!%Carl Zeiss MicroImaging Inc.%! has launched its online Objectives Data Base to assist researchers in selecting the appropriate objective for applications in microscopy. It recommends objectives based on user-defined search criteria, which include objective class, magnification, contrast method/application and options, such as water, oil or glycerine. A description of the various objective classes, including the CP-Achromat, A-Plan, Fluar and Epiplan types, provides information on field of view, flatness, color correction and application areas, including fluorescence, live-cell imaging, confocal microscopy and bright-field, differential interference contrast and polarization.