The Nikon CFI Plan Apochromat λ 4X/0.20 ∞/- Nano Crystal Coating objective is latest Nikon Plan APO 4x model. These objectives are very well known in microscopy and with macro photographers for having a well deserved reputation over the years for excellent sharpness and very good chromatic correction.
Nikon considers the CFI Plan Apochromat 4X 0.20 as an objective for 'large-format camera sensors, with a groundbreaking, unprecedented 25mm field of view', even though Mitutoyo, Olympus, and Qioptiq all APO objectives with much larger fields, but more about that later.
This article will give you all the information you need to know about using this objective for photography with specifications, price and availability, general information, set-up, and a comparison test.
Nikon Plan Apo 4X/0.20 Objective SPECIFICATIONS
Nikon Part number: MRD00045
Official name: Nikon CFI Plan Apochromat λ 4X/0.20 ∞/- Nano Crystal Coating Microscope Objective
Objective type: Biological microscopy
NA and Nominal Aperture: This lens has a numerical aperture or NA of 0.20. The nominal aperture is f/2.0 and the effective aperture is
Focal length: 50mm
Working Distance: 15.7mm
Mount: M25 x 0.75 mount
Parfocal length: 60mm
Chromatic Correction: APO, or apochromatically corrected.
Tube lens length: 200mm. This objective is an infinity-corrected type that uses two parts – the objective and the tube lens.
Lens correction: compensation free optical system (in other words no other aberration compensation is needed, like eyepiece or tube lens). Also no coverslip needed.
Country of origin: Japan
OFN: 25mm
Sensor coverage: Poor. The Nikon 4x Plan APO image quality falls off dramatically outside the central zone, failing to cover the Sony A6300 sensor which is only 23.5mm wide, even though field of view is specified as 25mm.
The overly optimistic field coverage figure is a bit of an exaggeration by Nikon's marketing department. I own 4 different Nikon Plan APO objectives and they all have poor coverage. To see Plan APO examples follow this link: https://www.closeuphotography.com/4x-test-part-two-high-end-objectives.
Special properties
Apo: The apochromatic (Apo) objectives are the most highly corrected objectives and have the highest numerical aperture. Apochromat objectives are corrected for three colors chromatically (red, green, and blue) and two to three colors spherically. These objectives have the highest numerical aperture at a given magnification and the highest resolution.
Plan: These objectives are corrected to create a flat illumination surface (Planar).
Lambda (λ): Lambda objectives are specially coated using Nikon’s Nano Crystal anti/reflective coating to increase light transmission.
Chromatic correction: All aberrations are corrected within the objectives so there is no need for a compensating tube lens.
COMPARABLE OBJECTIVES
For photography, starting out on the lower budget side of the scale, the $17 Amscope plan 4X can't match the central sharpness of the Nikon Plan APO, not even close, but outside of the central area it is sharper and has better CA correction believe it or not. A detailed review of the $17 objective is available here on Closeuphotography.com
In the mid-range, the Mitutoyo M Plan 5x and BD Plan 5x are excellent although they can't match the central sharpness of the Nikon Plan APO either, but outside of the central zone are a much better objective overall. A detailed review of the M Plan 5x objective is available here on Closeuphotography.com
On the high-end the Qioptiq Mag.x 5x LD Plan APO matches the Nikon APO at 4x in the central area and covers the entire frame into the far corners. A detailed review of the Mag.x 5x objective is available here on Closeuphotography.com
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
Nikon 4x Plan APOs are common on the used market at online stores and Ebay. Today in January 2018 there are nine of this type of Nikon Plan APO for sale on Ebay.
New Retail price: $1660.00
Typical used Ebay selling price: $400-500
Typical used price at an online retailer: $900
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What I like about the lens
High end sharpness in the center
Apochromat correction in the center
Things that I dislike about the lens
Small image circle
Things I am disappointed with
Sensor coverage
Things I don't need
The chrome barrel style doesn't belong on a professional tool as far as I am concerned.
How to set up the Nikon CFI Plan Apo 4x objective for macro photography
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