Microscope Objective Cases and Caps


  • Protective Cases for Microscope Objectives
  • Caps for RMS or M25 x 0.75-Threaded Objectives and Turret Ports

OC2M32

Lid with Internal
M32 x 0.75 Threading

OC22

Objective Canister

RMSCP2

Cap with External
RMS Threading

Assembled objective containers have an air gap around the objective to prevent abrasion damage.

Application Idea

OC2RMS Lid and OC22 Canister
Shown with Thorlabs MicroSpot Objective

OC3SM2

Large-Diameter Objective Case
(Includes Lid and Canister)

Related Items


Please Wait

Thorlabs offers both objective cases and caps to protect microscope objectives. Our cases are ideal containers for objective storage and transport and are available for objectives with RMS (0.800"-36), M25 x 0.75, C-Mount (1.000"-32), M26 x 0.706, and M32 x 0.75 threading. Two canister sizes are available to fit objectives with a shoulder-to-tip length of up to 91.0 mm (3.58"). SM05 (0.535"-40) and SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded options are available for optical assemblies built using our Ø1/2" lens tubes or Ø1" lens tubes, respectively. Additionally, we have two optics cases designed to hold large-diameter objectives and lens assemblies with a shoulder-to-tip length of up to 75.0 mm (2.95"). Versions with SM1- (1.035"-40) or SM2- (2.035"-40) threaded lids are available.

We also offer RMS and M25 x 0.75-threaded caps that can be used to protect the back aperture of an objective or open ports on an RMS or M25 x 0.75-threaded objective turret.


Posted Comments:
user  (posted 2024-04-09 10:11:41.89)
The thread that is covered with this lid is named W26 according to ISO9345. Why does the name of this product uses an "M" suggesting a metric thread?
jdelia  (posted 2024-04-11 11:34:38.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We specify M26 threads on the OC2M26 because it is a metric thread. "W" would refer to a Whitworth thread, which this part does not use.
Ludovic Angot  (posted 2021-09-22 17:52:43.11)
Your new OC3SM2 and OC3SM1 are a welcome addition but our C-mount lenses don't fit in your OC2CM. Would it be possible you offer in your catalog a version similar to your new OC3xxx but with a c-mount thread?
YLohia  (posted 2021-09-22 10:20:05.0)
Hello, thank you for your feedback. We will consider adding such an item to our catalog in the future.
Violet Poole  (posted 2021-08-25 16:27:44.747)
I noticed that you don't have caps that fit the size M27 x 0.75 threaded objectives. This is a common thread side used for microscope objectives, and the one I need. Please consider offering caps with this size in the future.
YLohia  (posted 2021-08-27 03:10:33.0)
Hello, thank you for your feedback. We will consider offering such parts in the future.
Roeland Vandebriel  (posted 2020-09-19 07:48:44.347)
This is an interesting product. But lost's of our c-mount lenses does not fit due to bigger diameters. Can the case be made such it has a bigger internal diameter?
llamb  (posted 2020-09-22 01:49:21.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Custom product inquiries can be made by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com or clicking the red "Request Quote" button under the Feedback tab. We have reached out to you directly to discuss the feasibility of your request.
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Microscope Objective Cases (Lids and Canisters Sold Separately)

View Imperial Product List
Item #QtyDescription
OC2SM11Lid for Objective Case, Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
SM1A651Adapter with External SM1 Threads and Internal 8-32 Threads, 0.23" Thick
POLARIS-C1G1Polaris Ø1" Glue-In Fixed Mount, Optimized for Mirrors
BB1-E021Ø1" Broadband Dielectric Mirror, 400 - 750 nm
OC221Canister for Objective Case, Fits Objectives up to 50 mm Long (Lid Not Included)
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
OC2SM11Lid for Objective Case, Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
SM1A661Adapter with External SM1 Threads and Internal M4 x 0.7 Threads, 5.7 mm Thick
POLARIS-C1G1Polaris Ø1" Glue-In Fixed Mount, Optimized for Mirrors
BB1-E021Ø1" Broadband Dielectric Mirror, 400 - 750 nm
OC221Canister for Objective Case, Fits Objectives up to 50 mm Long (Lid Not Included)
SM1-threaded optomechanical adapters can be used to secure a glue-in Polaris® mount in an objective case.
Magnet on the Objective Case Secures the Bottom to an Optical Table
Click to Enlarge

