Kern OZL 465 Stereo Zoom Microscope, 7x-45x Zoom, LED Reflected and Transmitted Light

Whether you’re checking a printed circuit board for soldering faults or preparing an insect for a biology lesson, you need an image with depth of field and the ability to switch quickly between an overview and close-up detail. The Kern OZL 465 stereo zoom microscope covers a zoom range of 0.7x to 4.5x; with the supplied 10x eyepieces, this gives a total magnification of 7x to 45x. The binocular head sits on a column stand, is tilted at 45 degrees and can be rotated through 360 degrees. LED lighting illuminates the specimen either from above or from below, with separate dimming controls. Kern positions this model as an all-rounder for schools, training centres, testing facilities and laboratories.

Zoom range and field of view

The zoom lens covers a range from 0.7x to 4.5x, a ratio of 6.4 to 1. When used with the HWF 10x eyepieces, this results in the stated total magnification of 7x to 45x. At the lower end of the zoom range, the field of view is 28.6 mm; at the upper end, it is 4.4 mm. This allows an entire circuit board to fit within the field of view, or a single solder joint to be viewed in close-up. The working distance of 105 mm leaves enough space for tweezers or a soldering iron beneath the optics, whilst the stage accommodates samples up to 140 mm in height.

Head and stand adjusted to the user

The dioptre adjustment operates on both sides from minus 5 to plus 5, whilst the interpupillary distance can be set between 55 and 75 mm. High-eye-point eyepieces ensure the distance between the eyes and the lens is sufficient for spectacle wearers. The microscope head is detachable; the head mount has a diameter of 76 mm and therefore also fits other modular Kern stands. Focusing is achieved via a coarse focus knob; the OZL 465 does not have a separate fine focus knob.

LED illumination for reflected and transmitted light

Incident and transmitted light can be dimmed separately, each with 3-watt LED output. Incident light illuminates opaque specimens such as printed circuit boards, minerals or insects from above, whilst transmitted light illuminates thin specimens and microscope slides from below. The contrast mode is brightfield. The presence of two independently controllable light sources in a single unit distinguishes the OZL 465 from simpler stereo microscopes with only one direction of illumination.

Digitisation: optical in the basic model, expandable via accessories

The basic model of the OZL 465 does not have a built-in camera sensor; it is a purely optical microscope. Users who wish to display or document the specimen on a screen can retrofit the microscope with an eyepiece camera. For users who require a digital image from the outset, Kern offers the OZL 462, a dedicated microscope head with a digital output. This is a standalone product with its own item number and is not part of this offer.

Storage and warranty

The housing can withstand storage temperatures ranging from minus 5 to 40 degrees Celsius, which is relevant for transport in winter or for temporary storage in an unheated adjoining room. Kern provides a 36-month warranty on the device and confirms, in accordance with REACH classification, that it contains no prohibited substances.

Typical applications

Kern cites a wide range of applications for the OZL-46 series, from reproductive medicine to quality control:

• In-vitro fertilisation
• Parasite detection
• Zoology and botany
• Tissue preparation and sections
• Quality control
• Specimens with a three-dimensional appearance, such as insects, seeds, printed circuit boards or components

In educational settings, the microscope displays specimens from biology lessons in three dimensions rather than as flat images. In electronics manufacturing, quality assurance uses it to check solder joints and assembled printed circuit boards for completeness, without having to set up a digital system for every production run.

Frequently asked questions about the OZL 465

Can a camera be fitted at a later date? Not as a retrofit directly onto the OZL 465, but an eyepiece camera can be added as an accessory. For a unit with a factory-fitted digital output, the separate OZL 462 head is the right choice.

How tall can the sample be? The stage accommodates samples up to 140 mm in height.

Is the microscope suitable for people who wear spectacles? Yes, the eyepieces are designed with a high eye point, and the dioptre adjustment ranges from minus 5 to plus 5 on both sides.

How heavy is the microscope? The net weight is 4.6 kg, and the dimensions are 300 x 240 x 420 mm.

Is transmitted light possible for thin specimens? Yes, transmitted light can be dimmed independently of the incident light; both light sources are LED-based.

What type of plug is supplied? The mains adaptor comes with a EURO plug; other versions for the UK, US or Switzerland are available as options according to the data sheet.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• OZL 465 stereo zoom microscope with column stand
• Dust cover
• Eyecups
• User manual (multilingual)
• Mains adaptor with EURO plug; other plug types available as an option

A camera is not included in the scope of delivery; the basic model is purely optical.

Individual requirements and procurement service

For an eyepiece camera, additional accessories or calibration following commissioning, LT Laborhandel’s procurement service is available to assist. Enquiries should be sent to lt-laborhandel.com/service.