Objective Lenses
Objective lenses are the heart of every microscope, unlocking clarity and detail to reveal what matters most. As a primary factor in image quality, objective lenses determine how much detail you can see, how uniform the image appears, and how accurately it represents your sample.
With high-performance lenses for routine pathology, life science research, materials science, quality control, and beyond, our expansive collection of objectives is designed to illuminate the unseen in every sample, unlocking new discoveries and answers. We offer objective lenses for diverse observation and imaging needs, from brightfield and high-contrast methods to advanced fluorescence, multiphoton, confocal, and infrared imaging. Find lenses specially designed with a high numerical aperture, large field of view, long working distance, and other advantages.
Built on our legacy of quality and precision established over 100 years as Olympus, Evident objective lenses set the standard in optical innovation to empower exciting new breakthroughs and insights. Explore our complete range to find the best objective lens for your work.
Not sure which lens you need? → Use our Objective Finder to compare specifications, imaging compatibility, and objective designs in seconds.
Explore by Objective Type
X Line Extended Apochromat Objectives
X Line™ extended apochromat objectives are high-performance lenses that offer simultaneously enhanced brightness, resolution, uniformity, and color with our most advanced lens technology. Our award-winning X Line UPLXAPO series enables consistent quality across applications, from brightfield and fluorescence to confocal and super-resolution microscopy. These lenses are corrected for four wavelengths, exceeding the standard three-wavelength correction of conventional apochromats for sharper images with accurate color across an industry-leading spectral range of 400–1000 nm. Whether used in pathology, laboratory diagnostics, high-end research, or whole slide imaging, X Line objectives help ensure optimal image quality from the center to the edge of the field of view.
Apochromat Objectives
Apochromatic objectives are high-performance lenses designed to bring three wavelengths of light into sharp focus at the same point. This advanced color correction improves clarity and contrast, making these lenses ideal for applications requiring precise detail and color, such as fluorescence microscopy and differential interference contrast (DIC) observation. Our apochromatic objective range includes high-performance A Line series options tailored to applications such as TIRF and super-resolution imaging. It also features our MPLAPON plan apochromat series, which offers superior chromatic correction and resolution with high wavefront aberration correction for non cover glass applications.
Semi-Apochromat (Fluorite) Objectives
A semi-apochromatic objective lens, also known as a fluorite lens, offers improved color correction compared to standard achromats but does not reach the full performance of an apochromat. These lenses typically correct for two wavelengths completely and partially correct a third, reducing chromatic aberration and improving image sharpness at a lower cost. Semi-apochromats are practical for routine imaging where higher clarity is needed without the full precision of an apochromat. They are commonly used in routine brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, and fluorescence imaging and have options for long working distance and super long working distance.
Achromat Objectives
Achromat objectives are lenses designed to correct chromatic aberration for two wavelengths of light, and spherical aberration for one wavelength. This correction supports clear, reliable imaging for routine applications in biology, materials science, electronics inspection, pathology, and education. The most common type of objective lens, achromats provide high-quality observation for many standard laboratory and assembly tasks. Our wide selection of achromats includes lenses for various routine observation needs, from brightfield and darkfield to polarized light and fluorescence microscopy.
Water Immersion Objectives
Water immersion objectives are lenses designed to use water as the immersion medium between the coverslip and the front lens or to be dipped into water. They enable high numerical aperture imaging of live cells, thick tissues, and even whole animals. Water as the immersion medium helps with reduced spherical aberration, as the refractive index of water (1.33) is close to that of biological specimens. These properties make water immersion objectives widely used for high-resolution and high-contrast imaging in confocal microscopy, as well as live-cell imaging and long-term experiments.
Silicone Immersion Objectives
Silicone immersion objectives use silicone oil between the lens and the sample, offering a refractive index of 1.40—closely matching that of live cells and tissues. This reduces optical distortion, especially when imaging deeper into biological specimens. Compared to water immersion lenses, silicone objectives deliver higher resolution, improving the accuracy of cell and tissue morphology studies. The silicone medium is also highly stable, with no evaporation compared to water or glycerol, making it ideal for long-term, live-cell imaging and time-lapse applications. Our A Line™ super apochromatic objectives use silicone oil to provide clear, high-contrast images in advanced research, including multi-color and spectral imaging. These lenses are corrected for four wavelengths, surpassing the standard three-wavelength correction of conventional apochromats for sharper, more accurate imaging across a broader light spectrum.
Multiphoton (MPE) Objectives
Multiphoton objectives are high-performance lenses designed for multiphoton excitation (MPE) microscopy, a powerful fluorescence imaging technique that uses long-wavelength laser light to excite fluorescent markers deep within a specimen. These objectives are engineered to transmit near-infrared light efficiently and to collect faint fluorescence signals with high sensitivity. Their optical design often includes a large numerical aperture for improved resolution and brightness, as well as a long working distance to accommodate thick or irregular samples.
