ZEISS S8 — suspension system
ZEISS S8 is a suspension system from ZEISS that comes in mobile and ceiling-mounted designs. The support assembly positions the microscope head and allows the complete device to be repositioned within the range provided by each mounting variant. S8 is used with OPMI Vario, OPMI Lumera T and VISU models, among others; the optics, application, light source, controls and equipment depend on the specific configuration. Below are the complete devices currently offered with this suspension system.
Is ZEISS S8 a microscope model?
ZEISS S8 is neither a standalone microscope model nor an optical head. It is a suspension system that, together with the microscope head, illumination, controls and equipment, forms a complete surgical microscope. Different ZEISS OPMI heads were fitted to S8 systems, so the optical capabilities and applications of the complete device varied according to the configuration.
S8 comes in two main designs: a mobile version on a mobile base and a ceiling-mounted version with a fixed installation. They differ in construction, dimensions and range of movement, so their technical data are presented separately further down this page.
Which microscopes are used with the ZEISS S8 system?
The ZEISS S8 system is used with microscope models including:
- ZEISS OPMI Vario with the ceiling-mounted S8 system;
- ZEISS OPMI Lumera T with the ceiling-mounted S8 system;
- ZEISS OPMI VISU 150 plus with the ceiling-mounted S8 system;
- ZEISS OPMI VISU 160 with the ceiling-mounted S8 system;
- ZEISS VISU 200 with the mobile or ceiling-mounted S8 system;
- ZEISS OPMI VISU 210 with the ceiling-mounted S8 system.
OPMI Vario is used with the S8 system in configurations intended for various surgical specialties. More information about these applications is provided on the multidisciplinary surgical microscopes page. S8 configurations with OPMI Lumera T, VISU 150 plus, VISU 160, VISU 200 and VISU 210 are intended for ophthalmology, which is discussed in more detail in the ophthalmic microscopes category. The application therefore depends on the fitted microscope head and the complete configuration, rather than on the S8 suspension system alone.
Design and variants of the ZEISS S8 system
The construction of the S8 system depends on its mounting arrangement. The mobile version uses a mobile base with a vertical column, while the ceiling-mounted version uses an arm assembly attached to a ceiling installation. In both designs, the swing arm supports the complete microscope, but the dimensions and geometry of the system differ.
Mobile S8 design
The mobile base with its column, the carrier arm and the swing arm form the mechanical assembly of the mobile S8. The base has four castors — two swivel and two directional — and a central brake that stabilises it once the device is in position. This design allows the complete system to be moved and the microscope head to be positioned above the working field. The maximum arm load is 20 kg, including the complete equipment and accessories.
Ceiling-mounted S8 design
The ceiling-mounted version consisted of a lift arm, a carrier arm and a swing arm. The fixed mounting replaced the mobile base and vertical column used in the mobile design. The swing arm was 930 mm long. Depending on the configuration, the length of 1000 mm referred either to the lift arm or to the combined lift and carrier arm assembly. The vertical range of arm movement was ±360 mm.
The rotation angle of the support assembly, working height and connection between the microscope head and arm also varied according to the configuration. Detailed dimensions should therefore be related to the specific system with OPMI Vario, OPMI Lumera T or one of the VISU models.
ZEISS S8 technical data by design
The table presents the main structural parameters of the S8 system: the construction of the support assembly, arm dimensions and movement ranges, the base or mounting arrangement, and the maximum load. The mobile and ceiling-mounted designs are listed separately.
| Parameter | Mobile S8 design | Ceiling-mounted S8 design |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical assembly | carrier arm, swing arm, vertical column and mobile base | lift arm, carrier arm and swing arm |
| Swing arm | length 850 mm | length 930 mm |
| Vertical movement of the swing arm | ±360 mm | ±360 mm |
| Swing arm rotation | 270° | 270° |
| Support assembly | carrier arm: length 450 mm, rotation 360° | lift arm or combined lift and carrier arm assembly: length 1000 mm; rotation 270° or 350° depending on the configuration |
| Base and mounting | base 850 × 790 mm; two swivel castors, two directional castors and a central brake | fixed ceiling installation, without a mobile base |
| Maximum load | 20 kg — complete equipment including accessories | 20 kg — complete equipment including accessories |
The light source is not a fixed feature of the S8 system. Systems with OPMI Vario use a 180 W xenon light source, while configurations with OPMI Lumera T use a halogen module or a Superlux 180 W system. VISU models use halogen or xenon systems, depending on the configuration. Illumination should therefore be specified for the complete microscope, rather than on the basis of the S8 designation alone.
Balancing, brakes and positioning of the ZEISS S8 system
The carrier arm and swing arm allow the microscope head to be repositioned. In the mobile system, the complete assembly can be moved on its mobile base, while the ceiling-mounted version remains attached to a fixed mounting point. This difference affects how the device is positioned and how the space around the workstation is organised.
Arm balancing is adjusted to the weight of the fitted microscope head and equipment. Correct adjustment affects resistance during repositioning and the ability to maintain the selected position. Independently of the central base brake, the brakes on individual axes hold the arm assembly in position; their location and release mechanism depend on the complete configuration.
What determines the price of a used microscope with the ZEISS S8 system?
On the second-hand market, the price of a used microscope with the ZEISS S8 system depends on the device model and version, the system’s mounting variant, its technical condition, completeness and the equipment of the individual unit. At Medical Elektro, the level of preparation is neither an offer variant nor a factor that differentiates prices, because every unit offered is refurbished to the same standard. Each complete configuration is priced individually.
Refurbished microscopes with the ZEISS S8 system at Medical Elektro
The term “used” means that a microscope has previously been in operation. A refurbished surgical microscope is a used device that has undergone a multi-stage preparation process before sale.
Refurbishment at Medical Elektro follows one standard covering the complete configuration of each individual unit. For microscopes with the S8 system, this includes the complete microscope with its fitted head, suspension system and the actual equipment of the individual unit. Each refurbished unit has its own photographs and a description matching its configuration, and is covered by a 12-month warranty. The detailed scope is described on the surgical microscope refurbishment process page.
Availability of microscopes with the ZEISS S8 system
The list of devices with the ZEISS S8 system is updated automatically. Availability, configuration and equipment details are provided for each unit.
Contact Medical Elektro about selecting a microscope with the ZEISS S8 system, the equipment of available units and an individual quotation.