Kern OBT 104 transmitted light microscope, binocular, 4x–40x objectives, 1 W LED illumination
€268.00
% Manufacturer's RRP: €335.00 20% below manufacturer's RRP
- Binocular transmitted-light microscope for schools, training and hobby use
- Standard objectives: 4x, 10x, 40x; total magnification 40x to 400x
- 1 W LED illumination, continuously dimmable, coaxial coarse and fine adjustment
- Abbe condenser with aperture diaphragm, aperture 1.25, height-adjustable
- Can be powered by 3 AA batteries (not included)
- 24-month warranty
Product information "Kern OBT 104 transmitted light microscope, binocular, 4x–40x objectives, 1 W LED illumination"
The Kern OBT 104 is a binocular transmitted-light microscope designed for school lessons and science education. Kern markets the OBT 104 as the successor to the binocular school microscopes OBS 104, OBS 106, OBS 114 and OBS 116, which are no longer part of the Kern range. With its three standard objectives (4x, 10x and 40x) and a 10x eyepiece, it offers a total magnification range of 40x to 400x, whilst the LED illumination ensures uniform transmitted light illumination of the specimens.
Optics and magnification
The binocular tube is inclined at 45 degrees and can be rotated. The 4x, 10x and 40x objectives are of achromatic quality and are mounted on a four-position revolver with one slot free for an additional objective. The WF 10x eyepiece has a field of view of 18 millimetres. The interpupillary distance (48 to 75 mm) and dioptre adjustment on the left-hand tube can be adjusted to suit each user.
Illumination and focusing
The transmitted light illumination uses a 1-watt LED. It is continuously dimmable and, according to Kern, long-lasting. Focusing is achieved via a coaxial coarse and fine adjustment mechanism on both sides of the stand, with a minimum adjustment range of 0.0025 millimetres. This allows for precise focusing even at the highest magnification of 400x.
Cross-table and condenser
The stage measures 115 x 82 x 15 millimetres, with a travel range of 52 and 20 millimetres, allowing a specimen to be moved in two directions without repositioning it. The Abbe condenser with an aperture of 1.25 is height-adjustable and permanently mounted on the condenser mount; there is no provision for centring. An aperture diaphragm regulates the light cone to suit the specimen’s specific contrast.
Design and weight
The stand is of an upright design. Its dimensions are 195 x 147 x 325 millimetres, with a net weight of 2.8 kilograms. The microscope can be carried by one person when moving between classrooms or for storage in an equipment trolley.
Power supply and battery operation
The OBT 104 operates with a mains adaptor for an input voltage of 100 to 240 volts; the power cable is detachable. The protection class is III (safety extra-low voltage). For mobile use without a mains socket, such as by a window, the microscope can be powered by three 1.5-volt AA batteries; the battery compartment, complete with a lid, is located on the underside. Battery operation is intended for use in dry environments only. Batteries are not included.
Typical applications
As a binocular school microscope with three objectives, the OBT 104 is suitable for the following applications:
- Biology lessons in primary and secondary schools, for example with onion skin cells, plant sections or water samples
- Examination of translucent, thin and high-contrast specimens such as plant tissue, stained cells or parasites
- Basic training in laboratory and scientific professions
- Microscopy as a hobby and at adult education centres
Differences from the Kern OBT 106
In addition to the OBT 104, LT Laborhandel stocks the Kern OBT 106, a second model from the same OBT 1 series. The tube, condenser and focusing mechanism are identical; according to the Kern product page, both feature a 1 W LED. The difference lies in the objective set: the OBT 106 also features a 100x objective and an oil immersion objective, giving it a total magnification of up to 1000x, whilst the OBT 104 retains the three objectives (4x, 10x and 40x) and a total magnification of up to 400x. If you only need up to 400x magnification in the classroom, the OBT 104 will suffice; if you wish to show specimens at higher magnification, the OBT 106 is the better choice.
Frequently asked questions about the OBT 104
What is the maximum total magnification? 40x, 100x and 400x, depending on the objective used (4x, 10x, 40x) with the standard 10x eyepiece.
Can the microscope be operated without a mains socket? Yes, with 3 AA batteries (1.5 V); the battery compartment, complete with a cover, is located on the underside. Battery operation is intended for use in a dry environment only. Batteries are not included.
What is the difference between the OBT 104 and the OBT 106? The OBT 106 also features a 100x oil immersion objective, giving it a maximum magnification of 1000x, whilst the standard objectives on the OBT 104 provide a total magnification of 40x to 400x.
How long is the warranty valid for? 24 months.
What is included in the scope of delivery? The microscope with 4x, 10x and 40x objectives and WF-10x eyepieces, a mains adaptor, a dust cover and an instruction manual. Batteries are not included.
Technical details
| Optical system | Finite |
| Tube | Binocular, 45-degree angle, rotatable |
| Eyepiece | WF 10x, field of view 18 mm |
| Standard objectives | 4x, 10x, 40x (achromatic) |
| Total magnification | 40x to 400x |
| Objective turret | 4 positions, 1 space free |
| Eye relief | 48 to 75 mm |
| Dioptre adjustment | on the left-hand tube |
| Focusing | Coaxial coarse and fine adjustment; fine adjustment with a minimum adjustment range of 0.0025 mm |
| Illumination | 1 W LED, transmitted light |
| Condenser | Abbe, aperture 1.25, height-adjustable, fixed to the condenser mount (cannot be centred) |
| Aperture diaphragm | Fitted |
| Stage | 115 x 82 x 15 mm |
| Stage travel | 52 mm / 20 mm |
| System | Vertical |
| Power supply | Mains power supply, 100 to 240 V |
| Protection class | III, safety extra-low voltage |
| Mains cable | detachable |
| Battery compartment | on the underside, with cover, for 3x AA batteries (1.5 V), for dry environments only |
| Storage conditions | 0 to 40 °C, max. 85% relative humidity |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 195 x 147 x 325 mm |
| Weight (net) | 2.8 kg |
| Weight (gross) | 3.4 kg |
| Warranty | 24 months |
Contents
- Microscope with 4x, 10x and 40x objectives and WF-10x eyepieces
- Mains adaptor
- Dust cover
- User manual
Batteries for battery operation are not included.
Customised requirements & procurement service
Further eyepieces and objectives with different magnifications are available for the OBT 104, as well as accessories for cleaning and maintaining the optics. LT Laborhandel’s procurement service assists with selecting suitable accessories for Kern microscopes. Enquiries should be sent to lt-laborhandel.de/service.