The bottom of the canister
features a magnet for stability.
  • Plastic Lids with Internally Threaded Brass Inserts
  • Clear Plastic Canisters for Objectives
    • Inner Diameter of 1.81"
    • Holds Objective Lengths of Up to 50.0 mm or 91.0 mm Long (Shoulder-to-Tip Length)
  • Magnet on Canister Increases Stability on Optical Tables
  • Lids and Canisters Sold Separately

These microscope objective cases are comprised of a lid and a canister, each sold separately. These are designed to store and transport microscope objectives or other small optical assemblies mounted in our Ø1/2" lens tubes or Ø1" lens tubes. Please refer to the tables below for objective compatibility.

Each lid has a brass insert with internal threading to secure the objective. They are designed with large external ridges to reduce the likelihood of the canister rolling when on its side and include an adhesive label for noting the stored objective. Canisters are offered in two lengths; the maximum allowed objective length is measured from the shoulder to the tip (end) of the objective and does not include the threaded portion. The bottom of each canister has an integrated magnet for stability when upright on an optical table. Polycarbonate should only be cleaned with ethanol, methanol, or isopropyl alcohol. Acetone and other solvents may damage the material.

Microscope objectives with thread types other than those available here can be mounted to a lid using a thread adapter. We also offer optomechechanical adapters for compatibility with 1/4"-20 (M6) and 8-32 (M4) threaded components as shown in the photo above. Please ensure that the adapter and mounted component fit together inside the canister; the adapter must have an outer diameter less than 1.81", and the configuration must not exceed the max objective lengths given below.

Objective Case Lids
Item # OC2SM05 OC2RMS OC2M25 OC2CM OC2SM1 OC2M26 OC2M32
Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
SM05 Objective Lid OC2RMS OC2M25 C-Mount Objective Lid OC2SM1 OC2M26 OC2M32
Brass Insert Internal Threads SM05 Series
(0.535"-40)
RMS
(0.800"-36)
M25 x 0.75 C-Mount
(1.000"-32)
SM1 Series
(1.035"-40)
M26 x 0.706 M32 x 0.75
Thread Depth 0.28" (7.1 mm)
Material Polycarbonate with Brass Insert
Objective Case Canisters
Item # OC22 OC24
Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
OC22 OC24
Max Objective Length
(Shoulder-to-Tip)
50.0 mm (1.96") 91.0 mm (3.58")
Inner Diameter 1.81" (45.7 mm)
Material Polycarbonate
with Neodymium Magnet
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
OC2SM05 Support Documentation
OC2SM05Lid for Objective Case, Internal SM05 (0.535"-40) Threads
$16.30
Today
OC2RMS Support Documentation
OC2RMSLid for Objective Case, Internal RMS (0.800"-36) Threads
$16.30
Today
OC2M25 Support Documentation
OC2M25Lid for Objective Case, Internal M25 x 0.75 Threads
$18.63
Today
OC2CM Support Documentation
OC2CMCustomer Inspired! Lid for Objective Case, Internal C-Mount (1.000"-32) Threads
$18.63
Today
OC2SM1 Support Documentation
OC2SM1Lid for Objective Case, Internal SM1 (1.035"-40) Threads
$16.30
Today
OC2M26 Support Documentation
OC2M26Lid for Objective Case, Internal M26 x 0.706 Threads
$18.63
Today
OC2M32 Support Documentation
OC2M32Lid for Objective Case, Internal M32 x 0.75 Threads
$18.63
Today
OC22 Support Documentation
OC22Canister for Objective Case, Fits Objectives up to 50 mm Long (Lid Not Included)
$11.65
Today
OC24 Support Documentation
OC24Canister for Objective Case, Fits Objectives up to 91 mm Long (Lid Not Included)
$13.97
Today
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Large-Diameter Microscope Objective Cases

