# National Optical DC5-163 vs Levenhuk D740T: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the National Optical DC5-163 (National Optical & Scientific Instruments) and Levenhuk D740T (Levenhuk) among microscopes.

## Side by side

| Spec | National Optical DC5-163 | Levenhuk D740T |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | not published | not published |
| Brand | National Optical & Scientific Instruments | Levenhuk |
| Max magnification | 1000 | 2000 |
| Head type | Binocular, 30-degree inclined, dual diopter, with 3-position beam-splitter (100% binocular / 100% camera / 70:30 split) | Trinocular, 360-degree rotation, 45-degree inclination |
| Illumination type | 12V 20W halogen with variable rheostat | LED, 3W, brightness-adjustable |
| Objective count | 4 | 4 |
| Mechanical stage | Yes | Yes |
| Condenser type | Abbe, N.A. 1.25, iris diaphragm, rack-and-pinion focus, swing-out filter holder (clear/blue/green/yellow) | Abbe, N.A. 1.25, iris diaphragm |
| Camera compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Focus mechanism | Coaxial coarse (tension-adjustable) and fine (graduated) | Coaxial; coarse 22mm stroke, fine 0.002mm per division |

## Key differences

- Max magnification: National Optical DC5-163 1000 vs Levenhuk D740T 2000
- Head type: National Optical DC5-163 Binocular, 30-degree inclined, dual diopter, with 3-position beam-splitter (100% binocular / 100% camera / 70:30 split) vs Levenhuk D740T Trinocular, 360-degree rotation, 45-degree inclination
- Illumination type: National Optical DC5-163 12V 20W halogen with variable rheostat vs Levenhuk D740T LED, 3W, brightness-adjustable
- Condenser type: National Optical DC5-163 Abbe, N.A. 1.25, iris diaphragm, rack-and-pinion focus, swing-out filter holder (clear/blue/green/yellow) vs Levenhuk D740T Abbe, N.A. 1.25, iris diaphragm
- Focus mechanism: National Optical DC5-163 Coaxial coarse (tension-adjustable) and fine (graduated) vs Levenhuk D740T Coaxial; coarse 22mm stroke, fine 0.002mm per division

## Sources

- National Optical DC5-163: https://www.homesciencetools.com/content/reference/MI-163DC5.pdf (homesciencetools.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- Levenhuk D740T: https://levenhuk.com/catalogue/microscopes/levenhuk-d740t-5-1m-digital-trinocular-microscope/ (levenhuk.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microscopes/national-optical-dc5-163-vs-levenhuk-d740t/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, National Optical DC5-163 (not published) vs Levenhuk D740T (not published) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microscopes/national-optical-dc5-163-vs-levenhuk-d740t/
License: CC BY 4.0.