# Celestron LABS CM2000CF vs National Optical DC5-163: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Celestron LABS CM2000CF (Celestron) and National Optical DC5-163 (National Optical & Scientific Instruments) among microscopes.

## Side by side

| Spec | Celestron LABS CM2000CF | National Optical DC5-163 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $315 | not published |
| Brand | Celestron | National Optical & Scientific Instruments |
| Max magnification | 2000 | 1000 |
| Head type | Monocular, 360-degree rotatable, 45-degree incline | Binocular, 30-degree inclined, dual diopter, with 3-position beam-splitter (100% binocular / 100% camera / 70:30 split) |
| Illumination type | Halogen, variable intensity dial | 12V 20W halogen with variable rheostat |
| Objective count | 4 | 4 |
| Mechanical stage | Yes | Yes |
| Condenser type | Abbe, N.A. 1.25, iris diaphragm | Abbe, N.A. 1.25, iris diaphragm, rack-and-pinion focus, swing-out filter holder (clear/blue/green/yellow) |
| Camera compatible | — | Yes |
| Focus mechanism | Rack and pinion, separate coarse/fine dials, 0.1mm travel per rotation | Coaxial coarse (tension-adjustable) and fine (graduated) |

## Key differences

- Max magnification: Celestron LABS CM2000CF 2000 vs National Optical DC5-163 1000
- Head type: Celestron LABS CM2000CF Monocular, 360-degree rotatable, 45-degree incline vs National Optical DC5-163 Binocular, 30-degree inclined, dual diopter, with 3-position beam-splitter (100% binocular / 100% camera / 70:30 split)
- Illumination type: Celestron LABS CM2000CF Halogen, variable intensity dial vs National Optical DC5-163 12V 20W halogen with variable rheostat
- Condenser type: Celestron LABS CM2000CF Abbe, N.A. 1.25, iris diaphragm vs National Optical DC5-163 Abbe, N.A. 1.25, iris diaphragm, rack-and-pinion focus, swing-out filter holder (clear/blue/green/yellow)
- Focus mechanism: Celestron LABS CM2000CF Rack and pinion, separate coarse/fine dials, 0.1mm travel per rotation vs National Optical DC5-163 Coaxial coarse (tension-adjustable) and fine (graduated)

## Sources

- Celestron LABS CM2000CF: https://kwtelescope.com/cm2000cf-compound-microscope/ (kwtelescope.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- National Optical DC5-163: https://www.homesciencetools.com/content/reference/MI-163DC5.pdf (homesciencetools.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microscopes/celestron-labs-cm2000cf-vs-national-optical-dc5-163/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Celestron LABS CM2000CF ($315) vs National Optical DC5-163 (not published) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microscopes/celestron-labs-cm2000cf-vs-national-optical-dc5-163/
License: CC BY 4.0.