Large Objective Case Canisters
Item # OC3SM1 OC3SM2
Product Image
(Click to Enlarge)
OC3SM1 OC3SM2
Internal Threads for Component Mounting SM1 (1.035"-40) SM2 (2.035"-40)
Thread Depth 0.30" (7.6 mm)
Max Objective Length
(Shoulder-to-Tip)
75.0 mm (2.95")
Canister Minimum
Inner Diameter
3.07" (78.0 mm)
Lid Material Delrin®a
Canister Material Polystyrene
  • Delrin is a registered trademark of DuPont Polymers, Inc.
Magnet on the Objective Case Secures the Bottom to an Optical Table
Click to Enlarge

These canisters come with a lid included, and the item # is engraved on the lid.
  • Lids with Internal SM Threading for Mounting Components
  • Clear Plastic Canisters with 3.07" Minimum Inner Diameter
  • Holds Objectives up to 75.0 mm Long (Shoulder-to-Tip Length)
  • Each Case Includes a Lid, Canister, and Two Adhesive Labels

These microscope objective cases are comprised of a lid, a canister, and two adhesive labels for noting the stored objective. Large microscope objectives or other optical assemblies mounted in our Ø1" lens tubes or Ø2" lens tubes can be stored and transported in these cases. Please refer to the table to the right for objective compatibility.

Internal threading is machined into each plastic lid to secure the objective. The lids are designed with large external ridges to reduce the likelihood of the canister rolling when on its side. The maximum allowed objective length the canister can contain is measured from the shoulder to the tip (end) of the objective and does not include the threaded portion. The canister and lid should only be cleaned with ethanol, methanol, or isopropyl alcohol. Acetone and other solvents may damage the material.

For other thread types, use a brass microscope thread adapter or an optical component thread adapter to mount microscope objectives and optics assemblies to a lid. We also offer anodized aluminum optomechanical component adapters for compatibility with 1/4"-20 (M6) and 8-32 (M4) threaded components. Please ensure that the adapter and mounted component fit together inside the canister; the adapter must have an outer diameter less than 3.07", and the configuration must not exceed the max objective lengths given to the right.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
OC3SM1 Support Documentation
OC3SM1Optics Case, 3.07" Canister Inner Diameter, Internal SM1-Threaded (1.035"-40) Lid, Fits Objectives up to 75 mm Long
$60.38
Today
OC3SM2 Support Documentation
OC3SM2Optics Case, 3.07" Canister Inner Diameter, Internal SM2-Threaded (2.035"-40) Lid, Fits Objectives up to 75 mm Long
$60.38
Today
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Microscope Objective Caps

Objective Lens Turret Protected by RMSCP2 Dust Cap
Click to Enlarge

RMSCP2 Protecting Turret Ports
Microscope Objective Covered by M25CP1 Dust Cap
Click to Enlarge

M25CP1 Covering an Objective
  • RMSCP1: Internally RMS-Threaded Cap for Microscope Objectives
  • RMSCP2: Externally RMS-Threaded Cap for Objective Lens Ports
  • M25CP1: Internally M25 x 0.75-Threaded Cap for Microscope Objectives
  • M25CP2: Externally M25 x 0.75-Threaded Cap for Objective Lens Ports

These caps are designed to protect microscope objectives and unused objective lens turret ports. Each of these caps is made from anodized aluminum and has a knurled edge for secure hand tightening.

The internally threaded RMSCP1 cap and externally threaded RMSCP2 cap can be used with standard RMS-threaded microscope objectives and lens ports, respectively. The internally threaded M25CP1 cap and externally threaded M25CP2 cap can be used with standard M25 x 0.75-threaded microscope objectives and lens ports, respectively. Both M25CP1 and M25CP2 caps feature an alignment engraving to aid in the alignment of visible beams.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
RMSCP1 Support Documentation
RMSCP1Internally RMS-Threaded Cap for Microscope Objective Lenses
$18.89
Today
RMSCP2 Support Documentation
RMSCP2Externally RMS-Threaded Cap for Objective Lens Ports
$18.89
Today
M25CP1 Support Documentation
M25CP1Internally M25 x 0.75-Threaded Cap for Microscope Objective Lenses
$21.42
Today
M25CP2 Support Documentation
M25CP2Externally M25 x 0.75-Threaded Cap for Objective Lens Ports
$21.42
Today