I purchase a used Nikon 8x, 20x, 100x binocular microscope quite a while ago, added the Illuminator ring. It is a superb instrument, but not light in weight. Price was $75 then, 15 yrs. ago. I have seen several name brand microscopes in government surplus auctions recently in the $75-150 range, ie. Bausch & Lomb, Nikon, etc. For a quick and dirty usage, Chinese will work, mostly, but for serious work, the used name brands are a great investment.
Don Bitters
