Zeiss LSM 980 Confocal Microscope: Airyscan 2, Specs, Refurbished Pricing
Refurbished laser scanning confocals › Zeiss LSM 980
The Zeiss LSM 980 is Zeiss's current flagship point-scanning confocal, introduced in 2019 as the successor to the LSM 880. It pairs a 32-channel GaAsP spectral detector (plus two additional GaAsP or PMT channels) with Airyscan 2, which adds Multiplex modes for super-resolution imaging at up to eight times the speed of a standard scan. Up to ten laser lines, near-infrared options and ZEN blue make it the system labs choose for demanding live-cell, spectral and multicolor work.
Coastal has a refurbished Zeiss LSM 980 with Airyscan 2 (4Y mode) in stock at $329,750, on the Axio Observer 7 with motorized fluorescence and phase contrast. This unit was under a Zeiss service contract, was decommissioned and packed by Zeiss engineers, and is ready for installation; it is guaranteed installable by our engineers. Its spectral detection module is 2 PMT + 1 GaAsP with a four-line 405/488/561/639 nm solid state laser launch, ZEN 3.1 with the Tiles, Photon Counting and Direct Processing modules, and an HP Z6 workstation. Objectives, stage, Definite Focus, incubation and additional laser lines are quoted to your application. A new LSM 980 with Airyscan 2 typically runs well above this.
Request a configured quote or call (877) 564-2767
Zeiss LSM 980 specifications
- QUASAR spectral detection: 32-channel GaAsP array plus two side channels (GaAsP or PMT), with an optional NIR detector
- Airyscan 2: 32-element GaAsP area detector with SR, SR-4Y and SR-8Y Multiplex modes and a Joint Deconvolution option
- Up to ten laser lines from 405 to 730 nm; multiphoton (NLO) configurations available
- Galvo scanner up to 8192 x 8192 pixels, with a resonant scanner option on the LSM 980 NLO
- Stands: Axio Observer 7 (inverted) or Axio Imager Z2 (upright); Definite Focus 2 or 3 optional
- Software: ZEN blue 3.x with Airyscan processing, Smart Setup and Direct Processing
Refurbished Zeiss LSM 980 in stock
| Listing | Stand | Airyscan | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zeiss LSM 980 Airyscan 2, SKU 52127 | Axio Observer 7, motorized, phase contrast and fluorescence | Airyscan 2 with 4Y mode; detection 2 PMT + 1 GaAsP; lasers 405/488/561/639 nm | $329,750 |
The listing's Included section is what ships. Objectives, stage, Definite Focus, incubation, optical table and additional laser lines are quoted to your application, so read the product page before comparing prices. The system is packed in its Zeiss crates in Newport, RI; ask us for a video walkthrough or to see it before purchase.
What to check before buying a used LSM 980
- Laser module. Confirm which lines are fitted (a four-line 405/488/561/639 module is common) and whether you need 445, 514, 594 or NIR lines added.
- Airyscan 2 mode. Units ship with SR only, SR plus 4Y, or the full 8Y Multiplex license. Ask which modes are enabled; it affects both speed and price.
- Detector configuration. Check whether the two side channels are GaAsP or PMT and whether the NIR detector is installed.
- ZEN license and workstation. A current ZEN blue license with Airyscan processing and a workstation that meets the GPU requirement should be included.
- Service history. Ask for the last PM date and alignment report; an LSM 980 still under Zeiss support can also be placed on a Coastal service contract.
LSM 980 vs LSM 880, 900 and 800
| Model | Years | Detection | Airyscan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LSM 880 | 2014 to 2019 | 32+2 spectral (QUASAR) | Airyscan 1, FAST mode | Predecessor; same stand family, older electronics and ZEN black |
| LSM 980 | 2019 on | 32+2 spectral, NIR option | Airyscan 2, up to 8Y | Current flagship |
| LSM 900 | 2019 on | 2 GaAsP | Airyscan 2, up to 4Y | Compact sibling without spectral detection |
| LSM 800 | 2015 to 2019 | 2 GaAsP | Airyscan 1 | Best value Airyscan system |
Service, parts and support
Coastal services the full Zeiss LSM line, including the LSM 980, and offers service contracts as a lower-cost independent alternative to the factory plan. Refurbished LSM 980 systems from Coastal are guaranteed installable, and our engineers install, align and train your lab on site. We also buy and take trade-ins on LSM 980 and LSM 880 systems.
Zeiss LSM 980 questions
How much does a Zeiss LSM 980 cost?
Coastal's refurbished LSM 980 with Airyscan 2 on the Axio Observer 7 is $329,750 for the listed configuration (scan head, Airyscan 2 with 4Y, 2 PMT + 1 GaAsP detection, four laser lines, workstation and software). Objectives, stage and installation are quoted to your application. New systems from Zeiss are quoted per configuration and are typically well above that figure once Airyscan 2, lasers and objectives are added.
What is the difference between the LSM 980 and the LSM 900?
Both use Airyscan 2, but the LSM 980 has the 32-channel spectral detector, more laser lines, NIR and multiphoton options and faster 8Y Multiplex. The LSM 900 is a compact two-channel system aimed at routine imaging.
Is a refurbished LSM 980 a current-generation system?
Yes. The LSM 980 is still sold new by Zeiss, so a refurbished unit runs the same ZEN blue software and takes the same accessories and upgrades as a new one.
Can Coastal install an LSM 980 in my building?
Yes. Our engineers ship, install and align the system, then train your users. Installation is quoted with the system, and refurbished confocals from Coastal are guaranteed installable.
Related Zeiss confocals
Zeiss, LSM, Airyscan and ZEN are trademarks of Carl Zeiss Microscopy. Coastal Microscopes is an independent reseller and service provider, not affiliated with Zeiss. Prices in USD, subject to change.