul><li><strong>Bench footprint</strong> — fluorescence microscopes vary in size; confirm bench dimensions and load capacity before delivery</li><li><strong>Vibration isolation</strong> — sensitive fluorescence imaging may require an anti-vibration table or isolation platform; assess your facility environment</li><li><strong>Electrical requirements</strong> — confirm voltage, amperage, and outlet configuration for the microscope, illuminator, controller, and computer</li><li><strong>Darkened imaging conditions</strong> — fluorescence imaging typically requires reduced ambient light; assess room light control or enclosure options</li><li><strong>Computer and controller setup</strong> — confirm computer specifications, operating system compatibility, and port availability for camera and controller connections</li><li><strong>Camera connections</strong> — USB, FireWire, GigE, and Camera Link interfaces require compatible ports and drivers; confirm before installation</li><li><strong>System alignment</strong> — fluorescence illuminators and filter cubes may require alignment or adjustment after relocation</li><li><strong>Verification after relocation</strong> — confirm optical performance, illumination uniformity, and software function after installation at the destination site</li></ul><p>mLab Supply can coordinate freight, packing, and installation logistics on select systems. Contact us to discuss your installation requirements.</p><h2>Procurement and Logistics</h2><p>mLab Supply supports institutional and research procurement workflows for fluorescence microscopes.</p><ul><li><strong>Formal quotations</strong> — written quotes available for all listed systems; contact us to request a quote with configuration details</li><li><strong>Purchase orders</strong> — Net 30 available for qualified institutions; contact us to establish terms</li><li><strong>Institutional procurement</strong> — we work with university purchasing departments, research hospitals, government laboratories, and corporate procurement teams</li><li><strong>Sourcing specific configurations</strong> — if a specific model, objective set, or accessory configuration is not currently listed, contact us to discuss sourcing options</li><li><strong>Freight and packing</strong> — fluorescence microscopes require careful packing and climate-controlled freight; mLab Supply coordinates appropriate shipping on select systems</li><li><strong>Deinstallation</strong> — we can coordinate deinstallation and removal from your facility for surplus systems</li><li><strong>Installation coordination</strong> — installation and setup coordination available on select systems; contact us for details</li><li><strong>Surplus microscope purchasing</strong> — mLab Supply purchases surplus and decommissioned fluorescence microscopes; visit our <a href="/pages/sell-lab-equipment">Sell Lab Equipment</a> page to request an offer</li></ul><h2>Related Laboratory Equipment</h2><p>Fluorescence microscopy is often used alongside complementary analytical instruments. mLab Supply also sources <a href="/collections/microscopes">general laboratory microscopes</a>, <a href="/collections/flow-cytometers">flow cytometers</a>, <a href="/collections/cell-counters-and-viability-analyzers">cell counters and viability analyzers</a>, and <a href="/collections/microplate-readers">microplate readers</a> for cell biology and molecular biology laboratories. To request a quote on any system, visit our <a href="/pages/request-a-quote">Request a Quote</a> page. To sell surplus fluorescence microscopes or other laboratory equipment, visit our <a href="/pages/sell-lab-equipment">Sell Lab Equipment</a> page.</p><div class="mlab-collection-faq"><h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2><details><summary>What is a fluorescence microscope?</summary><p>A fluorescence microscope is an optical instrument that uses specific excitation wavelengths to stimulate fluorophores within or attached to a specimen, then detects the emitted fluorescence signal through matched emission filters. Fluorescence microscopes are used in cell biology, molecular biology, immunofluorescence, and a wide range of research applications requiring visualization of fluorescently labeled structures.</p></details><details><summary>What is the difference between upright and inverted fluorescence microscopes?</summary><p>Upright fluorescence microscopes image from above the specimen and are suited to fixed tissue sections and slides. Inverted fluorescence microscopes image from below and are suited to live-cell imaging in dishes, flasks, and multi-well plates. The correct geometry depends on your sample type and vessel format.</p></details><details><summary>What is the difference between fluorescence and brightfield microscopy?</summary><p>Brightfield microscopy uses transmitted visible light to create contrast based on specimen absorption and scattering. Fluorescence microscopy uses excitation light to stimulate fluorophores and detects the emitted signal. Fluorescence systems require excitation sources, dichroic mirrors, and emission filters not present on standard brightfield instruments. Some platforms support both modalities, but configuration must be confirmed per unit.</p></details><details><summary>What is the difference between widefield fluorescence and confocal microscopy?</summary><p>Widefield fluorescence illuminates a broad field simultaneously and is suited to routine fluorescence imaging. Confocal microscopy uses a pinhole aperture and point scanning to reject out-of-focus signal, enabling optical sectioning and 3D imaging. Confocal systems are a separate instrument category. Widefield fluorescence systems cannot perform confocal optical sectioning.</p></details><details><summary>What should I inspect before buying a used fluorescence microscope?</summary><p>Key items to confirm include: microscope stand condition, fluorescence illuminator type and condition, which filter cubes are included, which objectives are included and their optical condition, stage type and motorization status, camera inclusion and compatibility, controller and cabling, computer and software version, service history, and any included accessories. Request full configuration details before purchase.</p></details><details><summary>Are objectives included with used fluorescence microscopes?</summary><p>Objective inclusion varies by unit. Some used systems are sold with a full objective set; others are sold without objectives or with a partial set. Confirm which objectives are included, their magnification, numerical aperture, immersion type, and condition before purchase. Do not assume objectives are included unless confirmed.</p></details><details><summary>Are cameras or filter cubes included?</summary><p>Camera and filter cube inclusion varies substantially between used systems. Some units include a camera and a set of fluorescence filter cubes; others do not. Confirm which cameras, filter cubes, and light sources are included with any specific system before purchase.</p></details><details><summary>Are used fluorescence microscopes calibrated before sale?</summary><p>Calibration status varies by unit. mLab Supply provides available service history and configuration details for each system. Request calibration documentation, PM records, and performance verification information before purchase. Do not assume a used system has been calibrated unless confirmed.</p></details><details><summary>Can mLab Supply source a specific Nikon, Evident, ZEISS, or Leica system?</summary><p>Yes. mLab Supply actively sources fluorescence microscopes from Nikon, Evident Olympus, ZEISS, Leica Microsystems, and other manufacturers. If a specific model, configuration, or accessory set is not currently listed, contact us through the <a href="/pages/request-a-quote">Request a Quote</a> page to discuss sourcing options.</p></details><details><summary>What software and computer requirements should I confirm?</summary><p>Confirm the acquisition software platform (NIS-Elements, cellSens, ZEN, LAS X, or other), software version, included modules, and license status. Verify computer operating system compatibility, available ports for camera and controller connections, and whether a computer is included with the system. Software licenses may not transfer with used systems.</p></details><details><summary>Does mLab Supply coordinate freight and installation?</summary><p>Yes, on select systems. Fluorescence microscopes require careful packing and appropriate freight handling. mLab Supply can coordinate deinstallation, packing, freight, and installation logistics on select systems. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements when requesting a quote.</p></details><details><summary>Does mLab Supply buy surplus fluorescence microscopes?</summary><p>Yes. mLab Supply purchases surplus, decommissioned, and used fluorescence microscopes from research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and laboratories. Visit our <a href="/pages/sell-lab-equipment">Sell Lab Equipment</a> page to submit your equipment details and request an offer.</p></details></div>