The Nikon SMZ 1500 has a zoom ratio of 15 to 1 and offers a magnification range of 0.75x to 11.25x. The resulting total magnification of 3.75x to 540x depends on the selected eyepieces and objectives.

Further facets of the optical system of the SMZ1500 are eyepieces with high eye points and integrated diopter settings, a wide field of view and an integrated aperture diaphragm to achieve an optimal depth of field and for improved microphotography.

Upright research microscope with the following objective lenses 2.5x, 5x, 10x, 20x, 50x, 100x. Can be used in brightfield, darkfield, polarization and DIC, in transmitted light and reflected light. It also has a motorized X-, Y-, Z- Table. Many different recording techniques (e.g. horizontal and vertical stitching) are possible using the software.