# Swift SW380T vs National Optical DC5-163: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Swift SW380T (Swift Optical) and National Optical DC5-163 (National Optical & Scientific Instruments) among microscopes.

## Side by side

| Spec | Swift SW380T | National Optical DC5-163 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | not published | not published |
| Brand | Swift Optical | National Optical & Scientific Instruments |
| Max magnification | 2500 | 1000 |
| Head type | Trinocular, Siedentopf, 360-degree rotation, 30-degree ergonomic tilt | Binocular, 30-degree inclined, dual diopter, with 3-position beam-splitter (100% binocular / 100% camera / 70:30 split) |
| Illumination type | LED, built-in | 12V 20W halogen with variable rheostat |
| Objective count | 4 | 4 |
| Mechanical stage | Yes | Yes |
| Condenser type | Abbe, coarse and fine adjustment | Abbe, N.A. 1.25, iris diaphragm, rack-and-pinion focus, swing-out filter holder (clear/blue/green/yellow) |
| Camera compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Focus mechanism | Dual coarse and ultra-fine focus controls | Coaxial coarse (tension-adjustable) and fine (graduated) |

## Key differences

- Max magnification: Swift SW380T 2500 vs National Optical DC5-163 1000
- Head type: Swift SW380T Trinocular, Siedentopf, 360-degree rotation, 30-degree ergonomic tilt 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: Swift SW380T LED, built-in vs National Optical DC5-163 12V 20W halogen with variable rheostat
- Condenser type: Swift SW380T Abbe, coarse and fine adjustment 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: Swift SW380T Dual coarse and ultra-fine focus controls vs National Optical DC5-163 Coaxial coarse (tension-adjustable) and fine (graduated)

## Sources

- Swift SW380T: https://microscopecrew.com/swift-sw380t-review/ (microscopecrew.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/swift-sw380t-vs-national-optical-dc5-163/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Swift SW380T (not published) vs National Optical DC5-163 (not published) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/microscopes/swift-sw380t-vs-national-optical-dc5-163/
License: CC BY 4.0.