Which Clinical Microscope Offers Better Value for Your Lab?
At Munday Scientific & Microscope Marketplace, we work with Olympus BX-series microscopes every day — refurbishing them, repairing them, and placing them into pathology and cytology labs across the country. Two models we’re often asked to compare are the Olympus BX45 and the Olympus BX46.
The BX45 is the predecessor to the BX46, and while the BX46 is technically newer, newer doesn’t always mean better. Below is a practical breakdown comparing these scopes to help you choose the right one for your lab’s needs.
Built for Durability
Olympus BX45
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Heavier, more metal-rich frame
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Less plastic in the base and internal structure
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Smoother and more robust focus gearing
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Designed for clinical environments with heavy use
Olympus BX46
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Lighter overall feel with more plastic components
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Still reliable, but not as mechanically overbuilt as the BX45
Bottom line: The BX45’s more durable construction tends to hold up better over years of daily clinical use.
Phase Contrast & PCM Capabilities
This is a big difference.
Olympus BX45
✅ Can be configured with Phase Contrast (PCM)
This means you can add phase contrast objectives and a phase condenser — ideal for cytology and other applications that benefit from enhanced contrast without staining.
Olympus BX46
❌ Phase contrast cannot be added.
The condenser on the BX46 does not support phase contrast accessories, so if PCM is part of your workflow, the BX45 is clearly the better choice.
Illumination: LED Options
BX46
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Comes standard with LED illumination
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Front-mounted rheostat for brightness control
BX45
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Typically halogen from the factory
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Can be upgraded to LED — a recommended upgrade for most labs
Once upgraded to LED, the BX45’s illumination performs on par with the BX46.
Light Intensity Management (LIM) System
Another difference: the BX46 can be fitted with a coated nosepiece for the LIM (Light Intensity Management) system — a feature Olympus developed to help automatically adjust light intensity as magnification changes.
What is LIM?
The LIM system helps maintain consistent brightness when changing objectives by adjusting light output automatically. It’s a convenience feature that can reduce the need for manual light adjustments, especially in routine clinical workflows.
However:
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It’s not essential
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It’s not something you can retrofit onto a BX45
So while it’s a nice add-on for the BX46, it doesn’t outweigh the flexibility the BX45 offers elsewhere — especially phase contrast.
Ergonomics & Workflow
Both scopes share Olympus’ ergonomic design, including:
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Lower stage height to reduce arm and shoulder strain
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Comfortable viewing geometry for long sessions
They both work beautifully for cytology and pathology workloads.
Parts & Serviceability
Good news here — both microscopes share:
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The same heads
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Interchangeable eyepieces
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Compatible stages
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Many common internal components
This makes servicing and parts replacement easier if you own either model.
Fluorescence Limitations
Neither the BX45 nor the BX46 is ideal for fluorescence:
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Conversions are difficult
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Not cost-effective compared to purpose-built models (e.g., BX51 or BX53)
These microscopes excel at:
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Brightfield
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Phase contrast (BX45 only)
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Routine clinical histology and cytology
Cost, Value & Availability
Here’s where the BX45 really stands out.
At Microscope Marketplace, our refurbished microscopes are:
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In stock and ready to ship
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Offered at up to ~40% off original list price
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Far less expensive than buying new with long lead times
Because of its mechanical quality and pricing advantage on the used market, the BX45 typically offers the best value — especially if your work calls for phase contrast.
Our Recommendation 🏆
While the BX46 has LED illumination and LIM system options, the Olympus BX45 is our overall pick because:
✔ Better mechanical durability
✔ Phase contrast (PCM) possible
✔ Customizable condenser turret
✔ Lower cost once refurbished
✔ Great long-term reliability
View Available Inventory
Here’s where you can find them in stock now:
🔗 Olympus BX45 Microscopes
👉 https://microscopemarketplace.com/search?q=bx45
🔗 Olympus BX46 Microscopes
👉 https://microscopemarketplace.com/search?q=bx46
All scopes are professionally refurbished, calibrated, and ready to ship — many at a fraction of the cost of a new model.