Apparatus for high stability imaging

A microscope 2, which may be particularly suited for super-resolution or fluorescence microscopy, comprises an objective lens 9, itself having a lens barrel 53 defining a longitudinal axis, and a front lens 61 mounted on the axis within the barrel. The microscope additionally comprises a sample holder 15 and a holder mount 17. The mount is couplable to the objective lens and configured to be removably mounted to either the sample holder or objective lens such that the sample holder is disposed on the longitudinal axis. The mount may comprise a first collar with first screw thread 29a on an internal surface, whilst the objective lens comprises a corresponding first screw thread 29b one an external surface. The apparatus may comprise an actuator 35 comprising elements coupled to objective lens and sample holder, and which moves the first element parallel to the longitudinal axis. A kit of parts containing components for attaching to a microscope so as to produce the previously described apparatus is also described, as is a method of using such apparatus, which may be conducted under cryogenic sample conditions.