Microscopes are an investment worth their dollars when it comes to science exploration. I’ve done a little exploration myself to find low prices for a variety of microscopes with different features.

Monocular eyepiece, Tungsten illumination, Basic Stage:

• Triple lens: See the Kids’ Microscope for $95 at Home Science Tools: (Note: you cannot add a mechanical stage to this model and it has lesser-quality lenses.) Consider the $110 model at Bargain Microscopes, with better lenses and an adaptable stage.
• Quadruple lens (has a 1000x oil immersion lens): See the $174 model at Bargain Microscopes.
  

Monocular eyepiece, Fluorescent illumination, Basic Stage

• Triple lens: See Great Scopes SF3 for $149.
• Quadruple lens: See Great Scopes SAF4 for $209. If, however, you want a mechanical stage, then see Home Science Tools Home 1000x Microscope for $240.

Binocular scope

• You can’t beat Bargain Microscopes $276 model, which includes a mechanical stage, halogen lighting, and magnification up to x1600. It’s certainly the best value if you are an enthusiast and have the budget for it.

For more information about these features, see Buying A Compound Microscope at my AtHomeScience blog