I am purchasing a new scope for my rig and looking for practical feedback on which works best for slice applications. I am considering the Nikon FN1, Olympus BX51 and Zeiss Axioskop.

Any input on which would be better off getting?

I personally do not do slice work, but my colleagues that do have two Olympus BX50WI scopes with which they are very happy.

It is funny you should write, as I just submitted my purchase requisition today for the Olympus scope.

I had narrowed it down to Olympus BX51 and Nikon FN1. Friends had given positive endorsements for both scopes and during the demos I could not really see any real difference. It was a tough decision as I had no concrete factors to bias me one way or the other.

In the end Olympus was slightly cheaper so I went with that.

Hi All,
Thats quite interesting, for couple of years I was using the Zeiss Axioscope and was very happy with the results I got.
The software axiovision is also a great tool to work with.
I did alot of immunostaining even triple staining and always had good advice from zeiss reps when ever I needed some help.
So I think that none of them would be a bed choice. Go with the one that you like.
Guy

Oftentimes it just comes down to inter-compatibility of all the microscopes in your group so that you can share spare parts and have common service contracts to reduce overheads.

I've heard that Zeiss has superior optics, but it's price was significantly more than the Olympus or Nikon quotes. As I am just setting up my first lab, I had to stay within budget.

Presently, I have a human tissue lab and will be building an animal lab in the next year. For infection control reasons I have been told that I can't swap equipment from lab to lab.

As I can't interchange parts, I think my next scope will either be Zeiss or Nikon so I can at least compare which one I like best and then just stick with that model/brand....but at you point out it might save me money to have a common service contract.

Price is always a limitation.
My self I did not have to pay for the scope so no dilema for me.
In any way I was and am working with Zeiss since I have started my biology studies until now and it is arround 15years. Did not have any problems and when ever had a question always Zeiss personal gave me an immediate response which is also very important.
They came and gave me presentation added new software etc.
So just take also that under your consideration
Guy

Maybe you can try some other microscope that your colleges have. I personally have worked with Nikon, Zeiss and Olympus. Yes, Zeiss objectives are great, but more important is if you are adding any software to it (use it as a confocal too). If I was just to buy a microscope I would choose a Nikon, but I like the software that comes with Olympus the best "Fluoview FV500' which worked well for both cultures and slides. But my advice is to stick to one brand if you can and save a lot of moey on service contract and upgrades.