The Z12 offers a 12.5:1 zoom range (0.63x-8x) with magnification from 6.3x to 160x when used with the optional two-position nosepiece and both the 1.0x and 2.0x objectives. The Z12 uses a parallel optical light path in the zoom body (also known as Common Main Objective, CMO, or Galilean design) that delivers exceptional resolution and flexibility to add accessories such as coaxial brightfield and fluorescence illumination.  The Z12 is ideally suited for research and life science applications e.g. embryology and model organisms.