→ Learn more about our MPE objectives
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) Objectives
A TIRF objective is a specialized high numerical aperture lens designed for total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. It focuses light at a very shallow angle to create an evanescent field that excites fluorescent molecules only within a thin region, typically less than 200 nm, at the sample surface. This selective illumination produces exceptionally clear images of events occurring at or near the cell membrane, making TIRF objectives ideal for studying processes such as protein interactions, membrane dynamics, and cell adhesion.
→ Learn more about our TIRF objectives
White Light Interferometric (WLI) Objectives
White light interferometric (WLI) objectives are specialized lenses used to measure surfaces with high precision, down to just a few nanometers. They use noncontact white light to create interference patterns that reveal fine details in structures. This makes them ideal for checking the quality of fine patterns, surface roughness, or even transparent materials. Commonly used in precision engineering and manufacturing, these lenses help ensure products meet strict quality standards. Our Mirau-type objective designs set the standard in WLI, combining a high numerical aperture with a wide field of view to enhance efficiency and accelerate results.
→ Learn about our WLI objectives
IR Objectives for Silicon and Glass Materials
Infrared (IR) objectives are specially designed lenses used to image through glass and silicon (Si), enabling nondestructive inspection of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), electronic components, and semiconductor wafers. These optics can be used with a transmitted-light IR microscope to examine chip damage, short circuits, residue, and other critical structures below silicon or glass layers. Our LMPLN-IR and LCPLN-IR long working distance plan achromat lenses are developed for optimal transmission in the 700-1300 nm wavelength range, enabling bright, high-contrast imaging for inspection.
Phase Contrast Objectives
Phase contrast objectives are lenses designed for phase contrast microscopy, a technique that enhances the visibility of transparent specimens, such as live cells, without staining or altering them. These objectives contain a built-in phase plate that works with a matching phase contrast condenser. Together, they transform subtle differences in the way light passes through a specimen into visible contrast. The result: fine details in unstained samples become easier to see in real time.
Relief Contrast Objectives
Relief contrast objectives, also known as Hoffman modulation contrast objectives, are lenses designed for relief contrast microscopy, a technique that enhances the visibility of transparent, unstained specimens, particularly when using plastic culture vessels. They feature a special optical design that works with a matching relief contrast condenser to produce images with a pseudo 3D effect. This makes fine details stand out, even in samples like oocytes, with very little natural contrast, while avoiding many of the optical issues that can occur when imaging through plastic.
Objective Finder Tool
Find the best lens for your application in seconds with our Objective Finder tool. Compare objectives and narrow down choices by magnification, aperture, working distance, observation method, and more.
Microscope Objective Resources
An Introduction to Microscope Objectives
Learn how an objective lens works, explore its parts, and discover objective types in our introduction to microscope objectives.
Microscope Objectives for Specialized Applications
Explore objective lenses designed for specialized techniques like phase contrast, Hoffman modulation contrast, and more.
How to Choose the Right Microscope Objective
Unsure of what microscope objective is right for you? Use our guide on selecting the right objective lens to weigh your options.
OEM Objectives and Solutions
Evident offers OEM solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of microscope-based instrument and device manufacturers. Backed by 100+ years of optical expertise and precision engineering, our dedicated team helps guide the integration of precision-driven objectives and optical components into your imaging tools. Collaborating with us gives you access to proven technologies, reliable quality, and flexible customization to support your innovation and help accelerate product development. With fast response times, we help solve project needs from design to delivery.
Microscope Objective FAQs
How do I choose the right microscope objective lens for my application?
Selecting the right microscope objective lens depends on several important factors. To ensure optimal imaging for your specific application, consider the following:
- Magnification and resolution: Determine the level of detail required for your specific sample.
- Numerical aperture (NA): Higher NA provides better resolution and light-gathering ability.
- Working distance: Ensure the lens accommodates the physical space needed between the objective and your sample.
- Optical correction type: Choose the appropriate chromatic and spherical corrections (e.g., achromat, apochromat) for your imaging technique.
- Sample type and compatibility: Verify the objective is compatible with your specific microscopy technique (e.g., fluorescence, phase contrast) and sample preparation.
To simplify the selection process, use the Evident Objective Finder tool to identify and compare objective lenses based on your specific microscopy needs. For expert guidance, reach out to your local Evident representative.
What’s the difference between infinity-corrected and finite microscope objectives?
The primary difference between infinity-corrected and finite microscope objectives lies in how the optical system handles light after it passes through the lens:
- Infinity-corrected objectives: These lenses project light rays in parallel (to infinity) and require a secondary tube lens within the microscope body to focus the image. This design offers high optical flexibility, allowing users to insert additional optical components—such as filters, polarizers, or beam splitters—into the light path without degrading image quality. Many modern research microscopes use infinity-corrected systems for this versatility.
