Celestron
Celestron LABS CM2000CF
$315
Best Microscopes · head-to-head
Celestron LABS CM2000CF vs National Optical DC5-163
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Celestron LABS CM2000CF is cheaper at $315. Every spec and price links to its source.
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National Optical & Scientific Instruments
National Optical DC5-163
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Celestron LABS CM2000CF | National Optical DC5-163 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $315 | — |
| Brand | Celestron | National Optical & Scientific Instruments |
| Released | — | — |
| 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) |
Sources — Celestron LABS CM2000CF: kwtelescope.com (verified 2026-08-01). National Optical DC5-163: homesciencetools.com (verified 2026-08-01).
What's the difference between the Celestron LABS CM2000CF and National Optical DC5-163?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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)