Varian Cary Spectrophotometers

Used Agilent/Varian Spectrophotometers

After acquiring Varian for $1.5 billion in 2010, Agilent's bioanalytical instrumentation offering broadened considerably, especially in terms of spectroscopy. Initially offering only the 8453 UV-visible spectrophotometer, they now have the entire Cary series inherited from Varian available for purchase. Since the acquisition, Agilent has continued releasing new generations of Cary spectrophotometers. There are currently six unique Cary systems available.

Used Cary spectrophotometers, both pre- and post-acquisition units, remain popular on the used market. We've interviewed our senior technician (who personally tests every unit that comes through our shop) about these systems and detailed his insight below. If you're looking for a "new" Agilent/Varian Cary spectrophotometer, then we hope you learn something valuable below.

Want to learn more about spectrophotometers? Check out our other articles about them.

The Cary Series

Long-lived and more widespread than ever, Cary spectrophotometers are very common in laboratories worldwide. The most popular models available on the used market would be the Cary 100 and Cary 300. We've had several of those through our tech shop over the past few years. While neither model is current-gen, both still offer excellent performance for their price and remain in high demand.

Since the Cary 100 and 300 models are what we at New Life Scientific are most familiar with, let's dive into the specifics of each one.

Cary 100

Deemed "ideal for routine laboratory work" in a brochure published by Varian, the Cary 100 has always been the best Cary unit for scientists with relatively simple spectroscopy needs. Like the Cary 300, it has a wavelength range of 190 to 900 nm with a 2 nm tolerance but lacks the pre-monochromator found in the 300.

Our senior technician appreciates the Cary 100 because it's built well, reliable, and easy to service. If having the ability to work on your own equipment is important to you, then a Cary 100 could be a great option for you.

Cary 300

The other Cary we frequently see here at NLS is the 300. Save for a few key differences, the 300's specifications are identical to those of the 100. One of the most significant differences is the presence of a pre-monochromator in the 300. The pre-monochromator cuts down on the stray light produced in standard systems, which in turn allows high-absorbance samples, such as solids and turbid solutions, to be analyzed properly.

If your samples require the higher accuracy that a pre-monochromator offers, then a Cary 300 may be just what you need.

Why Buy a Used Agilent/Varian Spectrophotometer from NLS?

As long as it’s verified to return accurate scan results, oftentimes the differences between new and used spectrophotometers are purely cosmetic. As such, buying used has some great upsides:

-        Lower costs: Yes, this is the #1 reason people ever buy anything used. It’s worth reiterating, though – buying a used Cary spectrophotometer can save you tens of thousands of dollars.

-        Eco-friendly: By supporting the used equipment economy, you’re helping us extend the life of these perfectly functional instruments and keep them out of landfills.

-        Familiarity: If you're already a fan of Cary systems, you can save money and stick with a system you know by buying used.

What to Look for in a Used Agilent/Varian Spectrophotometer

-        Sample Format: Most spectrophotometers read only cuvettes, including the Cary series. If your lab requires the higher throughput that plate reading allows, you’d likely find more value in a plate reader.

-        Warranty: Used equipment isn’t always sold by trustworthy dealers. Some sellers may claim they “tested" a unit when all they actually did was plug it in and hit the power button. Consequently, it’s best to seek out units that are backed with a warranty of at least 30 days so your purchase is adequately protected.

-        PC and Software: Both Agilent and Varian spectrophotometers run with the WinUV software suite. If you don’t already have software on hand, be prepared to either (A) find a listing that includes a copy, or (B) pay Agilent a decent chunk of change for a copy of the software. Current WinUV software is backwards-compatible, so you can purchase it directly from agilent.com and pair it with discontinued Cary models, even those manufactured prior to Agilent's acquisition of Varian.

-        Lamp Health: Lamps are rather expensive consumables. Ideally, you should be prepared to shell out cash for a new one or take the time to find a unit that doesn’t have much time logged on its lamp.

-        Age: Older Cary spectrophotometers, like those made prior to the Agilent acquisition, may be more prone to failure (especially their lamps). It’s best to opt for newer units.

Used Agilent/Varian Spectrophotometers for Sale from New Life Scientific

We have Agilent/Varian spectrophotometers through our tech shop semi-regularly. Chances are you can find a Cary 100 or 300 available on our website at any given time – all of them tested and verified to meet specifications unless stated otherwise. The depth of our testing, combined with our detailed listings and generous warranty options, will let you rest easy knowing that an Agilent or even a Varian spectrophotometer from us will result in a great ROI.

If you have any questions, reach out to us at cs@newlifescientific.com or give us a call at (567)-221-0615.