- Finite objectives: These lenses focus light directly at a fixed distance within the microscope body (typically 160 mm or 170 mm) without needing a tube lens. Because the light path is converging, inserting additional optical components can introduce aberrations or negatively affect image quality, limiting the system's flexibility.
When should I use oil immersion objectives vs. dry objectives?
Choosing between oil immersion and dry microscope objectives depends on your required magnification, resolution needs, and sample preparation:
- When to use oil immersion objectives: Ideal for applications requiring high magnification (typically 60X or 100X) and maximum resolution. These lenses require specialized immersion oil to match the refractive index between the objective lens and the cover glass. This reduces light refraction and significantly improves image clarity, making them perfect for detailed imaging of fixed cells, tissues, and fine subcellular structures.
- When to use dry objectives: Best suited for lower magnification work, routine scanning, or when working with live-cell samples where immersion oil might interfere with the experiment or sample integrity. Dry objectives offer greater convenience and a faster workflow since they do not require oil application or extensive cleanup.
How do microscope objectives affect image resolution and contrast?
Microscope objective lenses play a critical role in determining both the resolution and contrast of your final image. They affect image quality through two primary mechanisms:
- Numerical aperture (NA): The NA of an objective dictates its ability to gather light and resolve fine specimen detail. A higher NA allows the lens to capture more light and resolve finer structures, directly increasing image resolution. Additionally, this increased light-gathering capability significantly enhances image contrast, which is crucial in low-light applications like fluorescence imaging.
- Optical corrections: The quality of the lens's optical correction (e.g., achromat, plan achromat, or apochromat) heavily influences contrast. High-quality corrections minimize optical aberrations (such as chromatic and spherical aberrations), preventing light scattering and blurring. This results in sharper, higher-contrast images tailored to your specific application.
What coatings or corrections are available on objective lenses?
Microscope objective lenses feature various optical corrections and coatings designed to optimize image quality, resolution, and light transmission. Understanding these differences is important for selecting the right objective for your specific application.
Chromatic and Spherical Aberration Corrections
Chromatic correction refers to the number of light wavelengths a lens brings into focus.
- Achromat objectives: Correct for two wavelengths of light (typically blue and red) and minimize spherical aberration.
- Fluorite (semi-apochromat) objectives: Correct for two to three wavelengths and provide improved spherical correction compared to achromats.
- Apochromat objectives: Correct for three to four wavelengths and minimize spherical aberrations across a broad spectrum. These are ideal for high-resolution, multichannel imaging.
Field Flatness
- Plan objectives: Designed to deliver a flat image field. They maintain sharp focus across the entire field of view and minimize optical curvature, which is highly beneficial for widefield imaging and image stitching.
- X Line™ extended apochromat series: Delivers excellent field flatness, simultaneously combined with improved resolution and color correction, for consistent imaging from the center to the edge.
Optical Coatings
- Multi-layer coatings: Advanced optical coatings are applied to plan apochromat objectives to reduce reflections, enhance image contrast, and improve light transmission. These coatings are critical for fluorescence, reflected light, and materials science applications.
Correction Collars for Imaging Variability
To address variability in imaging conditions, many modern high NA objectives feature correction collars to fine-tune for spherical aberrations caused by changes in cover-glass thickness, immersion media, or imaging depth.
- Manual correction collars: Featured in objectives like the A Line™ series, enabling users to manually adjust for clarity in deep or complex samples.
- Automated correction collar system: Integrated into the IXplore™ IX85 motorized inverted microscope for greater precision and ease of use. This system adjusts correction collar settings in real time, eliminating manual variability and supporting consistent, high-quality imaging for advanced fluorescence imaging workflows.
How do I clean and maintain microscope objective lenses properly?
Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to preserve the optical performance and longevity of your microscope objective lenses. Follow these step-by-step best practices to safely clean your optics:
- Inspect the lens: Begin by examining the objective lens with an eyepiece or loupe to assess the level of dust, oil, or contamination.
- Remove loose debris: Use a gentle air blower to clear away loose dust or particles. Doing this first prevents scratching the glass during the wiping process.
- Apply cleaning solution correctly: Apply a small amount of specialized lens cleaning solution to a piece of lens paper (never directly on the lens). Always avoid harsh solvents or abrasive materials.
- Wipe in a spiral pattern: Gently wipe the lens surface starting from the center and moving outward in a spiral motion. This pushes dirt and residue away from the optical center.
- Final inspection: Look through an eyepiece or loupe once more to confirm all dust and oil residue has been removed before reattaching the objective lens to the microscope.
For more expert guidance, review our resources on properly cleaning immersion oil off objective lenses and discover the easy-care advantages of our silicone gel objective lenses.